IRELAND: Local authorities could receive €100m to pay off debts if they build modular homes

Government will give local authorities €100m to pay off debts if they build modular homes for housing in the next two years

Construction will have to begin in 2023 or no later than 2024 with use of ‘accelerated’ delivery

The Government will give the country’s local authorities €100 million to pay off debts if they build modular homes for housing in the next two years.

To qualify, the Department of Housing states that lands where debts will be covered have to be suitable for the “immediate development” of social housing.

Construction will have to begin in 2023 or no later than 2024 with use of “accelerated” delivery.

The move by Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien comes as it emerged this week that there is a record 11,397 people in emergency homeless accommodation, including 3,480 children.

Councils who take part in the scheme will be given access to two sources of funding totalling hundreds of millions of euros to cover outstanding debts.

It is known that local authorities carry more than €300 million of such debt.

It is also understood that around €100 million is being made available to deal with these debts and another €125 million being made available for buying more land for housing.

The Government hopes to deliver an average of 10,000 newly-built social homes every year up until 2030 but it is feared it will miss these targets this year.

It is believed Government’s preference is to use modular or quick-build techniques whenever possible to speed up the building process.

It is also understood that the Government might consider giving tax breaks to developers to encourage them to invest more in housing but this move could be resisted by the Department of Finance.

 

Source: Irish Mirror

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MMC solution to deliver 1,000 council homes

With the 300,000 new homes target now all but dropped by Government, LHC’s offsite framework is supporting public sector organisations to source MMC solutions to deliver an increasing number of council homes. LHC regional hub South West Procurement Alliance (SWPA) is now mid-way through a programme with Wiltshire Council and modular housing manufacturer Rollalong to deliver 1,000 homes over three years.

Wiltshire Council was keen to explore the possibility of using MMC to meet demand for council houses across the South West and to achieve its commitment to build 1000 new council houses in 3 years.
It needed to assure quality, while reducing maintenance costs and improving sustainability in its new build homes. While it wanted to use MMC as a solution, the Council was experiencing some challenges around establishing relationships with specialists, sourcing the right volume at the right price, and navigating complex local government procurement processes.
It looked to public sector construction framework provider LHC’s regional hub, SWPA, to procure the right expertise through its Offsite Construction of New Homes (NH2) and Offsite Project Integrator (OPI1) frameworks.

Using a framework to procure MMC expertise

Wiltshire Council was provided with a simplified route to market, enabling a call-off from the NH2 framework with fully compliant access to Rollalong, as well as a mini-competition to source expert MMC consultants Taylor Lewis through the OPI1 framework.

Mary Bennell, SWPA Director, said:
“The two frameworks go together to create a complete offering; the combined expertise of both the consultant and the manufacturer mean that many of the barriers to MMC, including the different ways of working, can be overcome.”

Several factors played a role in choosing SWPA’s NH2 and OPI1 frameworks as the procurement route. These included:

 

  • Ease of access to offsite solution manufacturers, with proven and demonstrable delivery
  • The opportunity to procure Rollalong – which was already working with Magna Housing Association in the South West – through direct award
  • Using an established portfolio of designs to deliver an initial project to get buy-in internally for using offsite solutions
  • Access to the OPI1 consultancy framework, through which Taylor Lewis was appointed via a mini competition

 

Bringing the project to life

Over an 18-month period, which involved multiple Zoom calls to navigate the need to move the project along despite Covid-19 lockdowns, Wiltshire Council agreed shared house types that comply fully with NDSS. With the addition of PV, they are also effectively carbon neutral in operation.
Now in contract with Wiltshire Council, Rollalong is manufacturing the units for the first 19 homes, five of which will be wheelchair-accessible bungalows, to be transported and completed on three pilot sites.
The decision-making process, and the timescales for making key decisions, are quite different with MMC compared to traditional building methods because everything must be decided before production begins. Delays in decision making can have major implications for production or delivery and could even lead to losing a factory slot.

Community Benefits

Establishing what good social value looks like for a framework is vital to SWPA, as well as its public sector clients. For Wiltshire Council, this went beyond achieving value for money, and included a focus on meeting low carbon objectives using local companies with nearby factories to reduce emissions. Here, the local supply chain has also been used to subcontract mechanical and electrical contractors, electrical engineers, roofing contractors and ground workers.
As a member of SWPA, Wiltshire Council has also been able to access the South West Community Benefit fund. This grant programme, which is run by SWPA and delivered in partnership with South West Community Matters, delivers grants to small community groups in each client’s area.
The new NH3 framework from SWPA, which replaces NH2, will further help to deliver community benefits, while addressing some of the new housing challenges within the public sector. It aims to maintain a strong focus on sustainable methods of construction, creating a greater supply of housing stock that is environmentally fit for the future.

Dean Fazackerley, head of technical procurement at LHC, said:
“The NH3 framework will build on the success of NH2, which has so far enabled £93.5m-worth of projects with a total forecast value of £277m. It has contributed to the number of low-carbon, modern apartments and homes for housing associations and local authorities across the country, using modern methods of construction and offsite techniques to produce cheaper-to-heat homes for the communities they serve.”

ROLLALONG WEBSITE

www.lhc.gov.uk/frameworks

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Modular timber frame buildings providing flexible provision for SEND & SEMH

TG Escapes modular eco-buildings have provided more than 300 education buildings in various settings UK wide. Over the past few years there has been a significant increase in demand from special schools and for SEND provision in mainstream schools.

Those working in SEND and SEMH report that a timber frame building using natural materials, with floor to ceiling windows and glass doors, also providing easy access to the outdoors with covered walkways, provide a particularly suitable environment.
Each TG Escapes building is architect designed with specific needs in mind. Small rooms can be included for breakout spaces while treatment rooms and sensory rooms can be easily accommodated, as can accessible toilets, ramps and kitchens.
The natural materials and excellent acoustics provide calming spaces which have a significant and positive impact on student and staff well-being.
Two recent projects have seen the provision of a building to connect to a SEND garden at Chichester College which provides further and higher education, and a multi-purpose building at Mountfield Heath SEMH school for students aged 5-11 with complex and challenging needs.
We asked Executive Head at Mountfield Heath, Lyndsey Jefferies about the process and the building.

How did you find the construction service?

“I think the most important thing to share from my experience was the actual build. We were quite a small site and the space the team had to work in was tight but they were fantastic. They were so respectful of the fact they were working on a site with special needs children. They kept us up to date with what plant was coming on-site and knew that many of our children were very excited to see it. They let us know what machinery was coming and when so that the kids could be very involved and watch what was happening. Also, in terms of their conduct, we have previously had workmen here smoking, using foul language and playing loud radios. The TG Escapes team were just so respectful.
Timing was tight but every delivery came in spot on schedule. This really helped with us to be able to let our neighbours know when big deliveries were due which made the build less stressful. Dealing with complaints from neighbours can be tricky, but we could give them advance warning of large deliveries and noisy building work. It also meant I could move children to other parts of the school when needed.”
How is the eco-building working out?
“The first thing is it feels lovely. It feels very bright and airy and because we are in quite a rural area it really is in keeping with the woodland, the trees and the fields. It doesn’t look out of place with our environment.
The natural materials change the feel of it and I think for a modular build it feels really solid and robust. The other thing is all the rooms have got lots of light, but there has been careful consideration about it. The kitchen area is a long galley with floor to ceiling windows that maximise the natural light.
The height of the ceilings is another massive plus. Often the ceilings in modular builds are very low so you feel very enclosed, but our ceilings are of a really good height which gives a feeling of space. A lot of our children suffer from sensory processing issues and so the lighting and the feel of a space are very important, as are the acoustics. The acoustics in our building are very good. Although many modular builds are very echoey ours is not because of the ceiling tiles which are different to the rest of the school. We also have adaptive ventilation, due to our concerns about Covid, and air conditioning which are also great. The insulation is phenomenal and the building heats up very quickly then holds the heat. It’s very efficient.
What works very well are the verandas. Having the decking coming straight off the front, that indoor/outdoor space works very well with our children. TG Escapes took full consideration of the school environment and maintained excellent communication.”

Robert Kay, Director of Estates at Chichester College says “TG Escapes provide a real ‘turn key’ solution, and take care of everything, from design to planning and final installation.”
TG Escapes modular eco-buildings offer a complete design and build service.

CLICK HERE for more information and case studies

CALL 0800 917 7726

CLICK HERE to email TG Escapes

 

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FLOATING MODULAR HOMES

Danish Maritime Architecture Studio MAST has developed the “Land on Water” project, a system that provides an adaptable solution to building almost anything on the water: floating homes, campsites, even small parks, and community centers. The project represents a response to the acknowledgment of raising sea levels and increased risks of urban flooding, which has led to a growing interest in adapting architecture to be built on water. The “Land on Water” proposes a flexible and sustainable solution, a departure point from previous solutions, which are proven to be difficult to adapt, transport and are often using unsustainable materials such as polystyrene-filled concrete foundations or plastic pontoons. The project is developed with the support of Hubert Rhomberg & venture studio FRAGILE.

The system is based on flat-pack floating foundations, easy to transport and assemble in various configurations. The system takes inspiration from gabion constructions, a technology that utilizes mesh cages filled with rubble to create low-cost foundations or walls. In this case, the flat-pack cages, made from reinforced, recycled plastic, are filled with locally sourced, upcycled floatation materials that can support the weight of the structure on top. This has the added advantage that the floatation material can be adapted or adjusted at any time to the weight of the building on top.

 

 

The Land on Water promises to create a sustainable solution for both above and below water. The floating foundations can provide a good habitat for fish and crustaceans, while also giving an anchor point for Mollusca and seaweed, thus contributing to enriching the biodiversity of the local ecosystem. The system also avoids using toxic materials such as the anti-fouling paints often used to treat steel and concrete foundations.

The modular and adaptable character of the systems can also encourage communities to grow and develop in a dynamic and organic matter. The architects see this as an alternative to the large master-planned floating cities which often create rigid structures and are thus liable to repeat the mistakes of planners in the mid-20th century.

 

 

In a similar effort to take advantage of the potential of floating stuctures, Netherlands-based architecture, urban planning, and research firm Waterstudio.NL have revealed the designs of a first-of-its-kind “island city” developed along a functional grid across a 200-hectare lagoon on the Indian Ocean, the Maldives Floating City. The city of Amsterdam’, collaborating with Dutch architecture practice Space&Matter, is also implementing Schoonschip, an innovative circular neighborhood, a community-driven project set to become a prototype for floating urban developments.

 

Source: Arch Daily

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PRAGUE: New Modular Research Centre

Following their first collaboration in 2007, CHYBIK + KRISTOF and KOMA Modular conclude their collective work on the Modular Research Centre, showcasing an innovative use of modular structures by altering conventional systems. Pushing the boundaries of standard modular architecture, the new research centre creates transparency and openness within the local community while serving as a think-tank presenting new concepts and possibilities of modular buildings.

CHYBIK + KRISTOF (CHK) announce the completion of the newly designed Modular Research Centre with KOMA Modular, a Czech module manufacturer, located in Vizovice, Czech Republic. Latest in a series of collaborations, the recently completed 170 m² research centre acts as a think-tank – an innovative space to challenge and expand on existing notions of modular construction. Situated at the edge of the KOMA complex, the new research centre carefully integrates the factory into its surrounding environment while creating a large semi-public social gathering square contributing to the employees’ liveliness and progressive working culture. The one-story building allows passers-by to view the factory from the street level, further enhancing an accessible, transparent, barrier-free area.

The partnership between CHK and KOMA began in 2014 by creating a master plan for the entrance and public area consisting of three modular buildings. The master plan demonstrates a strategic configuration design of the factory’s entrance, expanding on public space, in which each structure unveils modular versatility. Following the completion of the Modular Cafeteria in May 2014, CHK designed the Czech pavilion at EXPO 2015 in Milan, which was later converted into an office building for KOMA. The newly completed research centre (2022) presents the third and final modular design, rooted in the concept of rotated containers functioning as columns, enabling an architectural malleable space to further expand on the notions of modular architecture.

Set to become an innovation hub for the factory complex to develop and explore new undiscovered building methods with modules, the research centre forms an adaptable system that can meet multi­purpose needs. Acting as an idea generator, the building is an important meeting place for all professionals to create innovative and special products, consequently becoming a default gathering point and evolution center for the future of modularity. Keeping in mind the structure’s principal function, it is further underlying the vital element of transparency reflected in its building. Creating a complex that is open and welcoming to the local community confidently reflects on the principle of new concepts envisioned to form inside the rotated containers of the building.

Created as a prototype of a new and adaptable modular system, the research center underlines the studio’s dedication to expanding the limitations of modular architecture and engaging in supporting local communities. Putting the focus on crafting new shapes offering unrestrained modularity and showcasing an innovative system of multifunctional modular shapes, the studio is purposely shifting old paradigms and expanding on the typical rectangular construction to foster a transparent working environment. Bypassing the restriction of the customary use of right-angled units placed side by side, the research centre varies from a standard model in the basic re-imagination of the use of modular structures, making it a user-friendly model for the future of modular architecture.

Containing three main module elements, the floor, the container, and the roof units, the composed space creates a new unique system – spatial units containing the facilities are leveled onto the planar flooring modules, which are anchored to the foundation, functioning as columns. Placed in between the containers and the roof, vast window surfaces draw in an abundance of light, keeping the workplace open and connected to the exterior space.

The juxtaposition of the main modules and glass surfaces forms an all-inclusive spacious open area dedicated to horizontal and vertical working spaces. The area itself is entirely flexible, avoiding negative aspects of large open space offices, and can be readjusted to meet the specific needs of any project, forming multiple adaptable and individual workstations. As a natural continuation of the modularity concept, the furniture design allows the office equipment to be supplemented, changed, and adapted to new needs over time – pieces of equipment can be customized simply by re-connecting the elements. Building materials further aid in reflecting and understanding the innovative modular concept of the research centre, with its perforated surface and visible details used to the maximum extent in their natural form. As a material that KOMA manufactures and uses daily, aluminum was a clear choice for the complex, aiding the understanding of modular build principles easily.

The juxtaposition of the main modules and glass surfaces forms an all-inclusive spacious open area dedicated to horizontal and vertical working spaces. The area itself is entirely flexible, avoiding negative aspects of large open space offices, and can be readjusted to meet the specific needs of any project, forming multiple adaptable and individual workstations. As a natural continuation of the modularity concept, the furniture design allows the office equipment to be supplemented, changed, and adapted to new needs over time – pieces of equipment can be customized simply by re-connecting the elements. Building materials further aid in reflecting and understanding the innovative modular concept of the research centre, with its perforated surface and visible details used to the maximum extent in their natural form. As a material that KOMA manufactures and uses daily, aluminum was a clear choice for the complex, aiding the understanding of modular build principles easily.

chybik-kristof.com

koma-modular.cz

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‘STACKABLE’ HOMES IN WOKINGHAM

Work on putting together more than 20 ‘stackable’ houses for homeless families in Wokingham is nearly complete. The units at Grovelands Park, Winnersh, will provide accommodation for people as they wait for a more permanent arrangement, avoiding the need to use bed and breakfast places.

Installation at Grovelands Park started this spring, led by Wokingham Borough Council. Twenty of the 23 units are already in place and are being furnished ready for families to move in next year, when construction finishes.

The timber-clad homes are modular, meaning they’re built offsite and craned into place. The 50 sq m, double-stacked homes each have their own toilet and bathroom plus an open-plan lounge, dining room and kitchen.

One will remain single-storey and will be adapted for people with disabilities. The stackable houses should last for more than 50 years, says the council, which is replacing 12 old prefabricated mobile units which had “reached the end of their natural life and were no longer economical to repair.”

The new homes have modern heating and rooftop solar panels as well as double glazing to reduce energy costs. They also have misting systems, an advanced type of sprinkler which can target the exact location of a fire.

Some homes will also trial air source heat pumps, a system that draws warmth from outside into the home. Grovelands Park itself will be upgraded with improved parking and drains as well as two electric vehicle charging points.

Councillor Stephen Conway, the authority’s deputy leader and executive member for housing, said: “Given the rising cost of living and our announcements about the need for savings, we know many residents may be feeling anxious about the future. We hope this investment, which will more than pay off in the long run, shows we’re still here to protect them and keep families together at times of adversity.”

He added: “As well as being good for the planet and cutting unnecessary costs, providing high-quality temporary housing will help homeless local families to feel safe and well at an uncertain and distressing time. It will reduce our reliance on expensive bed and breakfasts, saving money at a time of unprecedented financial pressure and allowing people to remain closer to their schools, jobs, friends and relatives. People usually become homeless through circumstances outside their control and they shouldn’t become isolated from these important support networks as a result.”

Rollalong, a modular construction specialist which is one of three partners on the project, has just been named a finalist in the Off-Site Innovation of the Year category of this year’s London Construction Awards. The council’s other two partners are architect Edgington Spink + Hyne and procurement specialists LHC.

Source: Berkshire Live

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MODULAR UNIT TO AID BLACKPOOL PATIENTS

Work has started on a new gastroenterology facility which will ensure endoscopy patients at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals have a shorter waiting time for procedures.

The new modular unit is being installed at Blackpool Sports Centre in Stanley Park and is the next phase of a partnership between the local hospital Trust and Remedy Healthcare Solutions.

The collaboration will see the project undertake in the region of 6,900 endoscopy procedures when the unit opens in late November.

The partnership has already seen additional endoscopy activity. With the Remedy team working in collaboration with the Trust to open a fifth room in the Gastroenterology Unit at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, allowing for an additional 452 patients to be seen since the start of August.

Construction of the modular unit will take place over the next eight weeks. The highly sustainable and environmentally friendly approach uses offsite construction techniques and will only see the loss of nine car parking spaces at the sports centre once the unit is open for business.

Speaking as the construction of the modular unit got underway, Gareth Hobson, Deputy Chief Operating Officer at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals, said: “This partnership will allow us to more quickly treat our patients who have been waiting for endoscopy procedures.

“Our Trust colleagues are already working together with Remedy as ‘one team’ within the hospital, increasing our capacity, and relieving some of the pressure on our service. We look forward to seeing the new unit take shape on Stanley Park, and are excited about what this collaboration will achieve over the next 15 months.”Matt Marshall, CEO, Remedy Healthcare Solutions, said: “We are immensely proud to be working in partnership with Blackpool Teaching Hospitals on this project. The success of what has been achieved thus far is down to engagement and dedication of both teams who are eager to achieve the best possible outcomes and experiences for patients while creating solutions that really make an impact on waiting times. We could not be more excited about the launch of the modular unit and to keep the momentum going.”

Source: The Gazette

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Applications open for new £1.2bn framework

Applications open for new £1.2bn framework for Modern Methods of Construction of public sector homes

Specialist contractors can now apply to join a new £1.2bn framework to deliver offsite- constructed homes that will provide thousands of homes to benefit communities across the UK.

 

The new NH3 (Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) of New Homes) framework from public sector construction framework provider LHC will operate across England, Scotland and Wales, delivered through LHC London and South East (LSE),  Scottish Procurement Alliance (SPA), South West Procurement Alliance (SWPA), Consortium Procurement Construction (CPC) and Welsh Procurement Alliance (WPA).

 

The framework, which replaces NH2, will address some of the new housing challenges within the public sector at a time of high demand and increasing emphasis on the need for sustainable methods of construction and a greater supply of housing stock that is environmentally fit for the future.

 

Aiding the construction of a range of different housing types, NH3 covers low-rise and medium/high-rise dwellings through to specialist accommodation such as care homes. It will support public sector procurers to increase the use of modern methods of construction in their contracts and help to deliver low and net zero carbon homes with high levels of pre-manufactured value.

 

The framework will also create the opportunity for procurement teams to access a wider range of MMC solutions and suppliers, encouraging greater collaboration between suppliers and clients.

 

Dean Fazackerley, head of technical procurement at LHC, said:

 

“The NH3 framework will build on the success of NH2, which has so far enabled £93.5m-worth of projects with a total forecast value of £277m. It has contributed to the number of low-carbon, modern apartments and homes for housing associations and local authorities across the country, using modern methods of construction and offsite techniques to produce cheaper-to-heat homes for the communities they serve.”

 

Developments so far procured or delivered through NH2 include 400 units, currently being built across a four-year period by modular offsite construction specialists Rollalong, for Magna Housing Association and Wiltshire Council in the South West. In the London Borough of Bromley, the framework has also been used to deliver 25 one and two bedroom affordable apartments, as part of the ‘Bromley Homes for Bromley People’ programme. Among the environmental features incorporated in the build from Module-AR are PV panels and herb gardens.

 

Finally, NH2 has also delivered the award-winning Hope Rise scheme in Bristol, where 11 affordable, low-carbon apartments from Zed PODS have been installed as permanent living spaces for young workers and vulnerable households.

 

Dean Fazackerley added:

 

“NH3 will initially cover a range of MMC categories and features four distinct workstreams we hope will encourage both manufacturers and those that can deliver main contractor services for MMC to apply. We also hope SMEs will apply and take advantage of the opportunities available to them through this new framework.”

 

The four workstreams covered by the NH3 framework are:

 

  • Workstream 1 – Three-dimensional (3d) modular systems – category 1
  • Workstream 2 – Two-dimensional (2d) panelised systems – category 2
  • Workstream 3 – Main contractors delivering MMC solutions
  • Workstream 4 – Groundworks and site preparation for MMC housing projects

The deadline for applications to join the framework is 14 October 2022

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO APPLY

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SOLOHAUS MODULAR HOMES

Award winning house builder, The Hill Group, officially handed over the keys for eight SoloHaus to Dacorum Borough Council, the first council in Hertfordshire to make use of these purpose-built modular homes as follow-on accommodation for people who have previously experienced homelessness in the local area.

Rory Lowing, SoloHaus Project Manager of The Hill Group joined Cllr Alan Anderson from Dacorum Borough Council and Wendy Lewington from DENS charity for the official handover of the homes, providing much-needed safe and secure move on accommodation. One of the turnkey homes has been gifted by Hill, with the other seven funded by the council and a Government grant. Dacorum Borough Council also received support from BPM Project Management Ltd and Arcus Consulting on the project.

Cllr Alan Anderson, Dacorum Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Place, said: “Having a safe, comfortable, independent space is vital to helping those who have experienced homelessness to rebuild their lives and make the transition into more stable accommodation. These SoloHaus units provide us with a complete solution to supporting people who find themselves in this position and will make a real difference in our efforts to tackle homelessness in the borough. We are very grateful to Hill for their donation of an extra unit as part of this valuable partnership.”

Management of the homes will be undertaken through a partnership arrangement led by the Council with DENS, a local charity with a proven track record of supporting Dacorum residents to realise their aspirations for housing, skills development, employment and education.

The residents and homes at Hampton Close in Hemel Hempstead will be supported by DENS, the homeless charity for people in Dacorum. DENS do much more than just providing a roof and a bed for people in need, aiming to be the first port of call for people in Dacorum who are facing homelessness, poverty and social exclusion.

Wendy Lewington, CEO at DENS said: “These smart, modular homes will enable us to support even more people facing homelessness in Dacorum. DENS staff will be providing tailored advice and training to the residents so they can develop the skills, confidence and resilience to help rebuild their lives and take the next step into independent living”.

SoloHaus was developed as the housing solution to Hill’s Foundation 200, a £15m pledge to design, manufacture and donate 200 modular homes to local authorities and charities working in homelessness by 2025

The homes are specially designed, fully furnished and equipped for a single person to move straight into. Each modular home provides a sleek independent space and a safe, comfortable environment. The homes, which are built to last for at least 60 years, are highly energy efficient to keep costs low and are designed to Future Homes Standards, which exceeds building regulations for energy efficiency and sound insulation.

Andy Hill, Group Chief Executive at The Hill Group, said: “We are pleased to be working with Dacorum Borough Council to supply the first purpose-built modular homes in Hemel Hempstead.  We designed SoloHaus to aid vulnerable individuals with nowhere to call home and I am confident that this scheme will have an incredibly positive impact on many Dacorum residents, helping them to turn their lives around.”

SoloHaus units are manufactured in the West Midlands by Hill Group’s manufacturing partner Volumetric Modular prior to being delivered and installed on site. So far around 150 SoloHaus homes have been handed over to local authorities in the fight against homelessness.

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£7.5 million expansion project

MTX leads £7.5 million expansion project at Pinderfields Hospital

New MMC decant ward progressing in Wakefield, Yorkshire, with limited disruption to site

Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) healthcare specialist, MTX, is making great progress with its latest project at West Yorkshire’s Pinderfields Hospital. The £7.5 million MMC project will provide Pinderfields Hospital with a brand-new decant ward to relocate patients while essential remodelling and refurbishment work on main healthcare facilities take place.

 

Current NHS goals are to deliver approximately nine million more tests and checks by 2025. Decant wards are crucial to achieving these targets, as they increase capacity to undertake procedures and scans.

Pinderfields Hospital’s new decant ward will enable flexible operation, allowing for the renovation of state-of-the-art units. These are designed to deliver more modern healthcare and will provide vital upgrades to services, ultimately improving the patient experience whilst also increasing capacity and reducing backlog pressures on the NHS.

 

The first phase of the project is well underway, with the onsite groundworks and foundation stages of the Critical Care Unit decant ward nearing completion. When complete, this will include a re-provided room, donning and doffing areas for hospital staff, and a bariatric care unit. Off-site, the main building modules are under construction and are due to be installed from the end of September 2022.

The second phase of the project is due to commence 15 months after the completion of phase one. This phase involves converting the open critical care ward into four-bed wards and the donning and doffing areas into single bedrooms to increase capacity across the ward.

 

Thanks to the combined experience and hard work of the MTX team and external design consultants, together they have already overcome a multitude of challenges – mainly owing to the brownfield nature of the site. The team responded to the changing ground conditions by evolving the foundation design of the project, with minimal impact or disruption to the site.

The fully compliant MMC build is reducing construction times by up to 50 per cent and wastage by up to 60 per cent, whilst still delivering high standards. The project will support the Trust’s requirements for limited disruption and speed of delivery and allow the hospital to continue its operations throughout the works.

 

Jonathan Leech, Project Lead at MTX, commented: “We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Pinderfields Hospital, to showcase our flexible and multifunctional MMC solutions. The decant ward will assist in both developing and renovating new hospital wards. Additionally, this will relieve pressure on existing facilities to help increase capacity, ease the backlogs, and shorten delays for operations, treatments and screenings. We could not do this without the support of everyone involved in the project and their continuing hard work’’.

 

For more information about MTX Contracts, visit: www.mtx.co.uk

 

THE SUMMER ISSUE OF MMC MAGAZINE IS NOW AVAILABLE TO READ ONLINE

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