Bromford has collaborated with GSSArchitecture and Totally Modular to develop plans for Gloucestershire’s first offsite modular housing scheme
The modular housing plans were drawn up by GSSArchitecture using Totally Modular’s 2B4P contemporary architectural designs.
Each home will be constructed offsite at Totally Modular’s West Midlands factory, before being transported to Winchcombe and assembled on the site.
The six, two-bedroom homes will be manufactured by Totally Modular at its factory in Cradley Heath and transported 50 miles to the Abbey View site. With foundations in place ahead of arrival, each home is expected to take just hours to install and connect to services. The modular homes will all be available to rent once completed.
Gloucester-based architecture studio GSSArchitecture’s plans for the new two-storey homes, which will be built opposite the Winchcombe conservation area, reflect and respect the character and appearance of the surrounding area.
Work is expected to start on site in September, with customers expected to move into the new homes in early 2021. This modular housing forms part of Bromford’s development programme which aims to build 1,100 new homes in the year ahead.
A collaborative effort
John Connolly, managing director from Totally Modular, said: “Having worked on this project for the last 3 years and to finally see the planned development crossing the starting line, it will be a big relief to all stakeholders involved.
“Albeit most forward-thinking registered social landlords have an aspiration to introduce a modular offering into their development plans, very few have committed to implementing the model as most prefer to study the process of evolution related to this form of delivery with an expectation of the success and benefits this technology offers before they commit themselves.
“In a collaborative effort and having overcome the many challenges they have faced, the team have stayed true to the objectives of intending to deliver a superior eco energy-efficient housing solution, better, quicker and at a cost-neutral position when compared against traditional constructional methods.”
Michael Craggs, development and asset management innovation lead at Bromford, said: “We’re delighted to have got the go-ahead for these new homes in Winchcombe. We’ve been researching modern methods of construction for some time and have been looking for an opportunity to put them into practice.
“We’ve been working with our partners at Totally Modular and GSSArchitecture as well as Tewkesbury Borough Council to put these plans together.
“These homes will be a first for us, but offsite construction is something we are keen to expand as we increase the number of new homes, we build every year.
“Our goal is to build 12,000 homes by 2028 and by 2023 we want to be incorporating at least 250 homes a year from factories, like these ones we’re building in Winchcombe.”
Chris Ryder, associate at GSSArchitecture and studio lead for their South West office, added: “The delivery of affordable housing schemes in local communities is vital to helping people make their first step on the housing ladder, therefore GSS are proud to have the opportunity to work on a project that will be of such great local importance.
“GSSArchitecture have a great deal of experience with innovative construction methods such as the ones that will be used for this scheme which will allow for these houses to be delivered in a much shorter timeframe, reducing the overall construction costs whilst maintaining a high standard of work.”
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