A2Dominion Group has announced the appointment of Tracey Barnes as its first Chief Finance Officer (CFO). The permanent new role will oversee all of the Group’s finance activities, treasury, business planning, procurement, governance, compliance, legal, communications, digital, corporate strategy, and the people team. The appointment is part of A2Dominion’s wider
Choice Housing, one of Northern Ireland’s largest housing associations alongside their subsidiary Maple and May, has launched the construction of their £18 million mixed tenure development in Newry. The project team were joined at the city centre location by Clonrose Developments, who will lead the development of the site. The
An event at a new development of homes in Ewyas Harold, Herefordshire has marked Stonewater’s 6000th new home. Customers and community members joined partners involved in the delivery of the homes at Blunden Meadows to celebrate both the completion of the scheme and Stonewater’s 6000th home to be provided since
Further expanding its commitment to creating even more New Build homes in St Helens, Torus Developments is investing £17.2 million into the development of 77 affordable homes at Rutland Street in Cowley Hill, St Helens. Contributing to a three-year programme to build over 500 new homes in St Helens, Rutland
Building work is underway on a new £20m development of affordable housing with low-carbon heating systems in Cheltenham. Housing association Bromford has started construction of 71 new homes on a brownfield site on Village Road in the town. The four-acre site is the former home of the Douglas Equipment factory
The brainchild of forward-thinking housing association, Midland Heart, Project 80’s design and construction has been significantly influenced by the Future Homes Standard, set to be introduced in 2025. From the outset, Midland Heart was keen to meet all the requirements of the new regulations, which will see all new homes
A Midlands housing association has secured the next phase of work at the UK’s largest self and custom-build development. Graven Hill Village Development Company (GHVDC) has re-appointed Bromford for this latest phase, which will include 50 homes; 31 of which will be affordable rent and 19 shared ownership at the
A2Dominion is making changes to its executive management team following the launch of its new Corporate Strategy. The Group’s strategy was launched six months ago and gives the 38,000-home housing association a new, clear direction and an obvious need for change. Key areas for focus include improving its core services,
Peacehaven’s most ambitious housing development to date – Chalk Way – launched on 19 September 2023. The project, spearheaded by modular housing company Boutique Modern in partnership with social housing provider Stonewater, comprises 40 affordable and energy-efficient modern homes, which have now been rented to delighted local families. The launch
Jewson Partnership Solutions (JPS) has launched its second AVAIL Housing Hub, with the aim of helping housing providers in Leeds to navigate the demands and challenges of supplying safe and quality social housing to local residents. Following the successful launch of its first AVAIL Housing Hub in Newcastle earlier this
A2Dominion Group has announced the appointment of Tracey Barnes as its first Chief Finance Officer (CFO). The permanent new role will oversee all of the Group’s finance activities, treasury, business planning, procurement, governance, compliance, legal, communications, digital, corporate strategy, and the people team. The appointment is part of A2Dominion’s wider leadership changes, following the launch of its new Corporate Strategy earlier this year which focuses on customers and core services. It also signals the streamlining of its financial executive director roles, combining the positions of Executive Director of Finance & Strategy (held by Dean Tufts who retires early next year) and Executive Director of Central & Financial Services, which has been held by Tracey Barnes on a fixed-term basis since February 2023. Prior to joining A2Dominion, Tracey was Chief Finance Officer at Sovereign Housing Association and held a number of roles internationally at Diageo for over 20 years, including Chief Finance Officer of East African Breweries Ltd, Chief Finance Officer of Diageo Ireland and Managing Director of Diageo Business Services India. Tracey said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with everyone at A2Dominion over the past few months, learning about what works and how things can be improved to totally transform the customer experience. I am delighted to have the opportunity to help to drive forward the changes that are needed.” Ian Wardle, Chief Executive Officer, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Tracey Barnes as our new Chief Finance Officer. The role attracted a significant number of high calibre applicants, and it is testament to Tracey, who came out on top following a rigorous recruitment process. “She brings a wealth of experience, and I look forward to continuing to work with her to deliver ambitious plans for customers.”
Choice Housing, one of Northern Ireland’s largest housing associations alongside their subsidiary Maple and May, has launched the construction of their £18 million mixed tenure development in Newry. The project team were joined at the city centre location by Clonrose Developments, who will lead the development of the site. The former Saint Clare’s Convent and Primary School in High Street, Newry was given the green light for redevelopment in March of this year. Development of the scheme is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, and when all work has been finalised, it is set to consist of eighty-eight units in total, of which 18 will be two bed apartments for private rent managed by Choice subsidiary Maple and May and a further 70 social housing properties, managed by Choice. Another key feature of the multi-million-pound scheme will be the bespoke community hub that will provide a range of high quality and cost-effective services to local people. Partners working with Choice and Maple and May in this project include Clonrose Developments, H&J Martin Construction, Gray Designs, a Newry-based Architects firm and Hall Black Douglas Architects. Michael McDonnell, Choice Group Chief Executive said: “This is one of Choice Housing’s biggest and most ambitious projects in recent times and I am pleased to see the project get under way. “Not only does this development represent a significant boost to the area economically and, at the same time, help to address the ever-growing need for social and private rentals in Newry, we also believe it is sensitive to an area that has historical significance and interest. “In a part of Newry that’s been under-developed for some time now, when St Clare’s has been finished by contractors, Choice Housing is confident that this will be a very attractive place to live.” Stephen Davey, Director of Clonrose Developments, added: “We are really pleased to continue our strong relationship with Choice Housing and Maple May and deliver what will be our fourth and most ambitious project to date for them. The former St Clare’s Convent and Primary School represents a very challenging site from a development perspective, located within a conservation area and combining the sympathetic restoration of a listed Chapel and the retention of many mature trees. However, once complete, we are confident it will provide a unique setting for the 88 new homes, within walking distance of Newry City Centre.” Choice has 741 properties in the Newry Mourne and Down area, with 448 of these designated for family housing and the remainder a mix of sheltered and supported housing respectively. The high-quality homes, care and support services Choice provide help meet the diverse needs of its customers, including pensioners, families, mature singles, and individuals with complex needs. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
An event at a new development of homes in Ewyas Harold, Herefordshire has marked Stonewater’s 6000th new home. Customers and community members joined partners involved in the delivery of the homes at Blunden Meadows to celebrate both the completion of the scheme and Stonewater’s 6000th home to be provided since the leading social housing provider was formed in 2015. The completion of the development, which has provided 38 new homes with a mixture of houses, bungalows and maisonettes, brings Stonewater’s contribution to affordable housing in Herefordshire to over 2700 homes. The event bought together representatives from construction firm Speller Metcalfe, based just over the county border in Worcestershire, local authority Herefordshire Council and Homes England, who have partially funded the almost £8 million new development. Special guest at the celebratory event was former Chair of Stonewater’s Board George Blunden, whose father the site is named after, and who planted a commemorative tree to mark the 6000th home. During his tenure, George was responsible for establishing the Longleigh Foundation to address the gap between the needs of Stonewater customers and support available to them. He also championed public art on development sites resulting in the launch of Stonewater’s Blunden Prize, now in its second year, being named after him, and was also asked to unveil the public art installation at Blunden Meadows and a plaque commemorating the housing provider’s milestone. Stonewater has advocated and commissioned public art on its development schemes for over a decade, often relating the design to the local area and history. The Ewyas Harold site is no exception, with a steel train and benches representing the Golden Valley Railway, which used to run in the area, created by local architect firm, Studio Bad. Alongside the public artwork, the village site has been landscaped with green areas and trees and includes a children’s play area. Children from Ewyas Harold Primary School have also been busy making bird boxes and bug hotels for the site. As well as encouraging wildlife to the site, sustainability and the environment has been at the forefront of construction plans, with the new homes featuring the Kensa “shoebox” ground source heat pump system, used successfully on earlier Stonewater sites, and the Switchee system, which helps to save residents money by reducing energy wastage, as well as photovoltaic solar panels. Nicholas Harris, Chief Executive of Stonewater, said: “It’s incredibly exciting to have been able to mark the fantastic milestone of providing 6000 much-needed affordable homes across the country. We’re also honoured to be naming this scheme after the Blunden family, in dedication of their committed public service. “Developments like this make an important contribution to meeting the housing needs of the local community, at a time when affordable housing couldn’t be more important. “The Blunden Meadows site is a fantastic showcase for the amazing work that has been done not only here but on previous Stonewater development sites, working with partners to provide new homes alongside public art, sustainable features and community initiatives.” Mark Eaton, Director at Speller Metcalfe said: “We’re delighted to have finished this new housing scheme. Not only does the project mark a significant milestone for Stonewater, but it also means the residents of Hereford and Abergavenny have affordable and sustainable housing available to them on their doorstep.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Further expanding its commitment to creating even more New Build homes in St Helens, Torus Developments is investing £17.2 million into the development of 77 affordable homes at Rutland Street in Cowley Hill, St Helens. Contributing to a three-year programme to build over 500 new homes in St Helens, Rutland Street will see 23 Shared Ownership houses and 54 over 55s Affordable Rent apartments created. Focused on reducing the carbon footprint of the development itself and future residents’ energy bills, Rutland Street will see Torus Developments further its commitment to becoming a greener, future-focused developer. Funded, in part, by Homes England’s Strategic Partnership 2012-2026 programme and £1.16 million from Mayor Steve Rotheram’s Brownfield Land Fund, the scheme will redevelop a site, that was vacant for over 10 years, by creating modern, energy saving homes of the highest quality. Discussing the scheme, Director of Development and Technical, Steve Alcock, said: “Rutland Street showcases our ongoing dedication to creating new affordable homes and employment opportunities in St Helens. It’s a fantastic scheme overlooking Victoria Park and everyone involved has worked collaboratively to reach this point. “Torus are committed to improving the experience of our customers and neighbours in St Helens, creating a development that is fully embedded in its local community way before keys are handed over to future residents.” Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “We are specifically targeting brownfield sites to help protect our precious green spaces from overdevelopment – turning once-forgotten areas back into thriving communities. “I want everyone in our area to have the chance to realise their home ownership ambitions – to get their foot on the property ladder and invest in their future. Yet, for too long, achieving that dream has been out of reach for many of our residents who have been forced to contend with a broken housing market, that simply doesn’t work for them. Thanks to devolution, we are working to put that right by investing £60 million to open up a pipeline of 4,000 homes across our six boroughs by ensuring that there are suitable sites for development.” Kate Collins, Senior Manager, Provider Management, Large and Strategic Providers at Homes England, continued: “As a Homes England Strategic Partner, Torus has committed to delivering new affordable homes via the Affordable Homes Programme 2021-26. It’s fantastic to see works underway Rutland Street, which brings a neglected urban area back into use and represents a significant contribution to the programme. At Homes England we are committed to supporting our partners to increase the supply of good quality affordable housing in the communities where they’re needed most.” HMS’ Construction Director, John Barrow, continued: “Rutland Street is the largest site HMS has undertaken in St Helens to date and I am looking forward to be leading the development of a scheme that will see a number of green solutions embedded into its design. For HMS, we want to be at the forefront of building more eco-friendly schemes and be able to continue working with Torus on developing homes that meet residents’ needs in the short and long term, is something I am proud of. When completed, Rutland Street will not only be a great example of how we work to build fantastic homes, but actively create opportunities for local people and suppliers.” Due for completion by Summer 2025, Rutland Street will completely redevelop a brownfield site to create a thriving housing development that will give future residents access to numerous local amenities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Building work is underway on a new £20m development of affordable housing with low-carbon heating systems in Cheltenham. Housing association Bromford has started construction of 71 new homes on a brownfield site on Village Road in the town. The four-acre site is the former home of the Douglas Equipment factory which had been empty since the site closed in 2020. The former factory buildings were demolished in April in preparation for work getting underway to build the new homes. The development, called The Fairway, will be a mix of 1-bedroom maisonettes and two, three, four and five-bedroom homes. Thirty-two homes will be available to rent, with the other 39 available to part-buy, part-rent through Bromford’s shared ownership scheme. All 71 homes at The Fairway will be heated by air source heat pumps, which are a low-carbon alternative to gas boilers. They are more efficient than a standard boiler, allowing households to use less energy to keep their homes warm. The homes will all have EV charging points, and most of them will also have solar panels. The £20m development is being part-funded by Bromford’s strategic partnership with Homes England. Project manager Stuart Hay said: “I’m delighted that work is underway on our new development to provide new affordable, sustainable homes here in Cheltenham. Installing air source heat pumps in all these homes will reduce our customers’ reliance on fossil fuels and helps us on our journey to becoming a net-zero carbon organisation. “House prices in Cheltenham are ten times average incomes*, which means buying a home in the town is out of reach for many people, so there is a clear need for more affordable housing in the town. With a mix of rented and shared ownership homes, the variation of housing we are providing at The Fairways means there’s something for everyone. I’m looking forward to seeing the site progress over the coming months and welcoming the first customers into their new homes.” The homes are being built by Bromford’s in-house construction team, which last year completed 232 of the 1,265 homes built by the Gloucestershire-based housing association. The entire development is due to be completed in spring 2025. The first shared ownership homes will be available shortly – find out more at www.findahome.bromford.co.uk *According to National Housing Federation data Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The brainchild of forward-thinking housing association, Midland Heart, Project 80’s design and construction has been significantly influenced by the Future Homes Standard, set to be introduced in 2025. From the outset, Midland Heart was keen to meet all the requirements of the new regulations, which will see all new homes expected to produce a 75 to 80% reduction in carbon emissions compared to currently accepted levels. The Future Homes Standard covers a wide range of criteria and the developer had to carefully plan every aspect of the build to ensure the lowest whole-life carbon performance. This ranged from the materials chosen and systems specified, through to the machinery used on-site and the fixtures, fittings and finishes in the property. A low-carbon home also needs to be structurally safe, built to last and comfortable for the occupier. This meant balancing achieving the Future Homes Standards requirements without compromising the essential elements which comprise a quality home. Fabric first housing The Future Homes Standard is set to usher in a new age of energy-efficient, low-emissions housing. Midland Heart was keen to ensure it met the stipulated low u-values on its upcoming developments, leading to the initial concept of Project 80 and the objective of delivering a fully ‘Fabric First’ development. As Tony Hopkin, Head of Construction & Quality at Midland Heart revealed: “Our residents are at the heart of everything we do, yet we’re also conscious of our environmental responsibility, so we wanted to build homes which not only protect people, but the planet too. So Project 80’s overarching aim became the elimination of any unintended consequences which would cause the properties to fall out of compliance with the Future Homes Standard, as this would have massive negative implications for potential occupiers, and Midland Heart. Particularly, we wanted to show that, with the right materials and systems, achieving ultra-low u-values was entirely possible. By trialling different solutions, particularly the latest concrete and aircrete blocks, we were able to achieve u-values of 0.13, putting our properties comfortably within the Standard’s requirements.” The West Midlands has a wealth of local block manufacturers and a rich heritage of block production. For this project, concrete blocks were manufactured by Shropshire-based Besblock and aircrete blocks were manufactured by H+H. This blended approach not only achieved the required thermal efficiency, but the use of high-performance aircrete blocks, which are lightweight and easy to install, supported the air-tight structures and reduced the chance of thermal bridging. It also significantly sped up the construction process. A material success To meet its aims of achieving Part L compliance, Midland Heart needed to specify materials that could deliver maximum efficiency, yet also deliver safe, secure, comfortable and affordable dwellings. Furthermore, they were keen to work with local businesses, ensuring a small supply chain with the minimum amount of energy and fuel consumption possible. Photo by Midland Heart Housing Ltd As the project took shape, in the form of Eco Drive, comprising 12 new homes built using fabric first principles, Midland Heart, an advocate of traditional construction methods, embraced tried and tested cavity wall construction. A traditional method, they understood that this system would deliver the desired thermal efficiency without reinventing the wheel. The 12 homes were delivered in 2022, and a report on resident evaluations of living and occupying the homes is due to publish in late 2023. The ongoing R&D programme will also include a detailed cost analysis, to identify areas for further gains in efficiency on later developments Cementing concrete’s low carbon credentials Project 80 is providing definitive proof that concrete can play a crucial role in contemporary, sustainable housebuilding. It’s also proving there’s more to meeting sustainability requirements than upfront, embodied carbon. That’s not all, the manufacturing process of the blocks used (Besblock’s Universal Star Performer in this case), helped Midland Heart achieve homes that met the design brief’s 80% carbon reduction target providing significant embodied carbon savings. Cured by energy from a nearby waste wood facility, using biomass boilers the products had significantly lower embodied carbon values than equivalent products. Besblock’s use of SustainaCem cement, a pre-blended sustainable binder, and blocks cured using energy from a nearby waste wood facility, kept embodied emissions low, further reinforced by a local supply chain. Tony Hopkin concluded, “Project 80’s vision has been to deliver high-performing but low-impact homes that are heavily tailored to resident needs. Technology and sustainability have been at the heart of this development to improve efficiency, but the fabric of the building was the starting point that needed to be addressed. “Blockwork, whether concrete or aircrete, has very impressive whole-life carbon qualities which are often overlooked, but they are truly circular products that embody the core principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle. In partnering with them (Besblock and H+H), we found sustainable products that could adapt and flex according to the other low-carbon components selected to achieve homes fit for the Future Homes Standard. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A Midlands housing association has secured the next phase of work at the UK’s largest self and custom-build development. Graven Hill Village Development Company (GHVDC) has re-appointed Bromford for this latest phase, which will include 50 homes; 31 of which will be affordable rent and 19 shared ownership at the 462-acre site. As with all new builds at Graven Hill, regardless of construction form, they will meet the Passive Design Standards Revision F which, since adopted by Graven Hill in 2016, have delivered dwellings with energy standards which are higher than the statutory requirements set out in current building regulations. Graven Hill doesn’t just comply with statutory policy requirements, it exceeds them by incorporating sustainable design and construction technology to achieve low carbon development through a combination of fabric energy efficiency and carbon compliance for example. Gemma Davis, customer experience director at GHVDC, said: “Bromford has worked at Graven Hill since 2017, helping to deliver 93 affordable homes to date. “Graven Hill is unique and diverse and aims to offer the widest range of housing, from self and custom-build to apartments and extra care facilities. With 30% of the site providing affordable homes, it has been essential that we find a partner that shares the same vision; to deliver a successful, diverse and pioneering development.” Bromford has 46,000 homes across its operating area in the West Midlands and West of England. Alongside its existing 93 properties at Graven Hill, the housing association will take ownership of the first 26 new homes before the end of the year, comprising of 16 for affordable rent and 10 for shared ownership. The remaining 15 affordable and 9 shared ownership homes will be handed to Bromford next year and are part of the 1,200 new homes the housing association will be delivering during the year. Satty Tiwana, project manager from Bromford said: “We’re delighted to be working with Graven Hill Village Development Company again to provide affordable housing on the latest phase of this project. We’ve just had the first eight homes handed over to us and our latest customers are getting ready to move into their new homes. “They will all benefit from our unique approach to housing management which is focused on creating a close relationship between our customers and their neighbourhood coach. We know that every customer is unique and different customers will benefit from different types of relationship, but we will work with each of them to learn and understand each of their aspirations so we can work together to help them achieve them so they can thrive in their new home.” Graven Hill is a former Ministry of Defence site, which has become a thriving new community with almost 500 homes delivered to date and hundreds more to come. The primary school opened its doors this month, alongside a cocktail bar, wine shop and dentist practice. A nursery school provider is also set to commence development. Further retail units are currently under offer and a site at the frontage intended for a pub restaurant continues to be marketed. Significant amenities planned include a sports pavilion, pitches and allotments and access to the Graven Hill wood. GHVDC is also seeking local contractors to tender for its next phase of new homes and apartments. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A2Dominion is making changes to its executive management team following the launch of its new Corporate Strategy. The Group’s strategy was launched six months ago and gives the 38,000-home housing association a new, clear direction and an obvious need for change. Key areas for focus include improving its core services, investing more in customer and building safety, a shake-up of its operating model, and how it reacts and adapts to the economic and financial challenges it’s facing. The changes follow the appointment of Ian Wardle as CEO just over a year ago, as well a new Chair – Alan Collett. Focusing on customers The Group has already started to implement some service improvements. However to effectively face these challenges head-on, it’s also making changes to its leadership structure. One key area that has been identified as a priority is improving its services to customers. Historically, all operations sat under a single Executive Director, covering every aspect of customer facing services including housing, customer services and property repairs and maintenance. In order for the Group to implement the improvements identified in its new strategy more quickly and effectively, it has split its Executive Director of Operations role into two: Splitting the role will allow the Group to fast-track the delivery of its plans and gives both roles the dedicated time and resource they need to make improvements for customers. Alongside these changes, A2Dominion will also be combining its two central services roles for Treasury and Central & Financial Services into one executive role, Chief Finance Officer. New look team Overall, A2Dominion’s Executive Management Team now comprises: Interviews for the Chief Customer Officer and Chief Finance Officer roles are currently underway, with the appointments expected to be announced in the New Year. The changes follow A2Dominion’s previous announcements that Dean Tufts, Executive Director of Finance & Strategy, and Nick Hutchings, Executive Director of Commercial, will both be retiring in early 2024. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Peacehaven’s most ambitious housing development to date – Chalk Way – launched on 19 September 2023. The project, spearheaded by modular housing company Boutique Modern in partnership with social housing provider Stonewater, comprises 40 affordable and energy-efficient modern homes, which have now been rented to delighted local families. The launch of the terraced and detached houses, all with a garden, open-plan living room and kitchen, bathroom and parking, marks a progressive new era in environmentally advanced affordable housing. Boutique Modern, which is located in neighbouring Newhaven, is on a mission to shake up the housing industry. The government’s ambition to build 300,000 homes annually is not being met – we’re currently delivering just over 200,000 a year[1]. Many consider the 300,000 target woefully inadequate as it is. This deficit in housing supply has driven up property prices, exacerbating problems in the rental market, as well as aggravating homelessness and overcrowding. But it doesn’t need to be this way. By changing mindsets and thinking beyond traditional construction and property development methods, Boutique Modern believes the UK can create sustainable, energy efficient and affordable housing stock for all. On a property mission Boutique Modern is a primary contractor and modular manufacturer deeply committed to addressing the affordable housing crisis in the South of England. Its mission involves collaborating with local authorities and housing associations to provide top-tier, genuinely sustainable, affordable and social housing. With a decade of experience in modular housing production, the company – the UK’s first certified B Corp modular construction firm – is all about embracing innovation and ensuring that all its endeavours have a positive impact on the planet. At the core of Boutique Modern’s ethos lies the belief that everyone deserves access to high-quality, affordable homes. Its greater purpose is to deliver homes that are sustainable, cost-effective, architecturally appealing and, most importantly, bring joy to their inhabitants. And it recognises the significance of crafting homes that cater to local needs and contribute positively to each person, as well as the community and its surroundings. Dick Shone, managing director at Boutique Modern, said: “Modular housing schemes have the potential to unlock land that’s deemed inappropriate for traditional construction methods, and develop it into great places for people to live. “Chalk Way already looks like part of the established urban landscape of Peacehaven and is a great example of how low-impact modular housing can make an architectural statement as well as improving communities and people’s lives without hurting the planet.” Modular versus traditional Modern methods of construction, such as modular housing, are usually sourced hundreds of miles away from development sites. Boutique Modern’s Newhaven location means it can work across the whole of the South of England, buoying the local economy while working to alleviate regional housing shortages with minimal environmental impact. The Chalk Way development in Peacehaven proves it’s possible to run a socially aware business that invests in and looks after its workforce, and that focuses on making environmental advances, including measuring waste and carbon emissions, while creating quality homes that improve tenants’ lives. In an era where traditional construction methods still dominate the building industry, it’s important to consider whether they are genuinely suited to the task of constructing a sustainable, resilient infrastructure. From budget overruns stemming from labour shortages and inefficient material handling to environmental consequences that exceed legal limits, there is a compelling argument against depending on outdated approaches when undertaking new construction projects or renovating existing structures. Modular homes can take as little as a week to construct at the factory and then just three to four weeks to build on site, causing minimal disruption to neighbours. Energy efficient measures including solar panels can be installed with far greater ease than with traditional builds and retro-fits. The electric-powered homes at Chalk Way have already been rated highly for their energy efficiency, with high performing EPC certificates, and appraised for their minimal carbon emissions over the building’s life cycle. A vision of the future Boutique Modern is truly committed to enhancing communities, for example by working with local schools to create sensory gardens for children with additional needs – a project undertaken during the Chalk Way development. Shone added: “There are so many reasons why we need to embrace modular construction. We can outpace sluggish traditional methods. Streamlined production processes slash costs, while minimised material waste and shorter timelines help the bottom line. Modular construction champions sustainability. It’s a greener choice, generating less waste and boasting a smaller carbon footprint than traditional methods. Plus, these homes can be custom-designed with energy-efficient features, supporting sustainability and cutting long-term operating costs. “It’s been fantastic to collaborate with Stonewater on this project, a company which has similar ambitions to us regarding sustainability and social value.” Boutique Modern’s modular system is also a powerhouse of scalability. It’s equally adept at tackling small-scale projects or orchestrating grand housing developments. The modular world is also abuzz with innovation. Continual advancements in construction techniques, materials and technology propel these homes towards efficiency and excellence, setting the bar higher with each stride. For more information, visit: https://boutiquemodern.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Jewson Partnership Solutions (JPS) has launched its second AVAIL Housing Hub, with the aim of helping housing providers in Leeds to navigate the demands and challenges of supplying safe and quality social housing to local residents. Following the successful launch of its first AVAIL Housing Hub in Newcastle earlier this year, the one-stop-shop building and maintenance hub in Leeds will offer social housing providers all the benefits of JPS – including stock management technology, material supply, waste disposal and expert training – to tackle changing legislation, health and safety, rising costs, and decarbonisation regulations. A wealth of products for construction, maintenance and repairs will be made available to customers via the hub’s large external yard and warehouse. JPS will apply its automated replenishment technology to ensure levels of stock – which are specifically selected to support social landlords with their key challenges – are always maintained. A fleet of vehicles are available for delivery of products and materials to different sites and properties, either direct to operative or to AVAIL’s Smart Collection points located at convenient spots around the city. In coming months, the hub will include an on-site ‘drop and go’ waste offer, allowing users to save valuable time in the usual waste separation process, as well as a training academy, available to any AVAIL Housing Hub customer and their tenants, offering training on new product launches and construction processes. Courses will also be available for 16–24-year-olds looking to enter the job market, delivered in conjunction with charity YouthBuild. Social housing plays an important role in Leeds, with 54,000 council-owned dwellings in the city and a commitment in place to build 1,500 more by 2025 through the House Growth Programme. The hub is located in Seacroft, where 70 per cent of households are classed as living in deprivation – the fourth most deprived area in the city. JPS officially opened the doors to the Leeds hub at the end of September, at an event attended by a wealth of building materials suppliers, contractors and local housing associations. Scott Cooper, managing director of JPS, said: “From rising material costs and a shortage of labour, to environmental targets and a need to improve the comfort and energy efficiency of homes, housing associations are feeling more pressure than ever before to provide better housing for less while simultaneously raising the standards of their properties. “The roll-out of our AVAIL Housing Hubs is designed to make our customers’ lives easier in the face of these challenges, which we know are especially prevalent in Leeds. We want to offer social housing providers a way of working that will save them money, while also providing the guidance they need to select the products required to deliver the homes of the future. “The AVAIL Housing Hub model brings all of that under one roof, and enables us to act as a supply partner that can help them deliver on their objectives for the people who need it most.” The hub in Leeds is open now. For more information, visit https://www.jewsonpartnershipsolutions.com/avail. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
