Specialist low carbon developer and modular manufacturer Starship is bringing forward a project in Wallasey, Wirral, which is set to be one of the largest modular carbon zero housing developments in the North West.

In partnership with North West housing association, Onward Homes, and supported by Homes England and the Liverpool City Region Brownfield Land Fund, which has allocated £195,000 to the project, Starship will deliver 13 carbon zero homes across a 64,000 sq ft site in Wallasey.

Constructed using low carbon Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), the Greenleas project will use eco-friendly construction methods by prioritising energy efficiency from the start of the design and development process.

Situated on undeveloped land at the bottom of Greenleas Close in Wallasey, the three-bedroom homes will be built with strong eco-credentials, holding an impressive EPC rating of A.

Onward Homes is one of the largest providers of social housing based in the North West, with more than 35,000 homes across the region. This development is Starship’s first project with Onward Homes and is expected to be completed in just over 40 weeks.

The MMC homes will be built in Starship’s Wirral Waters based factory, with each home taking a week to build and a day and a half to be erected on site.

Image credit: Starship

Dave Dargan, co-founder and chief executive of Starship, said: “At Starship, we are purpose driven to build better, and we have a strong commitment to low-carbon living, ensuring that everything we do is led by our commitment to the green agenda.

“Forming a partnership with Onward Homes is an exciting opportunity for us to continue delivering gold-standard, carbon zero homes and developing long-lasting communities with sustainability at their core. Greenleas will become a fantastic new addition to Wallasey, providing people with modern homes in the heart of one of Wirral’s most up and coming areas.”

Bronwen Rapley, chief executive of Onward Homes, added: “Onward is committed to becoming a leading environmentally-friendly landlord across the North West, providing warm and affordable homes in greener neighbourhoods for our customers to enjoy. Starship’s cutting-edge homes promise to make a real difference in this part of Wallasey, helping local people take their first steps on the property ladder while ‘treading lighter’ on the local environment through sustainable design and manufacturing.”

Cllr Graham Morgan, Liverpool City Region portfolio holder for housing and spatial planning, said building on brownfield sites was a central part of plans “to ensure there is a great choice of high-quality homes, right across the city region, as part of our ambitious plans to tackle the housing crisis.”

Around 21 modular specialists face a fight to retain places on the next-generation modular building framework for NHS Shared Business Services.

The rebooted framework has been expanded to cover new sectors, doubling the expected workload over the next four years to £3.6bn.

For the first time, it will include a hybrid construction/modular lot, where the general construction works element accounts for over £60m of the project value.

This is expected to attract JV bids from mainstream modular specialists of the kind successfully adopted by Kier and McAvoy on the Crown Commercial Services deal awarded last year.

The lotting structure for the NHS SBS, which includes local authorities, will also see the introduction of residential and blue light sectors, while a specialised kitchen lot is dropped.

The new arrangement will come into force when the existing deal expires in 2025. Since the existing framework was launched 8 firms have dropped out or collapsed from the original 29 companies selected.

Lambeth Council, working closely with a leading youth homelessness charity, aims to broaden the housing landscape for young working people struggling to find affordable accommodation in the borough.

The council’s proposal involves a 60-year term lease agreement with Centrepoint to develop 18 units of high-quality, affordable homes, catering specifically to employed young people aged 18 to 24.

For years, the pathway for young individuals moving on from supported housing services has been fraught with challenges, leaving many in limbo for extended periods. Recognising the need for a sustainable solution, Lambeth Council has embarked on this innovative project that promises not just to provide working young people with a home, but to support them as they continue their housing journey. The proposed single occupancy units will not be homeless accommodation.

This initiative comes at no capital cost to the council and is expected to generate significant revenue savings by reducing the costs associated with Temporary Accommodation. The off-site constructed homes will occupy Charter’s Close in South-East London.

The site, disused for over a decade, presents an ideal opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of young people striving for independence and stability. The proposed homes, to be built with the financial backing of Centrepoint, will offer young residents a unique chance to live affordably, paying rent at only one-third of their annual salary. This model not only ensures affordability but also encourages savings for their future.

The selection of Charter’s Close for this project underscores Lambeth Council’s commitment to using unused land resourcefully, transforming it into vibrant living spaces for those in need. The off-site construction method promises efficiency and minimal disruption, with the potential for residents to move in by Winter 2025.

This partnership with Centrepoint highlights a proactive approach to addressing youth homelessness and the broader housing crisis, offering a replicable model for other councils facing similar challenges. This comes at a time when Centrepoint’s own research demonstrates that many private landlords are unwilling to rent to young people. The scheme embodies Lambeth Council’s dedication to supporting its younger residents, ensuring they have access to safe, affordable housing within the borough, close to their work, and support networks. Centrepoint will submit a formal planning application and as part of this process, local residents and stakeholders will be invited to take part in a consultation.

LoCaL Homes, an award-winning advanced offsite housing manufacturing facility in Walsall, recently received a high-profile visit from a trio of Tory politicians.

Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street CBE, Cllr Adrian Andrew, Deputy Leader of Walsall Council, local MP Wendy Morton (Aldridge-Brownhills) and their staff were given a tour around the LoCaL Homes factory to learn more about modern methods of construction (MMC) and the products which LoCaL Homes manufacture.

Mike Doolan, Sales and Partnership Manager at LoCaL Homes, chaired a discussion with the visiting delegation around the future of closed panel timber frames and the opportunities and barriers in housebuilding using MMC.

He said: “It was fantastic to welcome Andy Street CBE, Cllr Adrian Andrew and Wendy Morton MP to our manufacturing site in Walsall.

“I was proud to show our visitors the high-quality timber frame panel we make in the heart of the Black Country and demonstrate how they have been used to build homes in the West Midlands and beyond.”

The visit comes ahead of the introduction of the Future Homes Standard – a set of rules which will ensure that new homes built from 2025 produce 75-80% less carbon emissions. LoCaL Homes is already manufacturing its Eco-200 timber frame panels for a number of developments housing associations and contractors across the country to achieve the standard ahead of time.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, added: “Housebuilding has been one of the West Midlands’ best success stories in recent years, with record numbers of homes being built, the vast majority of them on brownfield land. This has kept us on course to achieve our target of building 215,000 new homes by 2031.

“But as we look to continue that success we must also think about how housebuilding can help tackle the climate emergency and support the region’s ambition to be net zero by 2041.

“We want to see greater use of Advanced Manufacturing in Construction so we can not only build homes faster but more sustainably.

“It was fascinating to see LoCaL Home’s  manufacturing process. It is a wonderful example of West Midlands innovation and exactly the sort of approach to construction that can not only build a cleaner, more sustainable economy but also create the hi-tech, green industries of the future, creating well-paid and secure jobs for local people.”

Wendy Morton MP said: “At the end of a busy week in my constituency, it was great to visit LoCaL  Homes  in Aldridge. They excel in manufacturing offsite solutions for various buildings such as bungalows, houses, apartments, care homes, and schools.“LoCaL Homes are shaping the future of housing solutions, and providing local skills employment opportunities.”

Residents of Lockleaze, Bristol, are facing the stark realities of modular construction gone awry. A development promising a faster, greener, and cheaper housing solution has turned into a prolonged nightmare, as homes built using modern prefabricated techniques face dismantling due to foundational flaws. This setback not only disrupts the lives of local residents but also casts a long shadow over the future of prefab housing in the UK. Despite governmental support, including hundreds of millions in funding, the industry struggles with demand, leading to significant financial losses and the closure of key players like Legal & General Modular Homes.

Challenging Conventions: The Prefab Predicament

The ambition to revolutionize the housing industry with prefabricated homes has encountered numerous challenges. From local opposition to restrictive planning systems, prefab ventures like the one at Bonnington Walk reveal the complexities of modernizing construction methods. The government’s strategy, criticized for its lack of coherence and direction, further complicates the transition to modular construction. With public and private investments yielding limited success, the dream of mass-producing affordable, quality homes remains elusive, raising questions about prefab’s viability as a solution to the housing crisis.

Future Foundations: Reimagining Residential Construction

Despite the setbacks, there is still hope for the prefab housing sector. Innovations and successes abroad suggest that with the right conditions, modular construction could play a significant role in addressing housing shortages. However, overcoming the industry’s current challenges will require a concerted effort from the government, manufacturers, and the public. As the UK grapples with the need for a more efficient, sustainable housing model, the story of Bonnington Walk serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the necessity for strategic planning, investment, and public support to realize the potential of prefab housing.

Work is due to begin on developing seven new one-bed small homes as Places for People expands its homelessness accommodation and support services for homeless people in Bristol.

Places for People have operated supported accommodation at Stonebridge Park for over 23 years providing support and accommodation to vulnerable homeless men.

The current accommodation offers 27 living spaces with on site support to help customers through their journey out of homelessness.

In September 2023, Places for People along with our delivery partner Agile Homes were successful in securing planning permission to build seven small self-contained modular homes on the existing site at Stonebridge Park, which will allow people to live independently with their own kitchen space, living area, bathroom and bedroom.

Work is now set to begin building the small homes, which will overlook the Clay Bottom Valley and Nature Reserve and they are due to be completed by October 2024. This comes after Places for People worked with the Hill Group and Bristol City Council to open 8 similar modular homes on Derby Street in January.

In addition to somewhere safe and stable to live, the facility also provides those living there with support around a vast number of complex issues which may have contributed to them becoming homeless such as mental health, domestic abuse, financial and drugs or alcohol. Support workers then help customers on their journey back into permanent accommodation.

Rachel Crownshaw, Group Managing Director for Communities at Places for People, said: “It’s really pleasing to see work begin on what is going to be such an important development. These modular homes will allow us to build on the great work we’re doing to support people in Bristol who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.

“Really importantly, these new homes will provide people with somewhere to call home, where they can live independently, with their own front door and everything they need inside. In addition to this, we have support workers available who can work with those living here and give them support, advice and guidance as they get back on their feet and hopefully into more permanent accommodation.

“We have been supporting people who are homeless, or are at risk of being homeless, for many years. We work with young people, families, and single adults right across England and Scotland providing critical housing, support and services that aim to help those who are experiencing difficulties back into a more stable and secure situation. For example, we have provided over 200 supported accommodation properties across Bristol alone. Our country is in the teeth of a housing crisis, and we will continue to increase the support and services we provide to ensure we are doing as much as we can.”

Wrexham Council say they are “taking sustainable housing to the next level” in the borough as it launches its first ever ‘modern methods of construction (MMC) new build’ at a site on Heol Offa, Johnstown.

MMC is described as a ‘off site construction’ techniques, then assembly on site, as a Welsh Government strategy explains should result in housing built ‘more quickly and cost effectively’.

The development will replace 2 semi-detached dwellings, which had previously been demolished with a two-storey apartment block offering one-bedroom apartments.

The council say construction aims to be completed in early 2025, and will offer long term homes for either single occupancy residents or couples, in line with Wrexham Council’s Allocation Policy.

There will be three apartments on the ground floor, which will offer accessible and adaptable facilities and three apartments on the first floor.

The council say, “The ground floor apartments will offer direct external access to the communal garden at the rear of the building, allowing easy access to fresh air and a potential place to socialise in the warmer months.

“These green homes will produce less carbon emissions than homes built under the current Building Regulations and will feature new technology when it comes to heating, hot water systems and reducing heat waste.”

“Waste removal will be easy for both residents and waste collection vehicles as a secure waste compound will be installed. The site will also provide 9 car parking spaces, allowing for residents and visitors to have accessible car parking facilities.

Councillor David A Bithell Lead Member for Housing added, “I welcome this project to build new Council homes in Johnstown and funding has been approved as part of our annual capital programme.

“Although this project has been delayed these new homes are very welcome. We hope to be on site very soon and I look forward to new Council homes being built, which will be part of our own housing stock.”

Nuaire, part of the Genuit group, has expanded its market-leading Xboxer heat recovery range with the addition of the UNI-X unit, which has now been rebranded to Xboxer Universal.

Originally launched in 2017 as a ventilation solution for student accommodation, the UNI-X has been a favourite amongst Nuaire’s customers, even becoming an Innovation of the Year finalist at the Student Accommodation Awards.  Since its launch, the UNI-X has proven to be a suitable solution across a far wider range of applications than ever anticipated, including schools, hospitals, offices, care homes, and apartments.  In line with its widespread appeal, Nuaire has rebranded the UNI-X units as Xboxer Universal, part of the Xboxer heat recovery range.

Fans of this innovative heat recovery unit will be pleased to know its construction and performance retain the quality that has made it so popular, with high efficiencies, low SEPs and ultra-low noise levels.  The latter is a result of the Xboxer Universal’s unique casing consisting of internal profiling and external acoustic cladding.

Xboxer Universal is available in three models – UNIX-220, UNIX-360 and UNIX-580 – with the largest model having enough duty to ventilate a cluster of up to 12 rooms.  The easy to use three speed controls are included as a standard feature, allowing full adjustability for site requirements. Each size is equipped with an integral mounting bracket, helping to reduce installation time no matter the project. Multiple spigot options are available, making the unit fully compatible with circular or rectangular ducting.

The various sizes allow customers greater flexibility when choosing a suitable unit for their space. The UNI-X580 will enable sites to ventilate a large cluster of rooms with just one system. Innovative space saving solutions mean the unit needs a maximum depth of 295mm, enabling it to fit neatly into low ceiling voids. Once installed, the unit is easy to maintain with the G3 filter accessible from the underside of the unit, meaning the highest indoor air quality levels can be maintained.

The Xboxer Universal range is enhanced by Nuaire’s in-line carbon filter range, IAQ-BOX, which filters out up to 99.5% of harmful N02 and up to 80% of Particulate Matter (PM). Nuaire’s all-in-one thermal ducting range, Ductmaster Thermal, can also be specified to improve thermal efficiency and reduce installation time.

Xboxer Universal is the latest addition to Nuaire’s Xboxer family whose combination of innovative design, flexible control options and high efficiency, make it an award winning, market-leading heat recovery solution.  Other units in the range include Xboxer Hybrid, which combines pure natural ventilation with mechanical assistance; and Xboxer XBC+ which has the lowest depth by duty unit on the market, for a space saving solution. All are designed to filter clean air into a building whilst extracting stale air from the interior, retaining heat that would otherwise be lost.

Established in 1966, and based in Caerphilly, Nuaire designs and manufactures practical solutions for all ventilation requirements across the domestic, commercial and industrial construction sectors.  Nuaire has a reputation for pioneering new air technology supported by high-quality units.

For further information, please contact enquiries@nuaire.co.uk or visit https://www.nuaire.co.uk/best-practice/xboxer-family

With its extensive range of market-leading ventilation systems, products and accessories designed to work in harmony, Domus Ventilation is in the enviable position of providing customers with a single source for all their residential ventilation requirements. A new short video has been uploaded to its website – domusventilation.co.uk – that clearly explains the benefits of this approach for customers.

Domus Ventilation manufactures high quality and solutions-based ventilation products that save energy and improve indoor air quality from its state-of-the-art production facilities in South Wales.  It takes a whole house approach to ventilation, with mechanical extract appliances, ducting and accessories designed and third party tested for end-to-end system performance.  A ventilation system designed and installed entirely from Domus Ventilation components makes for a highly efficient one, with smooth air flow and minimum energy usage.

Established over 30 years’ ago, Domus Ventilation built its reputation for quality on its ducting systems in the early years.  Today, Domus rigid ducting is available in six different profiles, with high efficiency duct bends, supported by patented duct insulation, and sound attenuation components, for a complete duct system solution.  The company has expanded its product portfolio over the past decade to include mechanical ventilation systems such as the award winning HRXE range of Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems; the highly energy-efficient CMX Mechanical Extract Ventilation (MEV) units; and a comprehensive range of intermittent extract fans.

But the benefits of buying from a single manufacturer doesn’t stop just at the product range.  By using a single brand, you can benefit from the full range of support on offer.  In the case of Domus Ventilation, this includes technical support from a dedicated, in-house technical team offering a range of services from duct take-offs and estimations, to Revit MVHR and MEV system drawings, all completely free of charge.  The company also provides a detailed Specification Guide and offers several CIBSE CPD accredited courses.

Domus Ventilation, part of the Genuit Group, has a well-deserved reputation for quality, supported by excellent technical support, from a market leading manufacturer and designer.  The company provides differentiated ventilation solutions, transforming the way developers, contractors, installers, home owners and distributors meet Building Regulations Parts F & L and emerging environmental standards.

For more information, and to view the new short video, go to domusventilation.co.uk

Established in 1939, O’Reilly Precast has evolved from a modest family enterprise into a paragon of innovation in the precast concrete industry across Ireland and the UK. Through decades of dedication, we have pioneered advancements that have not only transformed our operations but also the broader construction sector. Our journey is a testament to our commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability, setting new benchmarks in construction methodologies.

The Smart Choice: Offsite Construction

In an era where precision, efficiency, and sustainability dictate construction practices, offsite construction emerges as the smart choice for forward-thinking companies.

O’Reilly Precast is at the vanguard, harnessing advanced technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) to ensure unmatched design accuracy in precast elements. This innovative approach aligns with the UK government’s preference for offsite manufacturing in publicly funded projects, highlighting its significance in modern construction. Offsite construction minimises waste and maximises resource efficiency, significantly reducing carbon emissions by limiting site disturbance and vehicle movement, thus embodying the principles of sustainable development.

Accelerating Construction: The Offsite Advantage

The adoption of offsite construction methods by O’Reilly Precast signifies a leap towards accelerating construction processes without compromising quality or safety. By allowing simultaneous progress in construction activities and site preparation, offsite construction ensures that projects are resilient to weather-related delays, thanks to the controlled factory environment. This method excels in expediting repetitive designs and ensures a predictable schedule, as precast elements arrive on-site ready for immediate installation. Such streamlined workflows eliminate common inefficiencies associated with onsite construction, offering a predictability that is invaluable in today’s fast-paced construction landscape.

Health & Safety: Our Foremost Priority

At O’Reilly Precast, the health and safety of our workforce and the broader community are paramount. Offsite construction significantly enhances safety standards by shifting the bulk of construction activities to a controlled factory setting. This transition reduces the risks posed by adverse weather and changing site conditions, leading to a notable decrease in on-site accidents. Furthermore, the precise offsite production of precast components minimises structural faults, while the reduced need for on-site workers lowers the incidence of accidents. The decrease in noise and dust pollution contributes to safer and healthier working conditions, underscoring our commitment to not only meeting but exceeding health and safety regulations.

Dispelling Myths: The Truth About Precast Construction

Precast construction is often enveloped in myths that obscure its true value and potential. At O’Reilly Precast, we’re committed to debunking these misconceptions, illuminating the versatility, efficiency, and sustainability of precast concrete.

Myth 1: Precast Concrete is Prohibitively Expensive

One of the most persistent myths is that precast concrete incurs higher costs than traditional construction methods. While the upfront investment in precast elements might be higher due to the precision engineering and quality control processes, the overall project costs are often lower. This efficiency comes from reduced construction timelines, minimised need for onsite labour, and lower long-term maintenance costs. Precast construction offers a cost-effective solution when considering the lifecycle costs of a building, providing value that far exceeds initial investment.

Myth 2: Limited Design Flexibility

Another common misconception is that precast concrete stifles architectural creativity. On the contrary, modern precast technology is incredibly versatile, allowing for a wide range of architectural styles and finishes. From intricate textures and colours to unique shapes and sizes, precast concrete can be customised to meet any design aesthetic.

This flexibility empowers architects and designers to explore creative solutions without the constraints often associated with traditional materials.

Myth 3: Logistical Nightmares

The logistics of transporting and installing large precast elements can seem daunting, leading to the belief that precast construction complicates project management.

However, with proper planning and coordination, these challenges are easily navigated. O’Reilly Precast’s Just-In-Time Delivery System exemplifies how logistical hurdles can be overcome. By staging deliveries to align with the construction schedule and utilising specialised transportation and lifting equipment, we ensure that precast elements arrive just as they are needed, streamlining the construction process and reducing site congestion.

Myth 4: Precast is Only for Industrial or Utilitarian Buildings

There’s a misconception that precast concrete is only suitable for industrial buildings or structures where aesthetics are a secondary concern. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Precast concrete is used in a variety of building types, including residential homes, schools, hospitals, and high-end commercial spaces. The material’s adaptability allows for a range of architectural expressions, from the sleek and modern to the ornate and classical. Precast concrete offers a blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal that can enhance any building project.

Myth 5: Environmental Unfriendliness

Some believe that concrete, as a construction material, is inherently unsustainable. However, precast concrete, when compared to other construction methods, offers significant environmental advantages. The controlled factory setting of precast production allows for more efficient use of materials and reduces waste. The durability and longevity of precast structures also contribute to their sustainability, as they require less repair and maintenance over their lifecycle. Additionally, the thermal mass properties of concrete contribute to energy efficiency in buildings, reducing heating and cooling costs.

Strategic Precast Implementation at Heathrow Airport Project Overview

Tasked with a significant undertaking, the main contractor, Grove Developments, alongside O’Reilly Precast faced the challenge head-on: constructing a 14-story hotel within the confines of Heathrow Airport’s bustling environment. This venture required not only technical expertise but also a mastery of logistics and safety regulations

Precast Execution

  • Scope: The project called for 13,000 m² each of Hollowcore floors and Screed, 12,500 m² of Precast Walls, and 80 flights of Stairs and Landings.
  • Location: A stone’s throw from Terminal 2, placing it at the heart of one of the busiest travel hubs globally.

Navigating Complexities

  • Intricate Logistics: The challenge of manoeuvring materials through the busy terminals was met with robust planning, ensuring smooth delivery and installation with minimal disruption to the airport’s operations.
  • Elevated Safety Standards: In an area where security is paramount, the team implemented a comprehensive online induction programme for all site workers, enhancing on-site safety knowledge and compliance with airport regulations.
  • Collaborative Precision: The project necessitated a high degree of coordination with various stakeholders, executed through clear communication channels and precise timing to fit the airport’s strict operational windows.
  • Advanced Installation Techniques: The use of state-of-the-art safety systems facilitated the secure and efficient assembly of precast elements, showcasing the potential for precision in complex environments.

Outcomes and Impact

The completion of the hotel’s precast structure demonstrates the viability of offsite construction methods in high-stakes scenarios. It stands as a benchmark for delivering complex projects with rigorous demands for energy efficiency, durability, and architectural integrity. The strategic use of Hollowcore floors, Precast Walls, and Stairs enabled a rapid, safe, and efficient build, setting a precedent for future projects within the sector.

Implications for Construction Professionals

This case exemplifies how integrating offsite construction techniques can offer substantial benefits, including adherence to tight schedules, impeccable safety standards, and logistical efficiency. For industry professionals, the project is a clear indicator that with the right planning and expertise, offsite construction can deliver superior results, even under stringent conditions.

The Practical Advancements of Precast Concrete

O’Reilly Precast is dedicated to advancing the understanding and application of precast concrete. By addressing the prevalent myths, we strive to showcase the substantial, tangible benefits of precast construction. Our focus on innovation, customer satisfaction, and sustainability is central to our approach, driving us to refine what precast concrete can deliver. As the construction sector progresses, we are proud to offer precast solutions that often surpass the performance of traditional methods.

The evolution of O’Reilly Precast reflects our continuous commitment to quality and sustainable practices. With a strategic approach to offsite construction and ongoing enhancement of our precast technologies, we are well-placed to address the demands of today’s construction challenges.

Looking to the future, O’Reilly Precast will continue to embrace the changes shaping our industry, maintaining a strong focus on delivering practical and efficient building solutions.

Invitation to Collaborate

We invite the construction community to explore the benefits of offsite precast construction with O’Reilly Precast. Whether you seek efficient, sustainable construction methods or innovative design solutions, we are here to support your project’s success. Reach out to us at
sales@oreillyprecast.co.uk to discover how our expertise can transform your construction journey.

O’Reilly Precast: A Precast Revolution – Smarter, Faster, Safer.

www.oreillyprecast.com