Innovate UK has awarded funding for the Enabling Housing Innovation for Inclusive Growth project which will trial innovative methods of housebuilding in Bristol
The project is a partnership led by YTKO between Bristol City Council, the Bristol Housing Festival, the Building Research Establishment (BRE), and nine modular housing companies.
The Enabling Housing Innovation for Inclusive Growth project will run for 18 months across nine developments in Bristol, trialling nine different Modern Methods of Construction (MMC).
The project will also deliver a digital toolbox which other local authorities can use to help improve the speed of housing delivery across the country.
By trialling innovative methods of housebuilding, the project aims to improve the speed, cost and social value of nearly £78m of housing set to be built in the city over the next five years.
It will enable Bristol City Council and its partners to examine how using MMC can help to cut the costs of housing production and increase the speed of delivery.
Innovative ways of delivering homes
Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, said: “Building enough affordable housing is one of the biggest challenges we face across the country, and as a city we are not afraid to explore innovative ways of delivering better value, high quality, homes.
“This project is only possible thanks to the collaboration of our many partners across the housing sector. I would like to thank everyone who played a part in securing this funding, and I am looking forward to seeing what exciting developments come forward as a result.”
Phil Stott, head of construction and sustainability at YTKO, commented: “Having the opportunity to lead such an exciting and innovative partnership is very exciting for YTKO.
“We’ve been delivering construction projects in Bristol for years and working with the council to unlock MMC innovation is an important step to overcoming the UK housing crisis.
“Jobs for local people, lower energy costs, quicker builds and more affordable housing are all possible thanks to this funding from Innovate UK.”
One of the nine modular housing company’s, Deborah Smyth, owner and CEO of Tempohousing UK and Ireland, said: “Tempohousing provides high quality, modular homes used for both private and social housing.
“We’re proud to be part of this partnership and excited to have the opportunity to demonstrate our offsite construction methods in Bristol. “
“Our role is to produce a light weight module utilising a special aerated concrete and an extremely durable, non-flammable and attractive façade system with an A1 fire class.
“We also use a hybrid solar system that integrates with a grid comprised of a lithium ion battery back-up. Smart meter-controlled power generation with smart distribution for the homes. With this we can control power distribution from either solar, battery or grid.”
The Enabling Housing Innovation for Inclusive Growth project will run for 18 months.
