Build it off-site: Modular construction could be the answer...

In 2015, we heard Brandon Lewis claim that the government would build 1 million new homes between 2015 and 2020, before the pledge was quietly dropped after figures were falling hundreds of thousands short of yearly targets. The justification behind the initial proposal was to increase supply, satisfy demand and in turn, reduce prices. However, it is my opinion that we began to see corners cut, costs shaved and customers scathing, before parliament stepped back in to publicly tell off some of the big developers. Was the pledge too ambitious for traditional building methods?... Welcome, Modular Build.

I appreciate that this method has been around for a long time, but I was first introduced to the modular concept at Baker Barracks on Thorney Island, as I was asked to supply a Setting Out Engineer for Caledonian Modular. I went to scope out the project before selecting the engineer and I was greeted by Phil Griffiths [Senior Site Manager], who showed me around and explained how the concept works. I was blown away by the set up, design, execution, time-frames and ease that Phil projected as he described the three storey buildings (￡3.3m; 84 bedroom & 60 bedroom) that his team were going to be installing over the following weeks... yes, weeks.

Fast forward a few years later in my career and I was fortunate enough to be reunited with modular construction through one of the sectors' most credible players - Rollalong. In terms of the companies that I enjoyed working with the most, they are up there at the top, thanks to their passionate and welcoming project teams. All based on site, they would offer a great amount of time and respect in order to ensure that I understood the requirements, project specifications, culture and expectations. I remember being briefed on upcoming phases and projects as if I was one of their team and they would walk me around site, explaining the innovations in their products as well as the complexities that they were able to overcome as an experienced team.

Working with Rollalong was my opportunity to ask all of the questions that I had not thought of before and they spared no details in explaining what I perceived as economical superiority, in comparison to other methods. The time efficiency, the energy efficiency, the H&S efficiency... I believe that Rollalong are ahead of the game in some of these areas, but it is no wonder that we were seeing these prefabricated buildings on more and more public sector establishments (schools, hospitals, barracks etc.).

What about this rubix cube of a housing crisis though? - Why was modular construction not immediately implemented in the Government's plans to build 1 million houses in 5 years? Why were companies like Rollalong and Caledonian not being begged to take some of that contract?

We seem to have a solution that is cost effective, flexible in design, time effective, sustainable and energy efficient. Surely this is the future?... I found a new company called Vanbrugh Construction who certainly think so.

Vanbrugh Construction are a social enterprise, specialising in the supply & erection of steel-framed modular panels for use within the commercial and residential construction industry. I found myself speaking with their Director of Development, Nicola Clayton-Mewis, who said "Our mission is to provide more affordable homes for local communities, see fewer homeless people and to develop skills for those who want to make a difference, but have not been given an opportunity to do so."

Nicola went on to explain that she had left her role as Head of the Crown Court Department to pursue what she believes is the future of our economy, and in doing so, they have even managed to create roles for people who find it most challenging (similar to Timpson's inspiring model).

"Our properties are erected to roof height within hours and those on site gain valuable work experience. We work with unemployed, unskilled and those within the criminal justice system" all thanks to a simple and fast construction process

What I have learned over working with, and speaking with modular specialists is that the benefits are undeniable. To name a few that stand out for me:

1. They can reduce the risk of weather-related issues (particularly mould) because they are built in a controlled environment
2. The design capabilities of these companies are extraordinary, contrary to popular misconceptions.
3. Modular homes are typically built in the third of a time of a like-for-like traditional build and the process almost eliminates the risk of delays
4. It is often claimed that the quality is better controlled, as the homes are manufactured in a controlled factory environment, with the benefits of better tools and conditions.
5. Thanks to the process of building Modular Homes, the manufacture can create better sealants in usually hard-to-access areas and ensure that the energy efficiency is superior to traditional build

I know that there are a number of companies moving in this direction, and back in December, we saw Your Housing Group join up with China National Building Material Company (CNBM) and a renewable energy company (WeLink) in a commitment to build 25,000 affordable homes up north, utilising modular construction.

I certainly think it is the right direction, at least for our affordable housing, and if anyone would like to look into this further, I would recommend speaking with Nicola Clayton-Mewis at Vanbrugh, or reading Systemiq & the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's 'Achieving Growth Within' report that was released earlier this year.