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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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Sano hosting CPD webinars on hybrid and offsite MMC solutions

With the UK government’s housing targets setting an ambitious tone, we are responding to the sector’s growing need for sustainable, efficient construction methods by hosting a series of CPD webinars on hybrid and offsite solutions
The webinar series will allow professionals to deepen their understanding of how hybrid construction methods can help achieve these goals, surpassing even the strictest Passivhaus standards.

“Professionals in the construction sector are constantly learning, adapting to emerging technologies and seeking methods to streamline their work while meeting regulatory standards,” says DJ, co-founder of Sano.

“Our CPD webinars aim to empower stakeholders by offering practical insights into not only how the M-Dock system can make a tangible difference in housebuilding but also how hybrid and offsite solutions can support housing and sustainability targets.”

The hour-long sessions, running every Wednesday lunchtime until 27 November 2024, will cover various topics, including balancing offsite and on-site techniques, the integration of pods and modules into residential builds and the commercial benefits of adopting innovative systems like M-Dock.

By participating, attendees will enhance their industry knowledge and gain actionable strategies to meet housing demands.

The format encourages interaction and real- world application, allowing professionals to walk away with a clearer understanding of how innovation can help them reach their goals. M-Dock’s hybrid approach – combining 2D panels and 3D pods manufactured in a controlled factory setting with on-site constructed elements – addresses the unique demands of housebuilding while providing solutions to cut costs and increase efficiency.

In an industry that thrives on building connections and sharing knowledge, these webinars offer a platform for learning and discussion.

They will also allow participants to network, share experiences, ask questions, and understand how offsite and on-site construction can work together to achieve better faster results.

Sano’s CPD webinars are open to anyone in the housebuilding ecosystem eager to transform their approach to construction.

By attending, professionals will gain the skills and insights needed to adopt more efficient practices that save time and money and drive the industry towards a more sustainable future.

To register your interest and select your preferred date for attendance, click here.

Source: PBC Today

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M-AR and Biffa waste no time tackling waste reduction

   

M-AR Offsite has partnered with Biffa, the UK’s leading sustainable waste management company, to ensure all waste generated through its manufacturing and construction operations is reused or recycled.

Through the partnership M-AR is refreshing its current waste management programme with the aim of diverting 100 per cent of its waste from landfill. The new Biffa skips in place around M-AR’s factory have clear signage as well as being colour coded to help visually identify what waste goes in which skip. It also creates a clear central focal point for waste management in the factory, which along with M-AR’s newly appointed ‘Waste Champions’, is designed to maximise take-up among staff.

Tom Malcom and Jamie Leckenby, who are both part of M-AR’s internal logistics team, nominated themselves to be M-AR’s first ‘Waste Champions’. The role involves educating the team and communicating policy changes to the whole production team. They will both receive specialist training and support from Biffa to appreciate the benefits of segregating waste effectively.

M-AR has also invested in upgrading its internal bins, moving away from the plastic 1100ltr bins which can easily become damaged, to a more robust steel tipper skip. As well as being more durable and therefore safer, these will also vastly reduce the number of trips previously required to load onto fork lift trucks and dispose waste into larger skips.

Working in partnership like this will see Biffa and M-AR collaborate on future waste reduction initiatives to implement within the business. M-AR will also be able to accurately report on waste volumes and disposals to track ongoing progress and understand where changes may need to be made to the process through its own online Biffa portal. The signage boards placed around the factory, as well as acting as prominent reminders about segregation of waste materials, will be used to provide feedback to the factory from the data collated from the Biffa portal.

Dan Lowther, head of procurement and supply chain at M-AR said:

“While this first phase covers waste management specifically relating to our manufacturing facility in Hull, our ultimate aim is to roll the programme out to all our live construction sites across the UK. This step marks a significant improvement in the reduction of waste generated on construction sites which are typically harder to regulate than a controlled factory setting and will mean that we’re able to divert all waste material from landfill whether that’s generated in the factory or on site. Reducing our waste materials to zero is a key part of our ongoing commitment to achieving net zero status as a company and reducing the embedded carbon of the modules we manufacture and install.”

 

Shaun Williams from Biffa’s commercial team in Humberside, added:

“We know recycling and sustainable waste management is extremely important to companies of all sizes, so we’re delighted to be working with the team at M-AR to bring our knowledge and skills to drive sustainability at their factory.

“Small steps can make a big difference, and recycling more waste means there’s less consumption of raw materials and fewer carbon emissions, which all contributes to the UK’s effort to achieve net zero.”

For more information call 01482 635 081

CLICK HERE to email M-AR

OR HERE to visit the M-AR website

 

 

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The Evolution of Off-Site Construction

Recent years have ushered in a remarkable shift in the construction industry, driven by the evolution of off-site construction. This innovative approach to building structures marks a paradigm change, involving the creation of individual components in a controlled factory environment before they are transported to the construction site for assembly. The surge in off-site construction presents a host of advantages compared to traditional building methods, including heightened efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and an enhanced focus on sustainability.

The Momentum Behind Off-Site Construction: 

The increasing momentum behind off-site construction originates from its exceptional capacity to streamline the building process. By fabricating components away from the construction site, projects can be completed at a remarkably accelerated pace in comparison to conventional methods. The controlled factory environment ensures superior precision and quality control, leading to a reduction in errors and the need for rework. Moreover, the simultaneous fabrication of components and on-site preparation significantly shortens the overall construction timeline. This accelerated process not only saves time but also minimizes disruptions to the local environment and communities. As a result, off-site construction has gained considerable traction across various sectors, such as residential, commercial, and healthcare, fundamentally reshaping architectural and construction practices.

Defining Off-Site Construction:

Off-site construction, also known as prefabricated or factory-built construction, is a pioneering technique that involves crafting building components away from the construction site, within a controlled factory setting. These components are then transported to the site and meticulously assembled to create a unified structure. The components are designed to fit together seamlessly, ensuring a swift and cohesive assembly process.

A central characteristic of off-site construction lies in the standardization and replication of components. Each component is meticulously crafted following standardized processes, ensuring uniform quality and dimensions. This standardized approach bolsters the efficiency of the manufacturing process, enabling large-scale production of components that can be duplicated across different projects. The components are meticulously designed to adhere to specific dimensions and specifications, enabling adaptability within the broader architectural design.

The Advantages of Off-Site Construction:

Off-site construction offers an array of benefits that make it an enticing option for a multitude of construction projects. Above all, it provides unparalleled cost-effectiveness. By harnessing the efficiency of factory production, off-site construction reduces labor costs and minimizes material wastage. It is an enticing selection for engineering and construction Chicago. The standardized procedures and repetitive nature of component manufacturing allow for economies of scale, translating to reduced overall project costs. This financial advantage makes off-site construction particularly appealing to cost-conscious clients and developers, empowering them to achieve their construction objectives while optimizing their financial resources.

Moreover, off-site construction offers an exceptional level of flexibility and adaptability. The use of standardized components facilitates easy customization and modification, enabling clients to tailor the design and layout of structures to meet specific requirements. Whether for residential, commercial, or industrial projects, off-site construction allows for efficient scalability and future expansion. This adaptability is especially advantageous for engineering firms in Chicago, empowering them to effectively respond to evolving client needs and market dynamics, while maintaining the highest standards of quality and precision.

In summary, the manifold benefits of off-site construction, spanning cost-effectiveness and adaptability, position it as a compelling choice for engineering firms in Chicago and beyond. Its capacity to deliver efficient, sustainable, and tailored architectural solutions establishes off-site construction as a leading force within the construction industry, redefining how projects are envisioned, executed, and brought to fruition.

Prioritizing Sustainability:

In an era where environmental sustainability is of paramount importance, off-site construction emerges as a solution deeply aligned with green building practices. This construction approach boasts an array of sustainable advantages that collectively contribute to reducing the ecological footprint. The controlled factory environment where components are crafted fosters optimized resource management. Through precise material calculations and minimized waste generation, off-site construction conserves valuable resources, including materials, water, and energy.

Furthermore, off-site construction facilitates the integration of sustainable technologies and practices. The standardized design and manufacturing process enable the incorporation of energy-efficient systems, such as renewable energy sources, smart building technologies, and energy-saving insulation. Additionally, the prefabrication of components within a factory setting reduces on-site disruptions and minimizes construction-related pollution, including noise and air pollution. The diminished need for transportation during construction further reduces carbon emissions.

Enhancing Safety and Efficiency Through Off-Site Construction: 

Off-site construction, also known as prefabricated or modular construction, has proven to be an effective means of enhancing safety and efficiency in the building industry. One of the primary advantages of off-site construction is the controlled environment in which components are manufactured. This controlled setting minimizes the risk of accidents and injuries by eliminating common on-site hazards, such as adverse weather conditions and worksite accidents. Workers can operate in a safer environment, adhering to strict safety protocols and standards.

Furthermore, the prefabrication process in off-site construction allows for increased efficiency throughout the entire construction project. The simultaneous manufacturing of components and on-site site preparation significantly reduces the overall construction timeline. The components can be manufactured in parallel with site work, ensuring a streamlined construction schedule. This optimized workflow minimizes downtime and enhances productivity, resulting in quicker project completion. Moreover, the precision and quality control achieved in the factory setting reduce errors and rework, further enhancing efficiency and minimizing delays.

In Conclusion: 

The ascent of off-site construction, underscored by its potential to elevate safety, optimize efficiency, and provide adaptable solutions, positions it as an enticing choice for an array of projects. From residential structures to commercial complexes, engineering firms in Chicago and beyond have embraced the promise encapsulated in off-site construction, harnessing its potential to meet evolving client needs while delivering top-tier, sustainable structures.

As the construction industry continues to embrace innovation, off-site construction stands as a testament to the transformative power of alternative construction methods. Its positive impact on timelines, budgets, and environmental considerations paves the way for an approach to architectural design and construction that is more streamlined, sustainable, and forward-looking.

 

Source: INSC

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US RESEARCHES OFFSITE CONSTRUCTION

HUD Announces Research Grant Opportunity to Study Off-site Construction and Land Use Reforms

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has released a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) to build the evidence base to accelerate the adoption of innovative and effective practices and policies to increase the production and supply of quality, affordable housing.

The NOFO provides up to $4 million to (1) assess the potential for off-site construction methods to increase housing supply, lower the cost of construction and/or reduce housing expenses for low- and moderate-income owners and renters; and (2) study how reforms to local zoning and other land-use regulations can increase the supply of quality, affordable housing and expand housing choices and opportunities for low- and moderate-income households. Proposals are due on August 1st.

“In recent decades, housing supply simply has not kept up with demand, which has driven up housing costs and limited affordable housing options for low- and moderate-income families. However, the housing supply shortage has also inspired pro-housing policy reforms at the state and local levels and new attention to alternative construction methods,” said Solomon Greene, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research. “The goal of this research is to better understand which of these reforms and innovations are most effective at producing new affordable housing and what are the conditions for success.”

This NOFO is the latest in HUD’s effort to support researchers, community residents, practitioners, and policymakers to work together to unleash the housing supply.

  • This NOFO builds upon the research needs that are identified in the Off-site Construction for Housing: Research Roadmap, which can help overcome the barriers and challenges of off-site construction.
  • In June, HUD hosted the Innovative Housing Showcase on the National Mall, featuring new building technologies and housing solutions, focusing on off-site construction making housing more innovative, resilient, and affordable for American families.
  • In April, HUD released a Policy & Practice brief to summarize the effects of restrictive land use policies on housing supply, location, and affordability, as well as highlight reforms that state and local governments can adopt to increase the supply of housing.
  • In April, HUD announced a research grant to Cornell University to study the impacts of zoning in the largest cities in the United States.
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Offsite Speeds up £35m Hospital Construction

The long-awaited new £35m hospital for Berwick is being built one year quicker than traditional construction methods would take.

Work is well underway on the new hospital at manufacturing specialist Merit’s its offsite manufacturing factory in Cramlington.

Marion Dickson, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Trust’s executive director for nursing, midwifery and allied health professionals and project lead said:

“We’re very impressed with Merit’s offsite manufacturing capabilities which can fortunately bypass any bad weather and provide quicker solutions to the build of our new hospital.

“Our new hospital will not only provide high quality healthcare well into the future but will also provide a much-improved environment for our staff and patients, enable additional services to be provided and support staff recruitment and retention.

“It will be something that Berwick, Northumberland, and the North East, can be very proud of.”

The factory was recently visited by Berwick MP Anne-Marie Trevelyan and Blyth Valley MP Ian Levy.

They were able to view the start of the build of the 800+ pre-assembled modules (PAMs) and 17 UltraPODs® that will be delivered to site to form part of the state-of-the-art building.

The parliamentarians also received a demonstration of Merit’s factory robot, just one of the Industry 4.0 initiatives in progress along with computer numerical control (CNC) technology, automation and digitalisation.

Merit’s approach also offers a zero carbon emissions-design, class leading lower energy consumption, enhanced infection control and is technically enabled for the future of health care.

Ms Trevelyan said:

“It’s really exciting to see the work being done on Berwick’s new hospital and it’s amazing that this area of the country will be the first to benefit from this modern solution to healthcare.”

Tony Wells, CEO at Merit, added:

“We are delighted to be working closely with Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Northumbria Healthcare Facilities Management (NHFM) to build the new Berwick hospital which will be completed by late 2024.

“It was great to welcome Rt Hon Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP and Ian Levy MP to our factory to show them the work being done on the region’s newest hospital and to explain how different manufacturing processes are being used to improve productivity.

“We believe that on a larger scale, this solution will bring affordability to the NHS with hospitals being built significantly faster with cost certainty.”

The hospital trust recently announced a number of upcoming changes to inpatient care as groundworks progress.

A new temporary ward for inpatients is being installed in the maternity car park to ensure that the new hospital opens on schedule towards the end of 2024.

The relocated 10-bed inpatient ward, which will have all the facilities and access that the existing one does, will admit inpatients from around mid-July.

Some patients that would usually be admitted to Berwick Infirmary will be cared for at Alnwick Infirmary and the trust will also care for as many patients as it can within the community.

Where a patient is cared for will depend on their clinical need and Northumbria Healthcare will provide transport for patients and relatives as appropriate.

Maternity, oncology, ambulatory care and minor injury unit services will remain within the Berwick Infirmary building and will not be affected. This will only affect patients being admitted to the infirmary.

 

Source: Northumberland Gazette

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THE OFFSITE GUIDE, LAUNCH

The Offsite Guide – A Revolutionary One-Stop Resource for Modern Methods of Construction (MMC).

 

Launched in January 2023 The Offsite Guide is the first B2B marketplace in the UK and Europe for MMC – a platform for businesses to explore options for using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and interact with specialist manufacturers.

As a marketplace TOG facilitates engagement between key market participants and drives awareness of the many benefits of MMC including more efficient production, economies of scale and repeatability. In doing so it provides a central point of reference for product variety, availability, & pricing specification. Crucially, it provides a platform for direct communication between a wide range of providers and their potential customers in this fragmented market.

For TOG Partners, listing MMC case studies & solutions on the Offsite Guide marketplace is a cost-effective method for manufacturers to bring in targeted traffic. Partners listings can easily be found under various search categories that can subtlety hand off and complement other marketing channels in the marketeer’s toolbox. Listing as a partner will also assist the partner company’s own website SEO ranking in an effective and cost-efficient way.

The Offsite Guide – A Revolutionary One-Stop Resource for Modern Methods of Construction (MMC).

 

Launched in January 2023 The Offsite Guide is the first B2B marketplace in the UK and Europe for MMC – a platform for businesses to explore options for using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and interact with specialist manufacturers.

As a marketplace TOG facilitates engagement between key market participants and drives awareness of the many benefits of MMC including more efficient production, economies of scale and repeatability. In doing so it provides a central point of reference for product variety, availability, & pricing specification. Crucially, it provides a platform for direct communication between a wide range of providers and their potential customers in this fragmented market.

 

“At The Offsite Guide we attract and facilitate early interaction with customers, allowing manufacturers of commercial and domestic modular buildings and offsite solutions to showcase a range of their products & help educate potential customers. We provide a trusted platform not only for showcasing offsite construction, but also to facilitate initial dialogue and ongoing interaction between customers, manufacturers and MMC suppliers.” Ingrid Orbie – Director

THE OFFSITE GUIDE

 

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Rail-based flow production of modular homes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Derek P. Clark, co-owner and founder of LOSCYO GmbH, Bielefeld, Germany

An innovative solution for offsite construction puts the building units onto rail-based platforms. The system requires minimal power. The rails are installed flush with the floor and create no barriers on the shopfloor. This enables efficient factory-line production with determined cycle times.

Modular or 3D volumetric construction has triggered a surge in innovation in the construction industry. Improving on conventional prefabrication, which is mostly limited to standardised wall and floor panels, modular construction raises the ratio of works that can be completed in factories to 70% to 90%, depending on the design and the degree of sophistication and individualisation. This makes it an efficient alternative to conventional construction methods, and particularly expedient in light of coinciding deficits in affordable housing, building materials and skilled workers. According to official numbers, 300,000 additional housing units per year will be needed by the mid-2020s. Modular construction provides a reliable way to reduce planning and building time, effort and costs. In addition to individual homes, it is also an attractive solution for housing associations, cooperatives, and municipal developers, allowing them to provide new, high-quality housing in larger quantities within a reasonable timeframe. There are already several big players that specialise exclusively in modular building, covering various sizes from single detached homes to entire blocks of flats, as well as larger buildings for the commercial or public sector such as schools, kindergartens and office blocks.

One-piece flow production of modular homes

As most works are shifted from construction sites to a factory, logistics become of uttermost importance to productivity and efficiency. Following the example of automotive production lines, the spatial separation of individual crafts and construction steps along a production line is most efficient. Thereby, the manufacturing cycle can be clearly structured to run smoothly without collisions and with reliable, transparent material logistics ensuring that the tools and resources for each craft are always on hand when needed. The high proportion of standardised, pre-produced components reduces the need for skilled workers. While the construction of a conventional prefabricated house with onsite assembly of wall and floor panels takes several months, modular homes are completed in a matter of days in such production lines, with transport to the destination and erection also taking only a few days. Moving entire building modules through a factory requires suitable means of transport. The LOXrail system from German manufacturer LOSYCO, originally developed for the manufacturing industries, provides a robust and highly efficient intra-logistics solution for offsite construction. LOXrail tracks and networks can be adapted to individual plant layouts and ergonomically integrated with existing handling solutions such as overhead cranes, lifting platforms, conveyors, automated manipulators or robots.

Platforms for manual transport or featuring auxiliary drives are designed to individual requirements

 

Low-power ergonomic transport solution

The intra-logistics specialists at LOSYCO have already realised rail-based production lines for modular construction companies in Europe, the UK, the US and Dubai. The low-height transport platforms provide full access from all sides. Workers can step onto them and complete all necessary jobs as they would on the shopfloor. The tracks are laid flush with the floor and thus pose no obstacle for workers, carts or pallet jacks. The hardened steel wheels and round rails are shaped for minimal rolling friction. Bulky and heavy loads can be transported with minimal power, or even pushed by hand. The transport platforms are designed to the particular requirements of the customer. LOSYCO has implemented LOXrail transport solutions for modular housing units measuring up to 40 m² and weighing more than 20 tons. The rails are available in CF53 precision steel or stainless steel with 25 mm or 40 mm diameters for payloads up to 60 tons. The manufacturer offers various customisation options: single tracks or networks including cross-connections between production lines and different ways to power the transport platforms.

Streamlined production

The LOXrail system is an economic, low-maintenance and resilient transport solution that enables modular construction companies to fully utilise the potential of factory-line production. Offsite construction of 3D volumetric units means that almost all construction stages can be completed much more quickly, under repeatable, weather-independent conditions, reducing costs and saving resources and with continuous quality monitoring. Fully equipped modular homes manufactured in one-piece flow production eliminate the need for lengthy planning and elaborate design and coordination work at the construction site, while ensuring consistently high quality standards throughout all production phases. All jobs are seamlessly integrated in an efficient project schedule as almost the entire construction is carried out on the assembly line. Noise and pollution at the building site are also minimised – improving acceptance in the neighbourhoods. Compared to conventional construction methods, offsite construction is much more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. Modular construction of a typical semi-detached house, for example, can save around 20% more energy and 10% more CO2 per m² than required by the Building Regulations Guidance, Part L1A 2016. In addition, the use of modern construction and insulation materials has a positive effect on the building’s lifetime energy balance: heating costs can be reduced to as little as a third compared to existing solid buildings.

 

CLICK HERE TO EMAIL LOSYCO

 

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE LOSYCO WEBSITE

 

 

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Doubling in demand for offsite manufacturing services 

Polypipe Building Services sees a doubling in demand for offsite manufacturing services 

Following calls from the government for the greater use of offsite manufacture within public sector projects, drainage specialists Polypipe Building Services has seen a doubling in demand for its fabricated Advantage service in both new commercial buildings and within local authority residential tower blocks.

From 2020 to October this year the Kent-based has more than doubled production of its fabricated soil vent drainage pipes, and this increased demand has generated a growth within their fabrication team by 62% since 2016 as developers look to offsite construction to deliver more efficient, sustainable projects.

Adam Cafer, Advantage Technical Manager at Polypipe Building Services, said: “It’s well publicised that the construction sector is under pressure to deliver more sustainable solutions despite a backdrop of Brexit and a shortage of people and skills.

“As a result we are seeing changes coming through from architects and designers and onto the subcontractors we work with in how they deliver projects in order to meet the government targets for Net Zero.

“Now customers are looking at avoiding any unnecessary project waste which ends up in landfill, and offsite construction and fabrication meets this need because it offers greater precision.

“It also delivers greater cost predictability on projects, as our Advantage team provide bespoke design, cutting, assembling and pressure testing within our state-of-the-art facility.

“This allows contractors to make progress with a made to measure drainage system and also removes the need for specialist teams to be on site to install them.”

The Terrain brand of offsite fabricated drainage stacks at Polypipe Building Services have been used in more than 300 local authority high-rises, and are fast becoming the material of choice because of their speed and ease of installation as plastic is light to handle and easy to adapt to accommodate additional drainage connections and is also less likely to clog with waste product.

Adam added: “Judging on our growth so far, we anticipate offsite fabrication will become one of the fastest growing areas for us in the next couple of years.”

For more information about the Polypipe Building Services Advantage Service go to  www.polypipe.com/polypipeadvantage

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Transforming the Approach to Affordable Housing

New design guide to transform Scotland’s approach to affordable housing

A new catalogue of net zero carbon building designs could provide a significant boost to Scotland’s affordable housing sector, as part of a standardised approach for local authorities and housing associations to adopt across a range of future developments.

The energy-efficient design and performance standards have been created by the Edinburgh Home Demonstrator (EHD) programme. The catalogue covers different housing typologies, such as flats, houses and cottage flats, which combine fabric-first energy efficient standards, renewable energy technology, and modern methods of construction – also known as offsite manufacturing.

The £1m EHD programme – involving partners from the City of Edinburgh Council, Offsite Solutions Scotland, Edinburgh Napier University, the University of Edinburgh, Built Environment – Smarter Transformation (BE-ST) and Scottish Futures Trust – is trialling the new approach for high-performing affordable homes.

The first pilot project of the EHD in Granton includes the creation of 75 net zero carbon ready one, two and three-bed flats being constructed by offsite construction specialists, CCG (Scotland), and is funded by the Scottish Government’s Affordable Housing Supply Programme and the City of Edinburgh Council. The first homes designed using the performance standard are expected to be completed in the summer of 2023 and once occupied, will be monitored to test the approach in the guide.

With the new design and performance standards, the programme hopes to inform new build developments across the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal[1], providing a route map to net zero carbon homes that utilise offsite manufacturing. While the guide recommends common parts, including floorplans and zero gas heating systems, elements such as the external materials and appearance of homes can be customised to ensure buildings remain in keeping with local surroundings.

 

Ainslie McLaughin, Chair of the Edinburgh Home Demonstrator Programme Project Board, said:

“Our ambition is to reduce the carbon footprint of the housing sector by designing new homes that ultimately consume less energy. Affordable housing plays a significant role among many communities and we want to create homes that are better suited for future generations. The flats we are delivering in Granton will be highly energy efficient and will also encourage residents to make low carbon lifestyle choices in relation to services like transport and travel.

“A key output of the pilot project is the evidence we will collect on the performance of the homes. Not only will it inform the next stages of building work here in Edinburgh and the City Deal but it could also influence future designs and procurement practices across all of Scotland’s affordable housing.”

Sam Hart, Head of Modern Methods of Construction at BE-ST, said: “We are facing a climate emergency and need to rapidly transform all aspects of the built environment to reduce its carbon footprint. Compared to carrying out the majority of works on site, offsite manufacturing is proven to be more accurate and more efficient, while also reducing waste. This programme is helping to provide local authorities and developers with information about what zero carbon looks like in practice, as well as building evidence to support offsite specialists and other supply chain partners.”

Nicola Jackson, Chair of Offsite Solutions Scotland, added: “With advancing building performance requirements and increasing levels of technology required to be integrated in new homes to improve operational performance, we can better assure this is delivered through manufacturing homes in a controlled, dry factory environment to improve build quality. Offsite Solutions Scotland members have come together as a network of leading offsite timber manufacturing companies to deliver pilot projects as part of the Edinburgh Home Demonstrator programme. This will support the development of a new delivery model for net zero affordable homes using offsite manufacturing.”

 

CLICK HERE For more information

 

 

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