Modular homes at two retirement living courts in Shrewsbury and Brighouse have been rolled-out by not for profit housing and care provider, Housing 21
The new modular homes mark a step forward in an in-filling approach which provides much-needed housing by utilising existing space and minimising disruption to neighbouring residents.
The offsite construction project has taken place on land owned by Housing 21 at Richard Onslow Court and Ward Court.
Housing 21 worked with construction firm, M-AR Off-Site Ltd and Henry Riley LLP consultants to build the two developments of one-bedroom apartments and bungalows specifically for people over the age of 55.
Siobhan Moore, director of development at Housing 21, said: “We are delighted to see these new properties at courts where local authorities expressed a need for more retirement housing in the area.
“Modular construction allowed us to fill these requirements quickly and efficiently whilst maintaining the high level of quality our residents expect.
“Our site at Richard Onslow Court had little room for parking, site logistics and works. Using modern construction methods, elements such as plumbing and electrics were able to be fitted and installed off-site reducing the amount of time on-site and disruption to residents in the existing properties at the court.”
The modular homes at the Housing 21 courts are complete with kitchens and shower rooms and were transported by road before being lifted into position where external finish and roof construction took place.
Ryan Geldard, head of operations at M-AR Off-Site, commented: “Bungalows are an offering that has not traditionally been delivered in an offsite way. So, for us, we had to challenge a lot of convention to make this work.
“Construction is nothing without ensuring that the built environment, and the social value of what we do as an industry, actually generates some benefit. So being able to provide a quiet, safe, warm home for people to move into, is something that all our team get genuinely excited about.
“To look at it, you wouldn’t see that there was anything different to what a normal building would be but ultimately that building’s now becoming a home for people to retire into and get some assisted living. That’s something that really strikes a chord with what we’re trying to achieve as a business”
Dan Macpherson, senior associate at Henry Riley LLP consultants, added: “The adoption of light gauge steel frame modular construction on the two projects delivered all of the perceived benefits that this form of construction brings: 60% saving on programme, minimal disruption to existing residents as well as adjacent properties and school, high quality and reduction in waste driven from a factory controlled environment and adoption of innovative construction methodologies and materials.”
