BSRIA supports plans for 100,000 off-site homes
On 31 October 2016, BSRIA gave its support to the announcement that volumetric off-site constructed homes will be part of the solution to the housing crisis.
An article in the Sunday Telegraph on 29 October 2016, suggested that more than 100,000 modular homes may be created and that a white paper will be published including measures to encourage banks to lend to firms fabricating homes off-site. The Telegraph wrote that housing minister Gavin Barwell had confirmed the Government sees a “huge opportunity” in manufacturers building houses off-site.
These off-site constructed homes will be built in a factory then transported to site by lorry and craned onto shallow foundations. Fast to build, and at an estimated £50,000 per ‘cube’, giving a rent of £148 per week, it is argued that these homes will be both quicker to deliver and more affordable than traditional buildings.
Unlike post-war ‘prefab’ buildings, it is suggested that these new homes will be modern, spacious, comfortable, and eco-friendly, and that residents will have their own front door and entrance space.
Lynne Ceeney, Technical Director at BSRIA, said: “Off-site manufacture is not a new method of construction, and many high-end homes such as those manufactured by HufHaus are popular and reliable. The move towards volume production of good quality, more affordable off-site manufactured homes is very welcome, with the associated increased rate in housing output offering an essential contribution to help young professionals, key workers and those starting their careers to get a foot on the housing ladder.
“It is good to see the industry taking steps towards off-site and advanced manufacturing techniques. As well as providing more housing, off-site manufacture can provide better working conditions for construction workers, shorter time on site, and improved environmental performance in the construction process. Since the construction is more standardised and controlled than on-site construction, it enables innovative techniques to be rolled out more quickly.
“Having a central construction base also enables the training and upskilling of workers and retention of a regular workforce, all of which will help address the ever increasing industry skills shortage.”
Legal & General, Laing O’Rourke and architects Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners and ZEDfactory are currently investing in plans to deliver major off-site housing programmes.
--BSRIA
[edit] Find out more:
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- British post-war mass housing.
- Custom build home.
- Design for deconstruction, BRE modular show house.
- Design for deconstruction.
- Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA).
- Kit house.
- Modern methods of construction.
- Modular buildings.
- Off-site prefabrication of buildings: A guide to connection choices.
- Prefabrication.
- Self build home.
- Structure relocation.
- WikiHouse.
- Y:Cube development in Mitcham.
- Y:Cube.
Featured articles and news
One of the most impressive Victorian architects. Book review.
RTPI leader to become new CIOB Chief Executive Officer
Dr Victoria Hills MRTPI, FICE to take over after Caroline Gumble’s departure.
Social and affordable housing, a long term plan for delivery
The “Delivering a Decade of Renewal for Social and Affordable Housing” strategy sets out future path.
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
The proposed publicly owned and backed subsidiary of Homes England, to facilitate new homes.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.