Housing association L&Q is developing its offsite ambitions with the launch of its own modern methods of construction strategy
L&Q has announced plans to deliver all of its new build homes using some form of own modern methods of construction (MMC) by 2025.
In March L&Q will launch its first range of pre-built product designs including bathroom units and balconies, which will then be produced next year. Later in the Spring, it will build its first offsite manufactured homes outside of London.
By 2025, L&Q plans for all of its new builds to feature some aspect of modern methods of construction, and by 2028 it aims to place its first entirely offsite manufactured home on a site.
Fiona Fletcher-Smith, L&Q’s Group Director of Development, said: “To achieve large volumes of building, while still maintaining quality, we needed to innovate. Offsite offers a world of exciting possibilities – faster build programmes, improved build quality, tackling the skills shortage and reduced project costs.
“Some people get nervous when they hear a part of their home has been built in a factory. But it actually guarantees better quality, because these are better environments for assembling and building in than the harsh outdoor climate. Ultimately, we believe this will be better for our customers. Their homes will be better quality, more cost effective, built faster whilst still holding the benefits of traditionally built homes.”
For the last year, L&Q has also put together an expert team with some of the best and brightest consultants in architecture, engineering and construction to tackle the age-old question: Can offsite technology achieve quantity AND quality?
Wayne Hill, L&Q’s Construction Services Director, said: “The findings of the group were very positive and helped develop an approach that can utilise the efficient benefits of MMC whilst retaining the flexibility of traditional construction approaches. This has now formed the basis of L&Q’s phased roadmap towards fully integrated MMC build solutions.
“This approach to working between client, consultant and supplier is encouraging peer-to-peer learning, trust and bridging the gaps that exist in construction and design, with outputs that will contribute to improvements in the quality and volume of homes we deliver.”
