New housebuilding targets introduced this week by the new UK government have been welcomed by insulation specialist Actis
Actis UK and Ireland sales director Mark Cooper says if it achieves its housebuilding commitment to deliver 1.5m new homes during the current parliament and overhaul the planning system it will help ease the housing crisis, boost the construction industry and create new jobs, as well as helping create energy efficient homes for current and future generations.
And he says one element, in addition to reforming the National Planning Policy Framework, which will make a positive impact on ensuring the target is met is to build more offsite constructed homes, which can be built up to 30% more quickly than traditional brick and block.
“This will ensure we can deliver much-needed homes at a faster rate and using fewer man hours per unit,” he explained.
Actis products are tailored to offsite production
Mark, whose company works with many timber frame manufacturers as well as traditional block and brick builders, explained: “The speed with which such homes can be built has two-fold benefits – accelerating the delivery of much-needed new homes, while at the same time addressing the shortage of skilled workers to build them.
“Additionally, quality is far better controlled, and these timber frame homes can be thermally superb, cutting carbon emissions and saving money and resources.”
Actis, whose Hybrid insulation, vapour control layer and breather membrane system is a popular choice for timber frame manufacturers, is a long-time champion of offsite production.
Enabling swift housebuilding with speedy insulation installation
“Elements such as wiring, plumbing and insulation take place offsite, in the factory. Our insulation systems take between 25 and 50% less time to install than traditional alternatives, which all helps to speed up the process,” said Mark.
“The site crew ‘just’ has to erect everything in the right order with a typical build time of between seven and 12 days, depending on the size of house.
“As well as helping provide much-needed homes for so many people, this move will offer an excellent incentive for people to consider a career in construction,” he added.
