MMC

Saint-Gobain Off-Site Solutions is celebrating securing a place on the Offsite Homes Alliance’s £2 billion off-site national modular construction framework.
Saint-Gobain Off-Site Solutions has been appointed to deliver panelised modern methods of construction (CAT2) over the next four years on the OSHA Framework, administrated by Great Places Housing Group, to supply homes to its 23 members and to future new members of the alliance.

With the economic and financial effects of Covid-19 continuing to pile pressure on those most vulnerable, concerning figures emerging from recent homelessness studies demonstrate why the housing crisis remains a top priority for local authorities and housing associations as we move further into 2022.

Highlighting the severity of the crisis, figures report around 37,000 people have required emergency accommodation since March 2020, with this number likely underestimated due to the pandemic. According to studies by UK charity Shelter, 668 people died while homeless in England and Wales in 2020. Meanwhile, homelessness-related deaths in Scotland presented an increase of nearly 20% year on year with 256 estimated mortalities. The vast majority of mortalities registered are males, with men representing a staggering 88% of the total number.

Offsite contractor, M-AR has launched a brand-new CPD module focussed exclusively on modern methods of construction (MMC) and exploring how best to maximise the benefits of offsite.
 
Typifying M-AR’s open and collaborative approach to improving standards across the industry, the new CPD is designed to provide architects, specifiers, cost consultants and end clients alike with insight on the offsite manufacture and installation process as an alternative to traditional build.

Rising accommodation costs, the long-term effects of the global pandemic, and the impact of a harsh winter season continue to compound and exacerbate the difficulties facing those most vulnerable and at-risk in our society.

This presents councils and local authorities with a complex set of challenges finding ways to meet the growing demand for safe, high-quality housing solutions. One of the greatest issues currently facing sector leaders is ensuring temporary and interim homeless accommodation is both cost-effective, fit for purpose and sustainable.

The Offsite Show is the must attend event for housing associations - The brand new event will make its debut in London this year and will run alongside UK Construction Week (UKCW), Concrete Expo (3-4 May) and Grand Designs Live, (3-5 May).

In partnership with Buildoffsite, and supported by the MPBA, the Offsite Show will be the only UK event that unites the client and supply chain for all aspects of the rapidly expanding offsite construction sector.

The Offsite Show will welcome leading content provider, Buildoffsite who will host comprehensive free to attend seminars and workshops with support from key industry stakeholders and Government departments.

The recent statement by Secretary of State for Housing Robert Jenrick, announcing the 2021-2026 £11.5bn Affordable Housing Programme, sets out a series of ambitious housebuilding targets to help improve the efficiency of the UK development sector.

Organisations seeking Grant and looking to sign “strategic partnership” deals with Homes England to build large numbers of affordable homes will have to commit to using modern methods of construction (MMC) to build at least 25% of their pipeline.

Langley Structures Ltd has welcomed the updates to the Permitted Development (PD) rules that will allow increased utilisation of upward extensions to provide much needed social housing. However, Langley Structures, experts in rooftop capitalisation, warns that the quality and design of new developments and the impact on the local community must be prioritised.

The new rules allow the construction of up to two additional storeys on purpose-built, detached block of flats, subject to certain conditions. This includes that existing blocks must be three storeys or more and the extended building must not be more than 30 metres high.