Keepmoat has begun work on a new site for 300 new homes at Northstowe. The homes will be constructed using a closed panel timber frame technique
The building work will start at Stirling Fields after completing a Building Lease with Homes England. Housing stock will consist of one and two-bedroom apartments and a selection of two, three and four-bedroom houses.
Affordable housing will be available at Northstowe
A range of tenures is available across the 300 homes. In total, 60% of tenures are affordable, including affordable rent, discounted market sale, and traditional market sale schemes.
“Following the exchange of contracts on the project, we’re absolutely delighted that planning permission has been secured, and we can begin construction on Stirling Fields,” said Adam Knight, regional managing director and Keepmoat.
“It’s an honour to have the opportunity to contribute to one of England’s newest towns, particularly as it aligns so closely with our values in terms of sustainability, integrating modern methods of construction, and providing affordable homes to the people that really need them,” he continued.
The new homes will be constructed sustainably using closed panel timber frames
The development will support a low-carbon community lifestyle. The homes will be built using closed panel timber frame construction. The apartments will be constructed traditionally with brick and block cavity walling.
All housing stock has been designed in adherence with the Nationally Described Space Standard, using modern and sustainable construction methods.
“We’re pleased to have been selected as the provider of affordable homes within this part of Northstowe. We’re looking forwards to finalising the arrangements with Keepmoat Homes, including the purchase of a commercial unit which will provide almost 200 metres of business space below some of the affordable homes,” said South Cambridgeshire cabinet member for housing, Cllr John Batchelor.
It’s also hugely positive how ourselves, Keepmoat Homes and Homes England, have worked in partnership to deliver a unique product in the form of Northstowe discount market homes, which not only provide affordable housing but will also help us as a Council invest in more affordable homes in the future,” he continued.
Northstowe residents will have access to a town centre, community spaces, sports pavilions and a heritage building. Smart metres, solar panels, cycle lanes and electric vehicle charging stations will be installed to ensure sustainable living in the town.
I was thrilled to read about Keepmoat’s commencement of construction on closed-panel timber frame homes in Northstowe. This development marks an important step towards sustainable and efficient construction practices, offering numerous benefits to both homeowners and the environment.
The utilization of closed-panel timber frame homes showcases Keepmoat’s commitment to modern methods of construction (MMC) and their recognition of the advantages they bring. Closed-panel timber frames offer improved energy efficiency, reduced construction waste, and shorter construction times compared to traditional building methods. These benefits align with the growing demand for sustainable and affordable housing solutions.
Energy efficiency is a crucial aspect of modern construction, and closed-panel timber frame homes excel in this regard. The thermal performance of timber frames contributes to lower energy consumption and reduced carbon emissions, providing homeowners with increased comfort and potentially lower energy bills. By prioritizing energy efficiency, Keepmoat not only enhances the quality of living for residents but also contributes to a greener and more sustainable built environment.
Another significant advantage of MMC, as demonstrated by Keepmoat’s use of closed-panel timber frames, is the potential for reduced construction waste. Factory production of pre-cut and pre-insulated panels minimizes material waste on-site, leading to a more efficient and environmentally friendly construction process. This approach aligns with the principles of circular economy and sustainable resource management, further reducing the ecological footprint of the project.
Furthermore, the use of MMC techniques, such as closed-panel timber frames, can significantly expedite the construction timeline. The controlled manufacturing environment allows for concurrent site preparation and off-site production, reducing project completion times. This acceleration not only benefits homeowners by providing them with quicker access to affordable housing but also contributes to meeting the growing demand for housing in a timely manner.
I commend Keepmoat for embracing MMC and prioritizing sustainable construction practices. Their commitment to closed-panel timber frame homes in Northstowe sets a positive example for the industry, showcasing the potential for innovative construction methods to create energy-efficient and environmentally conscious housing solutions.