Modular housing company TopHat has handed over 20 affordable energy-efficient homes for Medway Council
The two-bedroom affordable homes were manufactured along production lines at TopHat’s South Derbyshire factory.
Once complete, the homes were transported to site and installed in a matter of days.
By taking the majority of the build stage offsite, TopHat was able to complete the scheme in half the time.
The use of TopHat’s innovative MMC solution has resulted in the 20 homes built having less embedded carbon than one traditionally built, masonry house.
Low-carbon technologies, such as solar panels, have been integrated into the design of the homes and will provide residents with clean, low-cost electricity.
Due to high levels of airtightness, the homes will achieve at least a ‘B’ Energy Performance Certificate rating – making them more energy-efficient than 92% of new-builds in the UK.
TopHat’s patented technology deployed at the company’s factory allows homes to be customised, meaning it maintains quality and speed of delivery without having identical towns up and down the country.
O’Keefe Construction carried out groundworks, while CAST acted as the project manager on the scheme.
All 20 of the affordable homes will be made available for affordable rent and operated by housing association mhs homes.
‘Diversify the supply of new affordable housing’
Andrew Shepherd, managing director at TopHat, said: “Through Homes England, the government has recognised the need to diversify the supply of new affordable housing for quite some time now.
“The scheme on White Road, delivered as part of our long-standing relationship with Medway Council, demonstrates the efficiencies our accredited method of delivery can afford clients – which span from developers, councils and housing associations.
“Climate change is an ever-present issue affecting much of Britain’s many industries. As a sector that contributes almost 40% to UK emissions, there is an urgent need for a step-change in the way the built environment delivers homes.
“Offsite manufacturing provides the housebuilding industry with the ability to significantly cut emissions.”
Leader of Medway Council, councillor Alan Jarrett, added: “I am pleased that these new affordable, modular homes have been completed. There is a huge demand for new houses in Medway and we remain committed to ensuring our residents have a great choice of both affordable and luxury homes.
“The White Road development showcases the triumphs of offsite manufacturing and it is pleasing that the homes have been built without producing significant carbon emissions.
“I wish residents all the best in their new homes.”
