A Derbyshire architect has turned his dream home into a business
opportunity thanks to a new construction grant.
Silhouette No.20 Design Ltd received funding through the
Sustainable Construction Innovation Network (iNet). The
£2,500 Innovation Support Grant will go towards the costs of
developing a modular housing system that will reduce the onsite
costs of construction.
This modular system is designed to be more sustainable than
traditional methods as it is easier to plan and keep within budget.
Constructing off-site means there are no hidden surprises because
of delays through bad weather or co-ordinating teams of
subcontractors. This reduces wastage, time delays and cost.
Jason Etienne, Director of Ilkeston-based company Silhouette
No.20, was keen to develop the technology. He said: "I developed
the idea when I was thinking about the house I wanted to build for
myself and my family. I wanted it to be sustainable, but when I
looked at the way most houses are built, the basic method hasn't
changed much in the past 100 years.
"Because my background is in architecture, I was able to develop
the initial concept. However, in order to take it onto the next
stage, I need the services of a structural engineer. I approached
Business Link and they put me in touch with the Sustainable
Construction iNet."
Barrie Billinghay, Business Adviser for the Sustainable
Construction iNet, has been working with Silhouette Design to
secure the funding. He said: "The Sustainable Construction
iNet is there to support innovative ideas and products across the
whole industry sector. We were very impressed with the
simplicity and obvious benefits that this system offers to the
sustainable construction industry.
"We want all companies based in Derbyshire that supply products
and services for the construction sector to develop ideas such as
the modular housing system and bring the product to market."
To qualify for an Innovation Support Grant, the applicant must
be based in the East Midlands and operating commercially in
construction or an associated industry sector such as mining,
quarrying, waste management, energy or water supply. They must also
require technical or consultancy assistance for their idea, product
or process and expect to protect or create jobs as a result.
The Sustainable Construction iNet is funded by East Midlands
Development Agency (emda) and the European Regional Development
Fund (ERDF). The aim of the iNet is to share expertise and
stimulate the research and development of new products, services
and processes.