THE LAST WORD
The last WORD
Image: Castlefields Estate Regeneration Project in Runcord - Waterbridge Mew Building sustainable
homes at speed Rod MacEachrane discusses the advantages and challenges arising from new constuction techniques
With the current annual housing output at one of its lowest levels in recorded history, it is perhaps a tad ironic to consider the issue of building homes at speed. However, there is a growing need for more homes to be build and pressure to build homes that are more sustainable. This makes it an important time to consider some of the potential issues arising from the combination of innovative construction and building at speed – before the pressure really impacts.
I ncreasingly, new
construction techniques have allowed the house- building industry to combine the benefits of building both quickly and sustainably, however house builders are still faced with the judgement about whether such systems can deliver their objectives to the same standard.
Building sustainable homes at speed: risks and rewards, the latest report from the NHBC Foundation, provides guidance on this for
contractors, design teams and clients interested in innovative and sustainable forms of construction.
Rod MacEachrane, Director at NHBC Foundation
The report looked at a number of schemes that have had speed of construction at the centre of the design rationale
and is intended to assist those involved in future schemes to maximise the rewards and minimise the risks.
Everyone involved in the provision of new homes has a responsibility to the end user of the homes we build – whether home owners or social tenants – to produce homes that are truly fit for purpose and meet the reasonable expectations of those that live in them.
THE CHALLENGE
The speed at which homes can be built may be a factor in both private and public sector developments, whether due to site or cost constraints. This is not a new phenomenon but may be about to be a greater one; particularly as the pressure on housing supply begins to increase
28 | British Builder & Developer |
BritishBuilder.co.uk
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