Prefabricated house factories
In December 2016, it was announced that the China National Building Material Company (CNBM) would build six prefabricated house factories in the UK, producing 25,000 low-energy homes a year by 2022.
CNBM has agreed to a £2.75 billion joint venture with Your Housing Group (YHG), a leading housing association, and Welink, a renewable energy supplier, to benefit from the rising demand for affordable rented housing. Also involved are Barcelona Housing Systems, a Spanish home manufacturer who will supply the necessary technology for the factories.
The six factories will produce panelised components for residential developments using British light gauge steel framing. Welink has announced that the houses will be ‘at least 75% off-grid’, with solar power and energy efficient design.
£2.5bn will be invested in the venture by CNBM, while YHG will provide £250 million, with more than a thousand people employed in the factories, which have yet to be sited.
The UK government have reacted enthusiastically to the news, believing it will help in the delivery of its 1 million new homes by 2020 target.
Greg Hand, International Trade Minister, said:
“This is a clear endorsement of the UK’s attractiveness as a place for inward investment. This announcement has the potential to benefit local communities across the country, creating jobs, boosting local economies and creating homes.”
The first scheme, in Liverpool, is expected to receive planning permission early in 2017, and five pilot schemes will deliver 2,000 homes during the year. Eventually the joint venture hopes to do deals with other local authorities and housing associations, developing local supply and delivery chains.
Ajmal Rahman, chairman of Welink Group, said:
“Our partnership comes at a time when the UK’s housing shortfall is only going to be addressed by radical innovation in building practices which opens the way for modular housing.
“This joint venture will give a significant kick-start to delivering the new homes people need across the UK which includes helping to address fuel poverty issues through our incorporated solar and energy efficient design – meaning our developments can be at least 75% off-grid. Furthermore, British produced light gauge steel framing will help keep our carbon footprint to a minimum.”
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Tool that helps assess occupant satisfaction and wellbeing in buildings, covers the physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility of a building.
Preserving, waterproofing and decorating buildings.
Many resources for visitors aswell as new features for members.
Using technology to empower communities
The Community data platform; capturing the DNA of a place and fostering participation, for better design.
Heat pump and wind turbine sound calculations for PDRs
MCS publish updated sound calculation standards for permitted development installations.
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.
Heritage staff wellbeing at work survey.
A five minute introduction.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Showcasing the very best electrotechnical and engineering services for half a century.
Welsh government consults on HRBs and reg changes
Seeking feedback on a new regulatory regime and a broad range of issues.