New energy efficient homes on Karbon’s £12m development in Thorpe Willoughby, near Selby are speedily taking shape, thanks to the use of timber frame construction.
All 70 homes on the site are well under way, with each home taking on average three days to complete. The development marks the start of Karbon’s £131.5m strategic partnership with Homes England to develop 2,200 much-needed affordable homes across the North East and Yorkshire.
Phil Lacey, Yorkshire Development Manager at Karbon Homes, said: “We’re really pleased with how the Field Lane site is progressing and I’m really looking forward to seeing these innovative, affordable homes finished.
“We’re starting to use a lot more modern methods of construction to deliver our development programme, and the speed and quality of the work we’ve seen to date has been very encouraging. In a time where new affordable homes are in high demand, the ability to be able to deliver the same high quality homes but quicker, is a real plus for the region.”
Using timber frame, the time taken to deliver a development can be reduced by 25% or more, compared to using traditional construction methods. Through the strategic partnership, Karbon has pledged to build a quarter of new homes using modern methods of construction (MMC).
As well as the speed of build, which also reduces energy use and waste, timber frames are also non-toxic and renewable with the lowest emission levels of any building material, making it one of the most sustainable forms of construction.
The environmental benefits of these homes goes beyond the method of construction used to build them. The new homes will be off-gas and powered by air source heat pumps, a technology three times more efficient than gas boilers. The homes will also have charging points for electrical vehicles.
Using MMC, such as timber frame, is at the forefront of innovation within the housing sector and through the strategic partnership Karbon has pledged to build a quarter of new homes using MMC.
The rural status of Thorpe Willoughby also means the 70 homes contributed towards Karbon’s commitment to building 10% of the programme in rural areas.
The main contractor Countryside is delivering the construction of the timber frames on site. External and internal stud walls, floor joists and roof trusses, all constructed off site, form the super-structure, which is then clad in brick to provide both weather protection and decoration.
Chris Penn, Managing Director, Yorkshire, Countryside, said: “The housing sector has an enormous role to play when it comes to reaching net zero targets. At Countryside we have long recognised that responsibility, which is why we have invested over £30million in our MMC offer. Every home we build in Yorkshire is made off site at our factory in Warrington, with each closed panel timber home emitting over 14,000 kg CO2e less than a traditional brick-and-block house.
“It is fantastic to be working with such a great partner in Karbon Homes at Field Lane – a partner who takes their sustainability responsibilities seriously. Together we have gone the extra mile to ensure that this 100% affordable development is fit for the future, creating a truly sustainable community where people will love to live.”
Field Lane consists of a mix of two and three-bedroom homes and will be available for affordable rent, Shared Ownership and Rent to Buy, helping local people onto the housing ladder.
The homes are set to be completed in Summer 2023.
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