Prefabricated house factories
In December 2016, it was announced that the China National Building Material Company (CNBM) would build six prefabricated house factories in the UK, producing 25,000 low-energy homes a year by 2022.
CNBM has agreed to a £2.75 billion joint venture with Your Housing Group (YHG), a leading housing association, and Welink, a renewable energy supplier, to benefit from the rising demand for affordable rented housing. Also involved are Barcelona Housing Systems, a Spanish home manufacturer who will supply the necessary technology for the factories.
The six factories will produce panelised components for residential developments using British light gauge steel framing. Welink has announced that the houses will be ‘at least 75% off-grid’, with solar power and energy efficient design.
£2.5bn will be invested in the venture by CNBM, while YHG will provide £250 million, with more than a thousand people employed in the factories, which have yet to be sited.
The UK government have reacted enthusiastically to the news, believing it will help in the delivery of its 1 million new homes by 2020 target.
Greg Hand, International Trade Minister, said:
“This is a clear endorsement of the UK’s attractiveness as a place for inward investment. This announcement has the potential to benefit local communities across the country, creating jobs, boosting local economies and creating homes.”
The first scheme, in Liverpool, is expected to receive planning permission early in 2017, and five pilot schemes will deliver 2,000 homes during the year. Eventually the joint venture hopes to do deals with other local authorities and housing associations, developing local supply and delivery chains.
Ajmal Rahman, chairman of Welink Group, said:
“Our partnership comes at a time when the UK’s housing shortfall is only going to be addressed by radical innovation in building practices which opens the way for modular housing.
“This joint venture will give a significant kick-start to delivering the new homes people need across the UK which includes helping to address fuel poverty issues through our incorporated solar and energy efficient design – meaning our developments can be at least 75% off-grid. Furthermore, British produced light gauge steel framing will help keep our carbon footprint to a minimum.”
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
The Building Safety Forum at the Installershow 2025
With speakers confirmed for 24 June as part of Building Safety Week.
The UK’s largest air pollution campaign.
Future Homes Standard, now includes solar, but what else?
Will the new standard, due to in the Autumn, go far enough in terms of performance ?
BSRIA Briefing: Cleaner Air, Better tomorrow
A look back at issues relating to inside and outside air quality, discussed during the BSRIA briefing in 2023.
Restoring Abbotsford's hothouse
Bringing the writer Walter Scott's garden to life.
Reflections on the spending review with CIAT.
Retired firefighter cycles world to raise Grenfell funds
Leaving on 14 June 2025 Stephen will raise money for youth and schools through the Grenfell Foundation.
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.