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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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Module-T enters UK market

As the need for rapid and environmentally friendly construction grows, Module-T offers modular solutions that construct entire buildings off-site, ready for swift assembly at their destination. These structures serve a variety of purposes, including offices, educational facilities, and sanitation blocks. The company’s goal is to lead the UK market with tailored, high-quality modular solutions.

Module-T Prefabrik, a global leader in modular construction with over 15 years of experience, is entering the UK market with an impressive portfolio. The company provides a wide range of options, such as office containers, sanitary units, locker containers, dormitory buildings, and modular offices. Its labour accommodation solutions are particularly designed to meet the urgent needs of various industries with speed and efficiency.

Module-T’s expansion into the UK market introduces modular construction technology that prioritises speed, flexibility, and sustainability. “Our modular solutions are specifically engineered to minimise on-site disruption and accelerate construction timelines,” said Yigit Ozdemir, Regional Sales Director at Module-T. “Entire modules are built off-site in factories and assembled on-site, allowing for rapid deployment. This method not only reduces noise and pollution but also significantly lessens the environmental impact.”

A 2022 study by academics from the University of Cambridge and Edinburgh Napier University found that modular construction can reduce embodied carbon by up to 45%. Embodied carbon refers to emissions generated during the construction process, including the production and transportation of materials, highlighting the sustainability benefits of off-site modular construction.

Module-T provides solutions tailored for various applications, including permanent or temporary office spaces for companies across sectors. The company also offers WC cabins, canteens, classrooms, and other facilities for municipalities and local institutions, meeting the diverse requirements of public sector projects. “Our modular facilities are designed to provide flexible, high-quality solutions that cater to the specific needs of the UK’s construction industry,” added Özdemir.

By manufacturing buildings entirely off-site and assembling them on-site, Module-T reduces construction time and minimises disruption in local communities. This approach not only enhances efficiency but aligns with industry trends favouring sustainable construction methods. “Our off-site approach offers a practical solution to the demands of commercial and public sector projects while reducing the carbon footprint associated with traditional construction,” noted Özdemir. “We aim to lead the UK market in providing efficient and sustainable modular construction solutions.”

With the UK’s modular construction market expected to grow at an annual rate of 6.3%, reaching a projected value of £12 billion by 2025, Module-T is well-positioned to establish a strong presence. By combining innovative design with extensive international experience, the company aims to deliver adaptable solutions that meet the evolving needs of both commercial and public sector clients in the UK. Whether for office spaces, educational facilities, or sanitary units, Module-T’s temporary site accommodationare built to be efficient, durable, and comfortable.

“At Module-T, we are committed to offering efficient and quality solutions that meet the diverse needs of our clients across the UK,” said Özdemir. “Our expertise in modular construction will contribute significantly to the industry’s growth and support the delivery of essential projects.”

Source: ABC Money

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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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Modular homes could be built on site of former swimming pool

A former swimming pool could be one of two sites used to trial new ‘kit’ style housing in Midlothian under plans to create more affordable homes.

Midlothian councillors are being asked to back plans to look at bringing ‘modular homes’ onto the sites at the former Newbattle Pool, in Newtongrange, and Rullion Road in Penicuik.

A report to councillors this week identifies the plots as unallocated land which could be used to trial the new style of housing.

Modular housing involves assembling the homes in parts off site before bringing them to the plots.

The report to elected members says the modular designs can “contribute to solving local problems: the challenge of zero carbon; failure of housing supply; the affordability crisis; poor build quality and cost of non-compliance.”

It says: “As an alternative site that is more suitable for the delivery of the standard house types needed for modular construction the former swimming pool site at Main Street, Newtongrange is available.

“This will require forward funding from the Housing Revenue Account with affordability to be ascertained once a cost report is available.

“It is also proposed that Rullion Road, Penicuik as our only current uncommitted site is considered available for a modular development (circa 50 units). The date for delivery on this site is 2027/28.”

The proposals are part of work by the local authority towards finding alternative housing solutions working with off site construction firms.

The report says the council has been working with the off site construction sector to establish whether there are benefits to its housing programme in terms of efficiency, cost and quality.

It says: “Off site construction, also known as Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), allows key elements of a building to be designed, planned and constructed using pre-fabricated or pre-assembled products that are
manufactured in an offsite factory environment.”

After reviewing the council’s supply of garages and lock-ups for potential sites for individual MMC homes the local authority has already identified capacity for 11 homes which can be brought forward at Eastfield Drive and Lyne Terrace, in Penicuik, where agreements for new units have been put in place.

Now councillors are being asked to support a pilot of the new modular design housing at the former swimming pool in Newtongrange as well as possible homes at Rullion Road.

Source: STV News

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Kilmarnock project earns modular housing specialist double award success

Connect Modular is celebrating after winning two accolades at the Chartered Institute of Housing’s Scotland Housing Awards 2024, for its recently completed affordable housing development in Shortlees, Kilmarnock.

The 101-home project for Cunninghame Housing Association was honoured with the Excellence in Development for Affordable Housing Award as well as the Excellence in Housing Innovation Award.

Connect Modular said the accomplishment highlights the efficiency of the firm’s modular construction method and its capability to deliver high quality homes at speed.

The Shortlees project was completed 18 weeks ahead of schedule. By taking construction off-site and into a controlled factory environment, the overall programme of works was significantly condensed. The approach enabled ground works preparations and house-building to occur simultaneously and ensured progress was not affected by adverse weather.

All 101 homes were produced in Connect Modular’s manufacturing facility in Cumnock, East Ayrshire, where over 90% of construction work was completed, including the installation of kitchens, bathrooms, plumbing and electrics.

CEO Jennifer Higgins said, “We are immensely proud of the 101-unit housing development at Shortlees, Kilmarnock and the winning partnership we have established with Cunninghame Housing Association. Receiving both the Excellence in Housing Innovation and Excellence in Development for Affordable Housing awards highlights the efficiency our innovative construction method and its capability to deliver high quality homes at exceptional speed. I applaud our team for their hard work and dedication on this project and hope they will take pride from this shared success.”

Linda Anderson, interim CEO of Cunninghame Housing Association, added, “I am delighted that our project at Bridgehousehill Road, Kilmarnock, has been recognised by the Chartered Institute of Housing and has scooped two prestigious Scotland Housing Awards. This recognition is truly deserved and is a testament to our excellent partnership with Connect Modular, and demonstrates our shared commitment to delivering affordable homes quickly and efficiently.”

Connect Modular is currently working on multiple housing projects across Scotland, including a development in Livingston for West Lothian Council of 48 homes comprising 28 cottage flats for young people and 20 affordable homes, 12 cottage flats in Penicuik for Ark Housing Association, and two affordable homes in Clydebank for West Dumbartonshire Council.

Source: Project Scotland

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Simplifying hospital projects with Eurobrick

In busy hospital environments, expansion projects and building works must be planned in meticulous detail to minimise disruption to day-to-day operations. Fast-track building methods are frequently used and, during this process, selecting an appropriate rainscreen cladding system is very important to ensure the successful function of the building and the design aesthetic. 

Leading specialist Eurobrick Systems has been distributing its proprietary brick and stone slip cladding for over 30 years and has supplied many hospital expansion projects where budgets, space and time are limited. 

THE RIGHT FIT
Eurobrick is an obvious choice for these types of projects, offering different systems to suit different applications, all of which are tried and tested and can be specified with confidence. This is backed up by Eurobrick’s team of experienced estimators who take the time to ensure the most suitable system is chosen to fit the specific requirements of the job. Eurobrick offers technical advice at every stage of the specification process, from estimating, and ordering to installation and any ongoing support.  

FLEXIBLE
Supply schedules can be tailored to meet contractors’ work programmes and can take into account on-site conditions such as storage limitations. This was particularly important at Leicester Royal Infirmary for example, where a restrictive site situated at a busy roadside with a limited storage area, meant the P-Clad rainscreen system materials for a two-storey extension to the Congenital Heart Centre, needed to be delivered in phases, as and when required. Eurobrick worked closely with the contractor, Industrial Contracting Services to achieve this.

SPEEDY SOLUTIONS

Eurobrick’s cladding systems are lightweight and fast to install making them a good option for contractors’ working to meet challenging deadlines. Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital had this experience, where a new state-of-the-art 4300m² ward development was delivered in a compressed timeframe of just 1 year (instead of the expected 3 years) using factory-built modular construction. As Eurobrick can be off the critical path, the systems could be installed on-site without affecting the activities of other trades. These brick slip systems are also suitable for off-site installation and are robust enough to be transported to site and craned into position. 

ON OR OFF-SITE

Versatile, yet simple, Eurobrick is suitable for modular and new build projects offering a fast track to a real brick finish that is low maintenance and will weather like traditional brickwork. The award-winning new Wellbeing Hub at University Hospital Southampton is a 20 modular bay building which was finished on-site using Eurobrick’s X-Clad EWI system with extruded brick slips from their Britannia colour range.

Hospital projects can present a plethora of challenges to the NHS, its architects and contractors, who need creative solutions that keep projects on time and on budget. Reliability, versatility, robustness and speed are key considerations in the decision-making process.

If you would like to discuss a project with Eurobrick you can take a look at their website at www.eurobrick.co.uk, call 0117 971 7117 or email info@eurobrick.co.uk. 

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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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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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Modular housing could be used for affordable homes

Guernsey’s Environment and Infrastructure Committee is planning to investigate modern methods of construction to try to ease housing supply pressures.

There have been concerns about how quickly new housing can go up to cope with a shortage of affordable homes.

Environment & Infrastructure is hoping that modern methods of construction, such as modular housing, could be used to ease Guernsey’s housing and construction supply pressures.

The committee is also considering which modern methods of construction would be most appropriate for Guernsey, and how these can be supplied, delivered and installed locally.

Environment & Infrastructure president Lindsay de Sausmarez said that technology that claimed to accelerate the rate of delivering homes and keep costs down was something the States would take a serious interest in.

‘When it comes to housing, speed of delivery is an important factor, but so is the safety and quality of the homes being built,’ she said.

‘We need to know whether modern methods of construction are safe and durable, and specifically which methods are most appropriate for Guernsey in the context of our local conditions and requirements, such as our climate, transport logistics and their deliverability through our local skills base.

‘We believe at least some of these modern methods of construction could work well for us in Guernsey, helping to deliver more good quality homes more quickly, and potentially even at a lower cost.

‘That’s what we’re aiming for.’

Several approaches have been put forward for use locally, including volumetric modular, micro homes and pods. The new investigations will consider the full range of options available to see which methods are most suitable for Guernsey.

Suitability depends on several factors, including transport logistics, building regulations, planning requirements, fire safety, site constraints, infrastructure requirements, longevity, local climate and the local skills base.

The idea has been floated before, with developers of Leale’s Yard taking States officials and a senior politician to a residential scheme in Kent to see the modular construction methods wanted for use in Guernsey.

The latest investigation will deliver workstream 1D of the Guernsey Housing Plan and follows on from other recently announced workstreams, including a review into downsizing and how to stimulate more and faster completion of private developments.

Source: Guernsey Press

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NHF-backed MMC alliance appoints ZED PODS to offsite framework


Building Better, the National Housing Federation-supported group of housing associations and councils working to increase the use of modern methods of construction (MMC), has added a new manufacturer to its MMC Category 1 framework.

Building Better and Procurement for Housing (PfH) have signed up ZED PODS to their volumetric framework, which is worth up to £400m over four years. Social housing organisations can procure pre-manufactured 3D construction systems for both houses and apartments from ZED PODS through the deal.

ZEDPODS have been appointed to the framework on a direct award basis so housing associations and local authorities won’t need to go through any additional tender process to procure from them. Streamlining MMC contracting in this way saves around £15,000 in procurement costs for each housing organisation.

The framework also enables very early engagement with ZED PODS, in a compliant way. When social housing organisations meet with manufacturers right at the start of a project and tap into their design experience to create plans that are right for all parties, this commonly leads to more successful schemes.

Founded in 2016, ZED PODS design and build zero-operational-carbon social housing and specialise in delivering turnkey housing solutions using volumetric MMC. ZED PODS’ build system can be used on traditional sites and also constrained brownfield locations such as derelict garage sites, carparks, and flood zones.

ZED PODS have delivered award-winning housing schemes for both local authorities and housing associations. They are presently working with 28 public sector organisations to plan and design MMC schemes, and they are currently onsite building zero-operational-carbon social homes in Sheffield, Ashford, Bristol, and across Wales and Devon.

All MMC homes procured under the Building Better framework take a fabric-first approach (prioritising insulation ahead of add-ons like solar panels), they meet nationally described space standards (NDSS) and have the option to be wheelchair accessible. They are certified by the Buildoffsite Property Assurance Scheme (BOPAS) and assessed and accepted by building warranty provider ICW Insurance Services.

Tony Woods, Technical Manager for Construction & Sustainability at Procurement for Housing (PfH) said: “The quality of ZED PODS’ homes really set them apart in the tender process, as well as their management team and financial position. They manufacture high performance, low carbon houses and flats that exceed the proposed Future Home Standards and the Welsh Development Quality Requirements 2021. But it was also the way they involve residents that impressed us. ZED PODS take a proactive approach to engaging early with local communities ahead of construction on site.

Tom Northway, Chairman of ZED PODS, said: “​We are delighted to have been selected for the Building Better framework and look forward to working with the team and its members to deliver our net zero carbon housing solutions.”

In addition to the MMC Category 1 framework, Building Better and PfH also run a dynamic purchasing system (DPS) for MMC Category 2 construction systems. Through this DPS, social housing organisations can procure 2D panelised systems, assembled on-site, from over 20 pre-approved manufacturers.

 

CLICK HERE for further information about Building Better’s MMC Category 1 framework

 

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