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Eco Buildings Group receives order for 10,000 prefab homes

Eco Buildings Group, a UK-listed modular housing company whose factory is in Albania, says that it has received a letter of intent confirming a £190m order from the Dominican Republic for 10,000 houses.

The order follows a visit by a Dominican Republic delegation, led by housing minister Carlos Bonilla Sanchez, to Eco Buildings’ manufacturing facility in Albania.

“With products that are up to 50% cheaper, two-thirds lighter, and five times faster to build than conventional homes, our technology is uniquely positioned to address the Dominican Republic’s pressing social housing needs,” the manufacturer said.

Eco Buildings’ glass fibre-reinforced gypsum (GFRG) panels have already been certified in Chile and approved for use across multiple Latin American markets.

Following the visit and subsequent negotiations a letter of intent has been signed with Gramma Constructora SRL, a large private construction company in the Dominican Republic. This agreement outlines the purchase of 10,000 modular homes over the next five years, subject to regulatory approvals.

A sample wall is already on its way to the Dominican Republic for evaluation and testing. Gramma Constructora SRL has committed to acquiring an initial tranche of 2,000 units a year on receiving the necessary government certifications. There are also talks about setting up a manufacturing facility in the Dominican Republic.

Eco Buildings chief executive Sanjay Bowry said:  “We are very pleased with the progress achieved during the Dominican Republic delegation’s visit to our Albanian factory. Their enthusiasm and recognition of our technology’s value reaffirms Eco Buildings’ ability to meet critical housing challenges globally. The successful alignment of our vision with their housing strategy marks the beginning of what we hope will be a long-term, impactful partnership.”

“We look forward to formalising agreements in the near future and contributing to the Dominican Republic’s social housing initiatives, helping to deliver thousands of homes that are not only affordable but also sustainable and high-quality.”

Source: The Construction Index

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€5m funding to Construct Innovate for housing research

Ireland’s Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage, in cooperation with the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment, has secured and awarded €5m to Construct Innovate’s research to support affordable, better quality, safer and more sustainable housing Construct Innovate is Ireland’s national research centre for construction technology and innovation.

Construct Innovate is part of Enterprise Ireland’s industry-led Technology Centre programme, which aims to provide independent and evidence-based research through collaboration between industry members and research performing organisations.

Construct Innovate strives to support and run research initiatives to meet the demands of Ireland’s major building and investment programmes, such as Project Ireland 2040, National Development Plan 2021-2030, Housing for All and the Climate Action Plan 2023.

Professor Jamie Goggins, Construct Innovate director, said: “These collaborative research projects with Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage will address near and long-term challenges for the housing sector, including the current shortage of housing, quality issues with some of the existing housing stock, ensuring our homes are accessible for our ageing population allowing them to live in their homes for longer and the impact of climate change on our homes.

“They are being led by excellent principal investigators in Construct Innovate partner institutions of University of Galway, University College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin and Irish Green Building Council (IGBC), utilising world-class research facilities and expertise available in our third level institutions in Ireland.

“The projects will be delivered in close collaboration with Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage and other key stakeholders in the construction and built environment sector.”

The funding of €5M will be used to deliver six Construct Innovate projects.

Standardised designs for MMC

The first project, awarded over €3.5m, focuses on the creation of standardised design details for MMC builds to develop Building Regulation- compliant standardised details for wall, floor and roof build-ups.

Author of the project proposal, associate professor Daniel McCrum from University College Dublin, explains: “This project aims at supporting continuity of MMC from design through to construction as MMC system builds are becoming increasingly prevalent in the built environment.”

Durability of dense aggregate concrete masonry

The second largest sum of funding (over €800,000) was secured by Professor Alan O’Connor, in Trinity College Dublin, for the project on assessing the durability of dense aggregate concrete masonry units in Irish structures.

The project promises to yield a multifaceted impact with far-reaching implications on Ireland’s economy, environment, society, technology and policy landscape.

Ageing population and universal access

The third project, led by Tom Grey of Trinity College Dublin, is the Ageing Population and Universal Access assessment.

This project aims to help with problem of many persons with disabilities and older people, who live in unsuitable housing that does not support a good quality of life, and personal, work or health circumstances that have changed for many other people who end of living in homes that are difficult and expensive to extend or adapt to their changing needs.

Reuse of existing buildings

Marion Jammet, head of policy and advocacy at the Irish Green Building Council (IGBC), will be in charge of the Report into the Reuse of Existing Buildings project.

As part of this project, IGBC and UCD (the project partners) will review existing Building Regulations and Technical Guidance Documents (TGDs), including TGDs B, D, E, F, G, K, L and M, as well as their impact on building reuse in Ireland.

The objective of this work is to assess the perceived and actual Building Regulation impediments to reuse of existing buildings and develop mitigation recommendations. These will be evidence base, and the project will be completed within 10 months.

Effectiveness of Technical Document J

Another funding awarded project – An Investigation of the Effectiveness of Technical Guidance Document J (TGD J) provisions Regarding Flue Outlet Locations for Solid Fuel Burning Appliances at Preventing Smoke Particles Entering the Dwelling or Neighbouring Dwellings is led by Professor John Gallagher of Trinity College Dublin.

Housing For All objective 25.6. Review of the Building Regulations is the driving force behind the national priority for this project.

Future impact of defective concrete blocks

The last, but not the least project, Review of Existing Data on Defective Blocks Found in the Irish Housing Stock to Determine the Suitability of Predictive Deterioration Models and In-situ Monitoring Systems to Estimate the Lifespan of the Challenge’, led Dr Myra Lydon from the University of Galway, aims to identify the scale of the future impact of defective concrete blocks on the Irish housing stock.

The existing financial support scheme will be analysed to identify socio-economic barriers in accessing remedial options.

Source: Planning, BIM & Construction Today

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MMC could help solve labour shortage problem

Modern methods of construction have the potential to assist in solving labour shortages.

However, the adoption of modern methods of construction would have to “expand considerably” to have an impact on labour shortages in the industry, according to Skills England.

In the first report published by the new arms-length body, interim chair Richar Pennycook described how the UK’s businesses and public services have been “laggards in productivity over the past 30 years”.

In its section on the construction industry, the report said the government’s plans for housebuilding and investment in the energy and water sectors would “require an expansion of the UK’s construction workforce”.

The industry, it said, “will simultaneously need new workers and to upskill existing workers to improve competence, safety and productivity”.

“The use of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) has the potential to reduce construction’s reliance on skilled labour pools and drive productivity in the sector,” it added, citing a 430-home scheme in Birmingham where its use improved efficiency by 50%.

“However, due to its currently limited use in the sector, MMC adoption will need to be expanded considerably to bring a notable impact on our current skilled workforce requirements,” the report said.

The report identified a range of reasons why UK construction had struggled to invest in productivity enhancements over the years.

“Construction typically has highly cyclical and unpredictable profit margins and therefore struggles to invest in skills and innovation,” it said.

“High rates of subcontracting and self-employment also disincentivise employer investment in training for on-site workers.”

The Construction Industry Training Board forecast that the construction sector will need 252,000 extra workers over the period 2024-28 to meet UK construction output.

Source: Building Design

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Reds10 begins work on new Wiltshire barracks

Modular building specialist Reds10 has started construction on new army accommodation blocks in Upavon, Wiltshire.

Four new single living accommodation (SLA) blocks are being delivered by Reds10 for the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), providing 200 bed spaces at Trenchard Lines in Upavon.

It is part of the Army’s SLA programme, which is investing £1.4bn over 10 years to support the modernisation of the Army estate and provide 8,500 new bedspaces.

In the first phase of the Upavon project, five old accommodation blocks will be demolished and replaced by 200 en-suite bedsits in four separate buildings. The new SLA blocks include kitchens and communal space.

Concurrently an older building onsite will be refurbished to provide 21 ensuite bedrooms, improving on the previous interior layout of 19 bedrooms with shared wash facilities.

A minimum of 85% of the new accommodation will be manufactured in Reds10’s factory in Driffield, east Yorkshire, before being transported to Upavon for assembly on site.

The SLA blocks will have solar panels, individual thermostats and a building energy management system to support efficiencies in running and maintenance. An all-electric design comprising air source heat pumps, heat recovery ventilation and infra-red panels will also contribute to low energy consumption.

In addition to the SLA blocks, construction on a new Officers’ Mess at Upavon will begin in 2025 to provide a further 69 bedspaces. All the buildings will be handed over in phases, with the entire project due to complete in autumn 2026.

Reds10 chief executive Matt Bennion said: “Building on our other successful projects at Imjin Barracks and RMA Sandhurst, these state-of-the-art buildings will deliver sustainable, high-quality and cost-effective new accommodation for our armed forces personnel, demonstrating the benefits of MMC for both occupants and the defence estate.”

Warren Webster, the Defence Infrastructure Organisation’s major programmes and projects (Army) director, added: “A momentous occasion for Trenchard Lines. Major infrastructure upgrade is overdue on this historically important site, so we are delighted to have reached this point.

“The Army’s programme of single living accommodation upgrade was initiated in 2021 and Trenchard is the ninth project to start construction. A fantastic collaboration with our Army colleagues to achieve real progress for the benefit of our service personnel.”

Source: The Construction Index

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Traditional builders make up majority on £800m MMC framework

Twenty traditional construction firms have signed up to an £800m modern methods of construction (MMC) framework aimed at delivering social housing.

The Integrated Traditional Build and MMC Framework was set up in response to feedback from social housing providers that wanted “trusted local building firms to lead MMC projects and deliver traditional construction elements”.

The framework was launched by Building Better and Procurement for Housing (PfH); it aims to boost the use of MMC in social housing across England and Wales.

Building Better is a National Housing Federation-backed alliance of housing associations and councils.

Along with the 20 traditional house builders, two MMC firms have signed up to the four-year framework.

It will help social housing providers to “procure principal contractor services for a range of MMC projects, including low and medium-rise housing, apartments and extra-care homes”, Building Better and PfH said.

Tony Woods, technical manager – construction and sustainability at PfH, said: “Over recent years, we’ve seen MMC companies focusing more on manufacturing their systems rather than providing a turnkey service.

“It makes sense to bring in traditional builders with a strong reputation in a local area to manage these MMC projects and deliver any traditional build elements, too.”

Among the traditional builders are CG Fry & Son, Feltham Construction and Wates Residential.

The two MMC firms are Agile Property and Homes, and Enevate Homes.

“This framework provides councils and housing associations with a compliant route to procuring principal contractor services for MMC sites,” Mr Woods added.

Jamie Watkins, operations manager at Elkins Construction, said: “Over the last few years, we have seen increased requirements from our clients for net-zero homes and this has meant the need to use more innovation in our construction practices.”

Mr Watkins added that MMC or hybrid construction could help reduce time spent on site, as well as improve quality and reduce the company’s carbon footprint.

Lewis Tolputt, business development manager at Classic Builders, said: “As a traditional contractor founded over 20 years ago, we are continually looking at ways we can innovate and offer our customers increased choice. The use of MMC products is just one of the ways we’re able to stay ahead of our competition.”

The use of MMC has seen mixed progress so far. Panellised systems, known as Category 2 MMC, are seeing some take-up, but fully modular houses built in a factory – Category 1 MMC – have struggled to take hold in the UK, despite being used successfully in other countries.

In January, a House of Lords inquiry concluded that the government’s approach to MMC was in “disarray”.

Modular house builder TopHat faced a winding-up petition. It announced earlier this year it was planning to make around 70 staff redundant and was pausing opening its 650,000 sqft new factory in Northamptonshire.

Yet this week, an initiative aimed at delivering MMC homes with zero energy bills was launched by Liverpool City Region mayor Steve Rotheram.

Source: Inside Housing

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House of Lords debates modern methods of construction in UK housing

The House of Lords Library has published a report on modern methods of construction (MMC) in the housing industry.

MMC includes building techniques designed to be more efficient than traditional methods.

The House of Lords Built Environment Committee has criticised the Conservative government’s approach to MMC.

The committee’s inquiry found that public investment in MMC had not been supported by a coherent plan or measurable objectives.

The Labour government has pledged to publish a long-term housing strategy in the coming months, which is expected to address these concerns.

Several parliamentary committees have investigated MMC over recent years.

In 2018, the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee noted the benefits of offsite manufacturing (OSM) in construction.

The 2019 House of Commons Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee raised concerns about the durability of MMC homes in the UK and urged the government to develop a coordinated strategy for MMC.

In 2022, the House of Lords Built Environment Committee highlighted the need for the government to reassure consumers about the quality and safety of MMC homes.

The committee emphasised the importance of official figures reflecting construction-related factory jobs.

Following the 2024 general election, the new Labour government has committed to building 1.5 million new homes over the next parliament.

Angela Rayner, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, has stated that the government will restore housing targets to deliver around 370,000 new homes a year.

The Labour government will also publish a new long-term housing strategy in the coming months.

This strategy will include steps to ensure the construction of more high-quality, well-designed, and sustainable homes across the UK.

The House of Lords Built Environment Committee has identified barriers to the wider adoption of MMC, including risk aversion from insurance providers and challenges related to building regulations.

The committee found that the government had made limited efforts to address these issues.

In its 2023 inquiry, the committee recommended that the government take steps to acquire a better understanding of the construction industry, set achievable goals, and develop a coherent strategy to support MMC.

Lord Moylan, the committee’s chair, criticised the government’s approach, stating: “Simply throwing money at the sector hasn’t worked.”

The House of Lords has been considering modern methods of construction (MMC) as a means of increasing housing supply in the UK.

The Built Environment Committee has expressed concerns over the government’s lack of a coherent strategy, despite significant public investment.

Several parliamentary reports have recommended improving government support for MMC and reassuring consumers about its quality and safety.

The Labour government has pledged to introduce a long-term housing strategy, which will aim to build more sustainable and well-designed homes.

The committee continues to call for clearer government objectives and support for the MMC sector.

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Metsec underlines commitment to accurate product information

voestalpine Metsec has become one of the earliest adopters of the Code for Construction Products Information (CCPI), introduced by the Construction Products Association in response to Dame Judith Hackitt’s review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, set up following the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

CCPI assessments are undertaken by Assessors from Construction Products Information Ltd. and are carried out on a manufacturer’s specific products and systems, not the company as a whole. As such, an organisation or brand cannot, in itself, gain assessment or make any claims of conformance beyond a specific product set.

To date, voestalpine Metsec has successfully achieved assessment for four of its key construction systems; SFS light gauge galvanized steel structural framing systems and Metframe pre-panelised framing system from its Framing Division, dry lining metal framed components for gypsum plasterboard systems from its Dry Lining Division and roof, side rail and mezzanine floor systems from its Purlins Division.

Alan Harris, Quality and BIM Compliance Director at voestalpine Metsec, states: “Continuous investment in independent performance testing and quality assurance is what keeps our construction solutions at the forefront of the industry.

“Ensuring that the data and information derived from these tests is conveyed in a clear, unambiguous fashion is key to providing specifiers, installers and users with more confidence in the systems’ capabilities and suitability for their projects. Successful assessment to the CCPI confirms we are doing things right and underlines our commitment to the industry’s needs.”

CCPI aims to address the stipulation from Dame Hackitt’s review that construction product information needs to be communicated in a clear and accurate way. Its aim is to help organisations drive for higher standards in the presentation of construction product information, with a priority on building safety.

voestalpine Metsec has set up a rigorous information review process to ensure that messaging from all divisions is based on accurate, verifiable data and that this information is presented in a clear and accessible manner, which can be easily found and assimilated by its intended target audience.

https://www.metsec.com/

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Housing targets increased to get Britain building again

An overhaul of the planning system has been announced as government sets out tough decisions necessary to fix the foundations and grow the economy.

All councils in England are to be given new, mandatory housing targets to pave the way to deliver 1.5 million more homes – tackling the most acute housing crisis in living memory.

The new targets will mean councils must boost housebuilding in areas most in need, helping more people buy their own homes, removing the largest barriers to economic growth, and getting Britain building again.

The new rules set out today will reverse the decision last year to water down housing targets, by making them explicitly advisory, at a time when planning permissions were at a record low. The new approach reflects the level of ambition necessary to tackle the housing crisis and meet the government’s commitment to 1.5 million homes.

Supporting the government’s number one mission to grow the economy across the country, these new targets will flow into the development of local plans. It is through local plans that communities have a say in the building of the homes and infrastructure we need.

Currently just a third of councils have a plan that is under five years old, which is why government will take the tough decisions and step in where needed to drive progress, ensuring local areas get a say on how, but not if, homes are built.

The Deputy Prime Minister has written to every council Leader and Chief Executive in England to make clear that there is “not just a professional responsibility but a moral obligation to see more homes built”, and that she will not hesitate to use her powers of intervention should it be necessary – including taking over an authority’s plan making directly.

Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner said: “Our decisive reforms to the planning system correct the errors of the past and set us on our way to tackling the housing crisis, delivering 1.5 million homes for those who really need them.

“And something I am personally proud of, our new flexibilities for councils will boost the number of social and affordable homes, and give working families a better route to a secure home.”

In addition to restoring mandatory housing targets, the method used to calculate them, which relied on decade old data, will be updated. The new method will require councils to ensure homes are built in the right places and development is proportionate to the size of existing communities, while adding an extra level of ambition in the most unaffordable areas.

The first port of call for development will be brownfield land. Reforms announced today will make explicit that the default answer to brownfield development should be “yes” and promote homebuilding at greater densities in urban centers, like towns and cities.

To help deliver 1.5 million homes over the next five years, councils will have to review their green belt land if needed to meet their own target, identifying and prioritising ‘grey belt’ land, which the government has today set out a definition for. This includes land on the edge of existing settlements or roads, as well as old petrol stations and car parks.

The update will make clear the requirement for councils to consider the proximity of new homes to existing transport infrastructure.

Where local authorities do not have up-to-date plans in place or enable sufficient housing to come forward to meet local targets, homebuilders can bring forward proposals on grey belt land. In all cases, land that is safeguarded for environmental reasons will continue to be protected.

Land released in the Green Belt will be subject to the government’s ‘golden rules’, which make clear that development should deliver 50% affordable homes, increase access to green spaces and put the necessary infrastructure is in place, such as schools and GP surgeries.

Alongside building the housing that we need, the government is committed to making it easier to build key infrastructure such as laboratories, gigafactories and data centres, as well as making changes to deliver more large onshore wind projects and solar development across the country.

In addition to these reforms to the planning system, the government is also taking steps to deliver quality affordable and social housing, working to reverse the continued decline in the number of social rent homes. This includes changes to Right to Buy, giving councils flexibility to use their receipts to build and buy more social homes. The government has started its review of the increased discounts introduced in 2012, with changes to be implemented in the Autumn.

The Deputy Prime Minister has also confirmed that details of future government investment in social and affordable housing will be brought forward at the next spending review, so social housing providers can plan for the future and help deliver the biggest increase in affordable housebuilding in a generation.

Responding to calls from the sector, the government has also confirmed that at the next fiscal event it will provide councils and housing associations with the rent stability they need to be able to borrow and invest in new and existing homes – while ensuring that there are appropriate protections for both existing and future social housing tenants.

Source: GOV.UK

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UK construction industry optimistic about AI

More than three-quarters (76%) of senior industry decision-makers at large UK firms have high expectations for the use of AI in construction
New research commissioned by IFS found that more than two-thirds (68%) of construction decision-makers think their industry is adopting AI at a faster rate than others.

The findings highlight the increasing optimism of the sector about the potential of AI.

31% of the survey sample indicate that executives and board members have high expectations for AI’s ability to enhance market knowledge.

AI will also boost product or service innovation and create consistent growth opportunities, according to 29% of the survey respondents.

While 76% of leaders report a high level of readiness for AI adoption in construction, concerns persist about the quality of AI resources, especially human skills.

Over a third (36%) rate their team’s AI skills as merely passable, highlighting a gap between AI aspirations and current capabilities.

Equally concerning, more than a quarter (27%) indicate that upskilling is not a priority.

The report found that 36% of firms have developed clear strategies and are seeing tangible results from their AI initiatives. This demonstrates the benefits of a well-planned approach.

Another 31% are in the process of gathering proposals for pilot projects, highlighting a proactive stance towards exploring AI applications.

The remaining 31% are still in the research phase, indicating a cautious yet determined effort to understand the potential of AI in the construction industry.

Despite concerted efforts, almost two-thirds (64%) of respondents believe it will take one to three years for AI to make a significant impact on their organisations.

42% of respondents indicated that their legacy-based technology landscape is hindering their progress in adopting and deploying AI.

Additionally, 41% expressed uncertainty about potential AI use cases within their business, underscoring the need for a clearer strategic direction.

Kenny Ingram, VP of construction and engineering at IFS, said: “While the enthusiasm for AI in the UK construction sector is clear, our research shows that there are significant challenges to overcome. The legacy technology landscape and the need for upskilling are potential obstacles.

“However, with a strategic approach and investment in the right resources, these barriers can be addressed effectively.”

 

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Latest statistics show drop in construction output

According to new data published on 12 June by the Office of National Statistics, construction output fell dramatically in April, which marked the third consecutive monthly fall since a small uplift was recorded in January.

The 1.4% contraction in activity was caused by decreases in both new work (- 1.9%), and repair and maintenance (-0.8%).

The survey returns suggested heavy rainfall and strong winds dampened activity during April.

The latest figures will be a blow to the Government, which on 11 June laid out its Manifesto plan to boost house building with stamp duty cuts and reinstatement of help to buy for first-time buyers.

At the sector level, seven out of the nine sectors saw a fall in April. The main contributors to the monthly decrease were private housing new work, and private housing repair and maintenance, which fell by 4.4% and 2.5%, respectively.

In the three months to April, the industry has seen construction output fall 2.2%, mainly due to a 2.8% fall in new work brought on by project delays.

Clive Docwra, managing director of property and construction consultancy McBains, said: “After last month’s figures showed the construction sector still mired in technical recession, today’s figures come as a further blow for the industry.

“A close to 2% fall in new work across the board highlights the continuing caution shown by investors being reluctant to commit to new projects while so many economic uncertainties remain.

“New work in private housing in particular remains in the doldrums, seeing a fall of more than 4%.

“Many in the industry are crossing their fingers for a post-election boost, but today’s figures show that whichever party forms the next government has a job on its hands to restore confidence and encourage growth.”

Scott Motley, head of programme, project and cost management at AECOM, said: “After an uptick in the broader economic climate, many will be hopeful that construction industry output will soon follow suit.

“Importantly, the upcoming General Election will provide clarity on the nation’s future direction earlier than anticipated, bringing with it the prospect of a new infrastructure strategy and greater confidence in investment decisions in the second half of the year.

“However, the continued high cost of doing business will still make for challenging landscape post-election until interest rates drop significantly.”

Fraser Johns, finance director at Beard, said: “Given the poor weather conditions seen in April, it should be hardly surprising to see a drop in monthly construction output. A sixth consecutive fall in the three-month series is more troubling, however it shows the mixed bag of the industry in the current climate.

“While there are those across the country undoubtedly experiencing challenges and significant pressures, from our perspective, the south of England remains incredibly buoyant with growing confidence and demand from both clients and from regional and national frameworks helping to fill our pipeline.”

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