A new project designed to provide data on the viability of
housing schemes utilising 'off-site' building techniques is calling
East Midlands' construction firms to come forward - those selected
could be eligible for support up to £1500 to produce viable
plans.
Commissioned by the Sustainable Construction innovation Network
(iNet) and supported by East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and
the East Midlands Regional Housing Group, the project will compare
'off-site' housing construction techniques with the aim of
broadening awareness and understanding of how the relative costs
impact on the viable delivery of new housing.
The iNet's director, Dr John Liddle, explained the thinking
behind the project:
"Numerous studies have been undertaken to investigate the
benefits of innovative 'off-site' or 'Modern Methods' of
construction but the comparisons have been with traditional
construction methods. As more 'off-site' techniques are being
introduced and used in building it is vital that we have validated
research which clearly demonstrates how viable these techniques are
when compared in the same test case scenario."
In order to provide a 'real-life' basis for the project, a study
site has been identified and initial drawings compiled, together
with proposed properties, sizes and dimensions, internal layouts,
external appearance and finishes. Participants will be required to
submit programmes and preliminary costs for the whole construction
phase and demonstrate where solutions may add or decrease
costs.
"One of the main features of this project is to highlight a wide
variety of 'off-site' housing manufacturing processes and the
selected contributor, which could for example be a consortium of
'off-site' manufacturer and a principal contractor, will be
required to provide programmes and preliminary costs for the whole
of the construction phase," explained Dr Liddle.
The concluding report will deliver an independent scrutiny and
review of the issues involved and it is hoped it will help the
promotion of the skills and capacities required within the region
to support the commercial development of these increasingly
utilised construction techniques.
For firms wishing to register an expression of interest (EOI),
please visit www.eminnovation.org.uk/offsite to download the form
before contacting Martin Field, regional housing advisor, emda. The
deadline for returned EOI's is 12.00 noon Friday 29th October.
The Sustainable Construction iNet is funded by East Midlands
Development Agency (emda) and the European Regional Development
Fund (ERDF).