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to designed to be accessed from private drives set back from tree-lined highways. He describes the architectural approach: “It needed to relate to the contemporary buff brick approach taken in the first phase, while also creating some distinction.” This has been achieved by subtle changes in brick detailing with the properties adjacent to the previous phase transitioning to red brick homes fronting the main street, and those alongside the canal.
“The selection of bricks as well as recognising the importance of using quality materials was a key focus for the design team,” says Pavely.
MODERN METHODS
Though brick has been a focus when it comes to the scheme’s exterior materiality, the homes are built with panelised timber frames – engineered in a controlled, offsite factory environment. They are then assembled onsite over two to four days by a specialist team.
The timber frames include ooring, roofing and walls, and are designed as a whole unit – engineered to be rigid and lightweight, as well as easy to assemble in any adverse weather conditions. According to a spokesperson from Barratt Developments, the process allows the team to build more efficiently, and to mitigate the current skills challenges facing the industry. They however note that the process does not affect the design and feel of its homes, with timber frames being “extremely versatile and stable, making it easy to accommodate our style of housing.”
The internal designs of the properties therefore do not differ compared to its traditional masonry constructed homes, says Barratt, with the interiors allowing for spacious, family-friendly living. “Another advantage of timber frames,” said the spokesperson, “is that they are precisely manufactured using 3D Modelling and computer software; this leaves fewer margins for error and makes it easier to install for the on-site team.” “The modular building process of timber frames allows us to operate efficiently within a controlled
manufacturing environment to reduce our waste, energy and material consumptions as it can be more easily monitored and controlled,” said Barratt Developments. “We continue to work with our suppliers to ensure that all of our timber is certified for net ero deforestation, and we are achieving this by strengthening our procurement processes and validation checks.” In addition, the spokesperson says that Barratt is aiming to support its suppliers of small quantities of non-certified timber to find alternative supply routes.
WWW.HBDONLINE.CO.UK WHAT LIES AHEAD
Looking to the future, Barratt expects its use of modern methods of construction will continue to rise – aiming for 30% of all its output by 2025 – citing not just speed of delivery, but also its help in addressing the current skills and labour shortages facing the industry. The spokesperson from Barratt Developments says the developer is “committed” to increasing the number of homes it builds offsite as part of its overall volume growth aspirations. This goal also aligns with its aim to be the “leading national sustainable housebuilder,” and “the only UK housebuilder to set science-based targets for reducing carbon emissions.” They aim to reduce direct carbon emissions from business operations by 29% by 2025, and indirect carbon emissions, including from its supply chain and homes once occupied, by 11% before 2030. The developer is also “committed to reducing the intensity of our construction waste by 20%.” The developer is also “committed to reducing the intensity of our construction waste by 20%.”
According to Pavely, WichelStowe LLP will also seek carbon neutrality, in particular ensuring new home design is net ero carbon from , something which MMC forms a key element of. “New technologies are being included as each new phase of development proceeds – one example of this is that electric car chargers are now provided as standard for every home.”
OVERWHELMING INTEREST Back in the present, already the JV is seeing the results of its success, claiming to be “overwhelmed by the level of interest” in Wichel Fields, and “the thriving new community that’s already evident.”
According to local reports, since sites began work in 2019, the area has received significant investment in its local economy, with the project already having supported around 25 local businesses with employment to the value of £60m, creating 564 jobs, two apprentices, as well as investment in the local community schools, restaurants and facilities.
The spokesperson told Housebuilder and Developer that the show homes’ launch was a success, and there was a “high turnout at our opening weekend.” “We have had a real mix of interest from first time buyers, locals, family starters and second steppers.” Barratt concludes: “Sales are really positive, and we are looking forward to welcoming our first residents into their new homes towards the end of this year.”
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