18 COMMENT THE FUTURE IS MODULAR
Modular housing is seen as a potential solution to the housing crisis – here, Dave Sheridan of ilke Homes and Wayne Oaks of engineers Dice explain why they agree.
Dave Sheridan, executive chairman of ilke Homes
I
t’s no secret that the UK is suffering from a housing crisis, but modular homes could be the answer. Modular homes are
designed to be incredibly energy efficient, with some costing just £1 per day to run, and efficient to manufacture, with some develop- ments boasting a one-week onsite build time. What’s not to get excited about? It’s not just architects and contractors who
are having all the fun in developing this new approach to housing. Engineers are also challenging the norm when it comes to creat- ing eco-friendly and efficient-to-erect homes. Wayne Oakes, director at civil and structural
engineering practice Dice, explained further: “Compared to the design of standard residential homes, modular homes are a completely differ- ent product and require a wholly new approach. “During our first modular project we spent
a considerable amount of time liaising directly with the manufacturer regarding specific details and design standards – most notably with regards to National House Building Council (NHBC) requirements for the substructure. This was a requirement of specialist offsite manufacturing partner ilke Homes’ properties, to ensure that each of the plots met the requirements of building control. “Since then, we’ve learnt a lot. Perhaps the
biggest challenge we have faced to date is attempting to retrofit a brownfield site on behalf of a developer who purchased the site, prior to fully understanding the constraints and nuances associated with the product. “Modular units have specific requirements
MODULAR CAN BE THE FORCE THAT BRINGS BALANCE BACK TO THE INDUSTRY
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in terms of their sub-structures and external works designs – particularly in the case of sites with gradients and surface water management requirements, which would not be considered ‘the norm’ for standard residential units.” Dave Sheridan, executive chairman of ilke
Homes, added: “Offsite modular manufactur- ing’s time has finally come. The traditional construction industry is in desperate need for modernisation and we must do everything we can to pull it into the 21st century. “Modular can be the force that brings
balance back to the industry, creating new homes, new jobs and new investment oppor- tunities.” He continued: “With greater collaboration
between government bodies, housing associa- tions and private companies, housebuilding in the UK can get the jolt of energy it needs to ramp up supply and deliver high-quality
homes to everyone. Whether they’re a first- time buyer or a family needing social housing, the pace at which we can deliver offsite manufactured homes means that housing shortages could become a thing of the past.” Although modular homes are a relatively
new product, technology is quickly making the process easier. But in an industry that’s traditionally been seen as slow to adapt – can construction keep up? Wayne answered this: “In short: yes.
Undoubtedly the technology is already here – and more is developing every day. In the past, there have been question marks over the build quality and durability of modular type systems. However, with increased product innovation also comes greater flexibility, and some of the products now available on the market are fantastic. “As engineers, we’ve certainly realised
technology’s potential. Whereas we were once seen as reluctant to change – we’re now driving it, thinking creatively to develop new concepts of living.” He added: “It all comes down to time saving. Offsite construction enables phases of work to be undertaken concurrently. Onsite substruc- ture and infrastructure work can be taking place while the superstructure is being built in a factory. Factory conditions also mean that there are no delays due to inclement weather – a common issue in the UK.” The efficiencies relating to modular
housing are now catching the attention of big businesses. Places for People has recently pledged £100m – the biggest investment in modular by a housing association to date – to acquire 750 new units from ilke Homes. Homes England has also announced that it
will be delivering 400 modular homes by regeneration specialist Urban Splash, along- side the Japanese modular specialist Sekisui. Even the likes of Goldman Sachs is getting
involved, investing £75m into TopHat’s modular housing product. “Big businesses are seeing the investment
potential in modular homes – which is a huge vote of confidence for the industry and will mean big things for the future of the sector,” added Oakes. “But we’re particularly proud to have also
worked with small, eco-focussed and private developers – as well as multi-national house- builders.” Dice recently worked with developer
Positive Homes, which claims to build houses
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