Work has been completed on an innovative modular housing scheme in Grantham, Lincolnshire
Contractor G F Tomlinson has completed works on the modular housing scheme, delivered for South Kesteven District Council.
The project was procured through the Scape Regional Construction framework and comprises two modular housing developments valued at a total of £2.1m, which will provide critical social housing to meet the current requirements of the local authority.
Works commenced at the two developments – Kinoulton Court and Earlesfield Lane – late last year and the plots were completed in summer.
The 2,200 sq ft Earlesfield development comprises a block of four one-bedroom semi-detached apartments and Kinoulton Court is a 5,400 sq ft housing development comprising 10 one-bedroom apartments split into two blocks.
Construction works
Delivered by lorry to site, the houses were fitted onto prepared foundations which include functioning pipe works and electrics.
Works on both South Kesteven plots involved clearance of the sites – as Earlesfield was a small car park and Kinoulton Court, underutilised land.
Prior to the installation of the modular units by supply chain partners, Premier Modular Ltd, a full enabling groundworks package was required for each plot with foundations, drainage and a protective ground gas membrane.
The homes were then roofed and cladded on-site, before external works were undertaken to each property including fenced boundaries, landscaped gardens, carparking and footpaths.
External elevations were fitted with insulation and brick slips, and all internal finishes were completed by Premier Modular including UPVC glazing, mechanical and electrical works, plastering, decorations, flooring and commissioning.
The traditional timber truss roofs and slate tiling was completed on site due to restrictions with transporting overly large modular building sections through the narrow residential streets.
‘Facilitating fundamental need for social housing’
Craig Stopper, framework manager at G F Tomlinson, said: “We are pleased to have delivered this critical modular housing scheme in the region, to facilitate the fundamental need for social housing for South Kesteven District Council.
“The modular housing plots were completed on-time and to a high standard which is a testament to our project teams and local supply chain partners, who have quickly adapted to the new guidelines which have been introduced as a result of the pandemic, to ensure safe working and social distancing on site.
“We are certainly seeing an increase in the demand for modular construction as an energy efficient, comprehensive solution for social housing, that provides high-quality, affordable, easily accessible and adaptable accommodation.
“As modular sites are relatively unaffected by environmental delays such as bad weather – less logistical transport is required for materials which is more environmentally friendly and generates less waste.”
Mark Robinson, Scape Group chief executive, added: “The UK’s housing shortage needs to be addressed with speed and efficiency, so it’s exciting to see G F Tomlinson and South Kesteven District Council using our Regional Construction framework and innovative modular construction methods to do just that.
“We take great pride in helping them to deliver a regional first strategy that will be of huge benefit to local communities.”
