Primrose Hill, Huddersfield
Modern Methods of Construction

Client: Yorkshire Community Housing
Location: Huddersfield, West Yorkshire

Assessing the Options

Artists impression of Primrose Hill, Huddersfield - Modern Methods of Construction Primrose Hill is a new build development consisting of 48 flats and 31 terraced houses, which are a combination of two, three and four bedroomed properties. Yorkshire Community Housing was keen to use Modern Methods of Construction and, in particular, the use of off-site manufacturing. When assessing the options, we had to consider the other key drivers for the projects:

  • Achieve EcoHomes rating of EXCELLENT
  • Remove wasteful elements of work
  • Ensure consistent quality control

Project Description

We are working with Yorkshire Community Housing under the JCT 98 with CDP contract to deliver affordable housing as part of the local authority’s regeneration programme.

Modern methods of construction - assessing the options

Technical construction diagram We have been reviewing the use of modular and pre-fabricated building systems for some time and have used these techniques on a number of projects. Whilst the costs of construction using these techniques is generally higher than traditional methods, they do relieve pressure on the programme and have a high level of quality control. The adoption of 'off-site' technologies can also have a major impact on issues such as health and safety, sustainability and quality. We had to consider all these when assessing which system was best solution for the Yorkshire Community Housing project.

The Options

Timber Frame Optima System

This system is very similar to pod manufacture. The frame is constructed off-site and incorporates the mechanical and electrical first fix and includes all internal finishes. This was a very good option for this contract. The capital cost of this system was too high in comparison to others, which brought the same benefits to the programme and quality.

Beco Wallform

This system is an insulating concrete formwork system which offers excellent ‘u’ value performance and was considered for this reason. Although this system is the best value option initially, the system is very labour intensive to construct on site and is a much slower technique than the panel system. The wall thickness limits the use on multistorey dwellings and we felt was more suitable to individual dwellings.

Fusion System

An alternative to the timber panelled modular solution is to use a light steel frame with pre-manufactured pods. The capital cost of this system was also too high in comparison to others, which brought the same benefits to the programme and quality.

The solution

We chose two systems for the schemes. A Timber Frame solution was chosen for the house construction and the Structherm Fast Build System was chosen for the circular three-storey flats. The additional benefits received from these options included:

  • Speed of build
  • Ten weeks construction of 48 units on three floors
  • Excellent ‘u’ values
  • 15% better than building regulations
  • Clean and safe operation
  • Use of timber from renewable sources
  • Both systems compliant with render finish and timber cladding
  • Cost effective

All off-site manufactured systems should be considered on an individual basis. These systems were chosen as they provided best value for the Yorkshire Community Housing project.

Contact the Innovator

Michael Holling
Michael’s approach to project delivery is about engaging the team to achieve results.

Wates Group
Westcourt, Gelderd Road
Wortle, Leeds, LS12 6DB

Tel: 0113 231 1880
Fax: 0113 231 9994