St. Modwen Homes has installed two new modular properties at its Victoria Park development in Stoke-on-Trent. The installation of the new homes, which were manufactured offsite by ilke Homes, marks the first time the multi-award winning housebuilder has delivered modular homes.
Following the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s (MCHLG) pledge to deliver 300,000 new homes per year through new build innovation, St. Modwen Homes spent half a year researching modern methods of construction and wanted to be one of the first housebuilders to utilise full, offsite volumetric modular houses at one of its developments.
There are a variety of benefits to using offsite construction methods compared to traditional building practices. One of the main benefits is that works can be completed a lot faster. In many cases, while onsite ground works are being completed, building modules are simultaneously manufactured in an offsite facility, which reduces the building programme from the outset. This decrease in build time can result in reduced labour costs and helps to create more programme certainty.
Building modular does not mean compromising on quality or an increase in building costs. In fact, modular buildings are often of a very high quality as a result of the stringent quality control and the factory environment in which the components are created. Innate long-term sustainability and environmentally friendly practices are also integrated throughout the entire manufacturing and build process, which enables forward-thinking, green construction.
Stewart Court, Design Manager at St. Modwen Homes, said: “Victoria Park was the ideal scheme for us to incorporate modular units, in that we identified where we wanted to build these homes early in the planning stage. This meant we were able to coordinate with ilke Homes in plenty of time to ensure the delivery of the modular units met with our build programme.
“Modular construction at St. Modwen Homes was certainly an exciting learning experience and gave us full insight into the processes, as well as how it can be integrated into a traditionally-built housing development. We see modular building as being a way of helping to tackle any potential skills shortages, whilst at the same time reacting to an increasing housing demand. Victoria Park is unique in that it will always be remembered as our first scheme to comprise modular homes.”
At Victoria Park, the six completed modules were delivered to site with windows and doors already pre-fitted and the internal fixtures and fittings installed. Once there, the modules were craned into position onto the foundations and were then connected to the prepared services, which helped to reduce the on site construction time.
Dave Smith, Managing Director at St. Modwen Homes, said: “We are proud to be one of the first housebuilders to use this innovative building method on one of our housing developments. As well as creating architecturally attractive homes, our new modular designs are aspirational spaces to build and enjoy life. Our homes prove that the cost-effective and speedy solutions offsite construction offers, in no way takes away from the quality of the final building. We are thrilled to welcome families to enjoy these innovative homes at Victoria Park.”
Dave Sheridan, Executive Chairman at ilke Homes, said: “It’s great to be working with a pioneering company such as St. Modwen Homes who are wholly committed to innovative methods of housebuilding. As a company, we’re spearheading the government’s ambition for the UK to become a world leader in modern methods of construction within the next decade – an industry which is forecasted to be worth over £165bn.
“Modern methods of construction will be vital in delivering high-quality, sustainable homes at pace. By taking manufacturing away from the building site, we’re able to bring our homes to the market twice as fast, meaning our clients and partners can access revenue streams far earlier.”
The two new, offsite constructed homes at Victoria Park are Benedict house types. The three-storey, four-bedroom homes include all the high-quality, recognised features that represent St. Modwen Homes including higher-than-average ceilings and large windows throughout to create bright open living spaces.
The four-bedroom Benedict homes boast an open kitchen, dining and living area, which is perfect for entertaining family and friends, and ideal for modern family living. The first floor provides three spacious bedrooms with a family bathroom, whilst the top floor is dedicated to the master bedroom with a built-in wardrobe and en-suite, creating a haven for relaxation and privacy.
Header image: Fiona Kent and Aurie Cox in front of the modular homes at St. Modwen Home’s Victoria Park development
