Modular homes company Boutique Modern has revealed an innovative product called ModernHome which will build homes quickly for people on the social housing waiting list and help local authorities save significant money at a crucial time. As well as providing comfortable, safe and stylish homes for residents, the ModernHome product
King Edward VI Five Ways School in Birmingham has expanded its facilities with a bespoke modular building supplied by GSC Group. The new building, consisting of a classroom, office space, changing rooms and a storage area, will provide additional room to support the school’s outdoor education programme. King Edward VI Five
Metal rainscreen specialist, Spanwall Façades, has delivered its latest cladding project in partnership with Alucraft, which demonstrates the application of MMC and offsite principles to façade design and construction. Fifteen George’s Quay is a prime commercial building overlooking the River Liffey in Dublin which has been transformed by developers IPUT
Module-T Prefabrik, a global leader in modular construction with over 15 years of expertise, is expanding its operations into the UK market. The company offers a comprehensive range of modular solutions, including office containers, sanitary containers, locker containers, dormitory complexes, and modular office buildings, with a particular focus on labour
Algeco UK has completed one of its most distinctive buildings ever for a UK client, having put the finishing touches to a two-floor GRIDSERVE Electric Forecourt® with retail and coffee outlet in a structure with four curved sides in Stevenage. The building has been completed in just 11 weeks by
Reds10, a pioneer of industrialised construction, has appointed David Newey and James Bateman as directors to oversee its fast-growing UK-wide operations. These are significant appointments for the company which recently announced its fourth consecutive year of growth for the year ended 31 March 2024, with revenue rising by 70% YoY
Affordable and social housing developer EDAROTH (a wholly owned subsidiary of AtkinsRéalis) has begun work on a multiple-site scheme in Surrey to deliver sustainable affordable homes in partnership with a housing association. Social housing provider Raven Housing Trust is now working with EDAROTH (Everyone Deserves a Roof Over Their Head)
Offsite manufacturing specialist, TALO, is expanding its transformational timber superstructure systems for low rise housing in the UK. Developed in Finland and widely used across the Nordic countries for over 40 years, TALO’s offsite manufacturing solutions can eradicate energy bills for homeowners and residents of social and affordable housing. As
Construction of the new Orsett Heath Academy in Essex, which was commissioned by the Secretary of State for Education, has been completed by leading offsite manufacturer McAvoy. The 8,610m2 three-storey design and build project, which is McAvoy’s largest to date, comprises 209 modules encompassing collaborative breakout areas, a double-height dining
Modular construction business Integra Buildings has celebrated a record year as a string of major contracts underpinned impressive growth. Yorkshire-based Integra recorded turnover of £50m in 2023 for the first time in the company’s 27-year history, as newly-released accounts detail its strong financial performance. Income reached £50.4m in the year
Modular homes company Boutique Modern has revealed an innovative product called ModernHome which will build homes quickly for people on the social housing waiting list and help local authorities save significant money at a crucial time. As well as providing comfortable, safe and stylish homes for residents, the ModernHome product offers a rapid to deploy, innovative and cost-effective financial model that will transform council and housing association land into vibrant communities, alleviating the costly top-up requirements currently plaguing councils around the UK. This product launch comes after recent data from the Local Government Association (LGA) revealed the number of households in temporary accommodation has surged by 89% over the past decade. Dick Shone, managing director at Boutique Modern, which is based in Newhaven, East Sussex, said: “We believe the launch of ModernHome can provide a genuine solution to the national housing shortage. “Local authorities are spending billions on emergency accommodation all over the country when this money could be spent on other important local services. “ModernHome and the financial models available with it can immediately stop this haemorrhage of cash and provide a solution to this long-term problem. “The product is available right now across London and the South East, with plans to roll out the product nationally as soon as possible. “ModernHome has been designed above all else to provide safe and comfortable homes, with a stylish design, that residents will enjoy living in and which will fit in with the surrounding neighbourhood. “Interest in ModernHome from councils has already been strong as local authorities need a financially viable solution that responds to their needs. We’re confident this uptake will continue as we roll out across wider areas of the UK.” In the 2022/23 financial year, councils spent more than £1.74 billion on temporary housing, largely due to the shortage of social housing and rising private rental costs, according to the LGA. For example, in Eastbourne, the council has been spending £4.5 million on temporary accommodation, which equates to 49p in every £1 collected in council tax. With many councils now allocating more than half their housing budgets to emergency accommodation, ModernHome presents a financially viable alternative which can be delivered in a fraction of the time of a traditional council housing scheme. It is also an excellent fit for sites that may be earmarked for future development, maximising the use of available space to provide urgent accommodation for those in need. When required, ModernHome can even be easily relocated by crane to a new site, allowing the land to be repurposed for permanent developments in the short or long-term future. Another unique and innovative offering of ModernHome is that councils can lease the homes from Boutique Modern with monthly payments in line with their Local Housing Allowance for up to 20 years, with options for outright sale too. This means that councils with limited capital to deploy, can use ModernHome on sites without the outlay of typical development. The available ModernHome range includes seven different apartment types, developed with Fuse Architects, including homes with studio accommodation right up to spacious four-bedroom layouts. Schemes can be up to four storeys high, with each development designed to enhance and fit in with the look of the local area. Dave Hughes, design director of Fuse Architects, said: “It is a privilege to work with Boutique Modern on this innovative and much needed housing product to address the shocking lack of temporary and affordable housing in this country. ModernHome provides a high quality, sustainable and viable, immediate solution, to this problem and we are proud to be involved.” The products are also designed to be affordable to run, low energy and easy to maintain, which is expected to minimise ongoing costs to tenants and local authorities. Boutique Modern has also joined the Prisoners Building Homes initiative run by the Government, Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, which will see the contractor partner with Ford Open Prison to employ people serving sentences in the Newhaven factory and in office roles, unlocking up to 100% funding for local authorities to pay for planning permission and up to £10,000 per home towards infrastructure on sites using ModernHome. The ModernHome range also includes additional facilities such as community spaces, coffee shops, pop up spaces and other commercial spaces, which can be tailored to the needs of the development and surrounding neighbourhood, recognising that these housing schemes need to solve the immediate problem whilst enhancing existing neighbourhoods and towns. Importantly, Boutique Modern, the UK’s first certified B Corp modular construction company, has not abandoned or steered away from any of its existing environmental practices to develop ModernHome with environmental standards and social value considered as part of the offering. The product is delivered using its BOPAS-certified build system guaranteeing a lifespan of at least 60 years, ensuring long-term value for councils, investors and residents. As part of the offering, Boutique Modern will also provide a planned and responsive maintenance service to all products including compliance checks, warranty renewals and component inspections. With pilot schemes with local authorities already in development for planning permission, it will soon be clear what impact ModernHome will have on the number one issue plaguing local authorities around the UK. Boutique Modern is already taking ModernHome enquiries with a focus on London and the South East. For more information visit: https://boutiquemodern.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
King Edward VI Five Ways School in Birmingham has expanded its facilities with a bespoke modular building supplied by GSC Group. The new building, consisting of a classroom, office space, changing rooms and a storage area, will provide additional room to support the school’s outdoor education programme. King Edward VI Five Ways School is a highly regarded secondary school that prides itself on fostering academic excellence and personal growth in its students. Outdoor education is an integral part of the curriculum, designed to encourage exploration, cultivate responsibility and empower students to analyse and take risks. Students widely benefit from outdoor learning, clear evidence of which can be seen in a 2005 House of Commons report. The arrival of the new facility will make it easier for pupils to participate in more of these activities. Working with the appointed project managers, TRU Contracts, GCS Group identified a number of potential obstacles regarding installation. Namely, the site was compromised by the presence of ornamental pillars, large branches and a disused telephone wire. GCS Group was able to advise on these matters early in the project. One such solution was the use of a robot to tow the modules through areas where the presence of heavy vehicles could cause safety concerns. “The position of the classroom made it a challenging task. Access was very tight, along with restrictions for overhead cables.” Said the main contractor from TRU Contracts. “All these issues were dealt with at the early stages of the project, allowing for a fault-free installation. A thoroughly professional job.” King Edward VI Five Ways School now has a brand-new outdoor learning space that they hope will foster a sense of adventure in new and existing students. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Metal rainscreen specialist, Spanwall Façades, has delivered its latest cladding project in partnership with Alucraft, which demonstrates the application of MMC and offsite principles to façade design and construction. Fifteen George’s Quay is a prime commercial building overlooking the River Liffey in Dublin which has been transformed by developers IPUT Real Estate into more than 70,000sqft of highly sustainable, LEED Platinum-rated office space. The redevelopment has expanded the building with the addition of two new upper floors, a new landscaped roof garden and terraces, a riverfront café, and the entire façade was replaced. The main contractor was Structure Tone and the consultants were Arup. The new envelope successfully blends stone, metalwork and floor-to-ceiling glazing with panoramic views. The bespoke rainscreen system met the aesthetic vision of architects Burke-Kennedy Doyle, whilst ensuring long-term durability, low maintenance, and high weather performance. Spanwall’s aluminium cladding was polyester powder coated in two shades of bronze and used to striking effect in vertical and horizontal rectilinear configurations which complement the stonework. Working closely with façade contractor Alucraft, Spanwall manufactured the bespoke rainscreen panels and pre-assembled the units using the latest digital design technology and offsite manufacturing techniques to reduce work on site. The building is sited in a highly constrained location with limited access for deliveries and material storage. Spanwall maximised assembly of the metal cladding sections in its factory, to reduce work on site and speed up the installation process. Spanwall produced 230 pre-assembled rainscreen units, using over 6,000 individual components and more than 10,000m of CNC-routed metal profiling for the project. The large cladding sub-assemblies were fixed with a generic hook and carrier system for ease of installation by Alucraft and were delivered to site in precise sequencing, reducing waste, material storage, and vehicle movements. Spanwall’s use of advanced digital design and smart manufacturing processes combined with the high level of pre-assembly ensured a level of quality control and precision that would have been difficult to achieve on site. The offsite methodology was critical to overcoming the logistical challenges of the site, enabling Spanwall and Alucraft to implement a just-in-time delivery system that ensured fast and efficient installation with minimal disruption to neighbouring buildings. Ronnie Mills, Managing Director of Alucraft, said, “Working with Spanwall on this project is a great example of how close collaboration between the cladding manufacturer and the specialist façade contractor can lead to outstanding project delivery and new methodologies.” “Spanwall’s expertise in metal fabrication, combined with our façade design experience, enabled us to successfully address the site challenges, the complexities of the architectural design, and deliver the project on time and to the very highest standards.” David Clark, Managing Director of Spanwall, said, “Our ongoing investment in digital design and smart manufacturing technology allowed us to produce dimensionally accurate rainscreen sub-assemblies in a controlled factory environment. This solution simplified work on site and maximised efficiency for our project partners, Alucraft.” “By embracing advanced manufacturing methodologies and digital technology, we can significantly improve both the quality and speed of metal cladding installations. We look forward to collaborating with Alucraft on future façade projects, both in the UK and Ireland.” Spanwall created digital twins of every component for this cladding package. This allowed the design to be validated digitally before proceeding into manufacture and facilitated online simulation of the metal folding process. Spanwall was then able to pre-configure all connection points for the individual cladding components to ensure seamless final assembly in the factory once every part had been manufactured and painted. The bespoke rainscreen façade for Fifteen George’s Quay has enhanced the aesthetic appeal of this landmark commercial building and has provided a robust, low-maintenance façade solution that meets the stringent performance requirements for a waterside location. www.spanwall.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Module-T Prefabrik, a global leader in modular construction with over 15 years of expertise, is expanding its operations into the UK market. The company offers a comprehensive range of modular solutions, including office containers, sanitary containers, locker containers, dormitory complexes, and modular office buildings, with a particular focus on labour accommodation facilities designed to meet the urgent needs of various sectors quickly and efficiently. Speed and efficiency for commercial projects and public sector needs Module-T’s expansion into the UK market introduces modular construction technology that prioritises speed, flexibility, and sustainability. “Our modular solutions are specifically engineered to minimise on-site disruption and accelerate construction timelines,” said Yigit Ozdemir, Regional Sales Director at Module-T. “Entire modules are built off-site in factories and assembled on-site, allowing for rapid deployment. This method not only reduces noise and pollution but also significantly lessens the environmental impact.” A 2022 study by academics from the University of Cambridge and Edinburgh Napier University found that modular construction can reduce embodied carbon by up to 45%. Embodied carbon refers to emissions generated during the construction process, including the production and transportation of materials, highlighting the sustainability benefits of off-site modular construction. Multipurpose solutions for a range of applications that minimise environmental impact Module-T provides solutions tailored for various applications, including permanent or temporary office spaces for companies across sectors. The company also offers WC cabins, canteens, classrooms, and other facilities for municipalities and local institutions, meeting the diverse requirements of public sector projects. “Our modular facilities are designed to provide flexible, high-quality solutions that cater to the specific needs of the UK’s construction industry,” added Özdemir. By manufacturing buildings entirely off-site and assembling them on-site, Module-T reduces construction time and minimises disruption in local communities. This approach not only enhances efficiency but aligns with industry trends favouring sustainable construction methods. “Our off-site approach offers a practical solution to the demands of commercial and public sector projects while reducing the carbon footprint associated with traditional construction,” noted Özdemir. “We aim to lead the UK market in providing efficient and sustainable modular construction solutions.” Strategic growth and commitment to quality With the UK’s modular construction market expected to grow at an annual rate of 6.3%, reaching a projected value of £12 billion by 2025, Module-T is well-positioned to establish a strong presence. By combining innovative design with extensive international experience, the company aims to deliver adaptable solutions that meet the evolving needs of both commercial and public sector clients in the UK. Whether for office spaces, educational facilities, or sanitary units, Module-T’s temporary site accommodationare built to be efficient, durable, and comfortable. “At Module-T, we are committed to offering efficient and quality solutions that meet the diverse needs of our clients across the UK,” said Özdemir. “Our expertise in modular construction will contribute significantly to the industry’s growth and support the delivery of essential projects.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Algeco UK has completed one of its most distinctive buildings ever for a UK client, having put the finishing touches to a two-floor GRIDSERVE Electric Forecourt® with retail and coffee outlet in a structure with four curved sides in Stevenage. The building has been completed in just 11 weeks by Algeco UK on behalf of GRIDSERVE, which was looking for a building to sit alongside electric vehicle chargers at Knebworth Estate, Stevenage just off the A1 – which was identified as a critical location for volume electric car users. There is no shortage of available charging stations on the site, hosting 30 EV charging bays, including 24 High Power bays with up to 360kW of power – some of the fastest chargers publicly available today, capable of adding up to 100 miles of range in 10 minutes. The ground floor of the building has 4,247 sq. ft. of space, and features a grocery retail outlet and coffee shop to keep drivers busy while their cars are charging. There’s enough space for 30 vehicles including two accessible spaces and two parent-and-child spaces. Level two of the building, with 4,236 sq. ft. of space, contains an EV experience area and airport-style lounge. Algeco UK is a leading provider of permanent modular buildings, temporary accommodation and storage containers delivering construction expertise to diverse sectors including retail, commercial, industrial, education, health, defence and justice, and many more. GRIDSERVE is best known for opening the UK’s first Electric Forecourt® in Braintree in 2020 and has since opened Electric Forecourts® in Norwich and London Gatwick Airport. The structure created for GRIDSERVE in Stevenage is based on Algeco’s IBEX modular unit and built at its Carnaby factory. However this is the first of its type for any client with all four sides being curved. Paul Beard, Senior Design Manager for Algeco UK, explained the curved sides of the building created new challenges as it tested the tolerance of the steel used, before finding a solution to ensure it was as strong as the rest of the structure. He said: “The curves to all four sides of the building pose many challenges with tolerances experienced while curving the hot-rolled frames at temperatures exceeding 500 degrees. The external cladding also has to be millimetre perfect to achieve the desired aesthetics.” Julian Foster, Chief Operating Officer at GRIDSERVE said: “Being able to deliver reliable charging quickly and efficiently helps us on our mission to give drivers the confidence to switch to EV. “However building an Electric Forecourt® is not just about infrastructure; it’s about paving the way for a sustainable future. This project demonstrates our commitment to innovation, net zero energy, and a greener world for generations to come. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Reds10, a pioneer of industrialised construction, has appointed David Newey and James Bateman as directors to oversee its fast-growing UK-wide operations. These are significant appointments for the company which recently announced its fourth consecutive year of growth for the year ended 31 March 2024, with revenue rising by 70% YoY to £142.5m. Between them, David and James will be responsible for the operations of Reds10’s projects in the defence, education, health and justice sectors, with David taking responsibility for projects in the south of England and James overseeing Reds10’s projects in the midlands and north of England. David will be based at Reds10’s Head Office in London and James will be based in Yorkshire, where the company houses its MMC manufacturing facilities. David Newey brings 17 years of construction and development expertise to his role at Reds10. He began his career at Berkeley Group and quickly progressed to become Project Director at Anthology, where he managed residential projects with construction values between £50 million and £80 million. Most recently, as Regional Development Director at Lifestory Group, he oversaw a portfolio of projects across the development cycle and successfully mentored team members. James Bateman joins Reds10 with nearly six years of experience as Head of Construction at A2Dominion Group, where he led a large team responsible for the delivery of homes in London and the Southeast. A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) since 2020, James previously spent 8 years with major contractors and managed a diverse range of projects with budgets ranging from £1 million to over £150 million. In his new role, James will be based in Driffield where Reds10 has five Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) manufacturing facilities with a floor space totalling 300,000 sq ft. Paul Ruddick, Chairman, Reds10 said: “We are very pleased to announce the appointment of David and James, who are joining us at a very exciting period for the business, with a strong pipeline in place and a forecast of continued growth. Both bring considerable experience of large-scale delivery, and we are thrilled to have them on board as we move forward on our mission to industrialise construction, driving up productivity, quality, and sustainability and delivering exceptional value to clients.” David Newey commented: “I’m thrilled to join Reds10 at such an exciting phase in its growth journey. Reds10 is redefining what’s possible in industrialised construction, and I’m eager to help deliver on its vision across critical sectors like defence, education, health, and justice in the south. By focusing on innovation and efficiency, we’ll create spaces that not only meet our clients’ needs but also add lasting value to the communities they serve.” James Bateman added: “I am delighted to have started at Reds10 and I look forward to building on its strong foundations and working alongside the organisation’s already excellent team. Reds10 is at the forefront of the change taking place in the construction sector and I am excited to start delivering the pipeline of future projects across the midlands and north of England.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Affordable and social housing developer EDAROTH (a wholly owned subsidiary of AtkinsRéalis) has begun work on a multiple-site scheme in Surrey to deliver sustainable affordable homes in partnership with a housing association. Social housing provider Raven Housing Trust is now working with EDAROTH (Everyone Deserves a Roof Over Their Head) to develop the new houses, using offsite manufacturing methods to create low energy-use, net zero homes while providing additive capacity for the housing market. The homes will be the first to be delivered by EDAROTH for a housing association and will be built across four development sites in Epsom and Reigate & Banstead Borough Council areas, repurposing disused garage sites belonging to Raven. The initial development will provide 12 much-needed homes in well-located areas of the town, with the majority of building parts being manufactured at a UK factory, transported and assembled onsite, reducing the carbon impact of the process. By using this approach the homes will be delivered more quickly compared to traditional methods of construction, with reduced disruption to residents living near the development sites. The homes will also be built to EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) A+, the highest efficiency rating possible to keep energy usage and carbon emissions low. Mark Powell, Managing Director of EDAROTH, said: “This is a progressive development to build much-needed affordable housing for residents within communities, delivering high quality, net zero housing stock in the most efficient way. “EDAROTH was established with the guiding principle to create sustainable, low carbon and affordable housing, and we’re pleased that work is underway in what we hope will be a programme of development working with Raven Housing Trust, a truly collaborative partner which shares our vision for developing communities.” Stephen Clements, Assistant Development Director for Raven Housing Trust, said: “Our priority is to provide high quality, sustainable, affordable homes for our residents, and so it’s a great moment to see work beginning on these sites. “This scheme will transform these sites and provide much greater value to communities as new homes which are in such high demand both here and across the county.” The scheme in Surrey is the first in a number of new contracts due to go live for EDAROTH, which is bringing a fresh approach to the housing market by utilising brownfield and former industrial land to release genuine social and economic value back into communities. This in turn supports housing associations in their goals to provide affordable, energy-efficient homes in areas of acute shortage, as well as meeting net zero targets. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Offsite manufacturing specialist, TALO, is expanding its transformational timber superstructure systems for low rise housing in the UK. Developed in Finland and widely used across the Nordic countries for over 40 years, TALO’s offsite manufacturing solutions can eradicate energy bills for homeowners and residents of social and affordable housing. As part of its expansion in the UK, TALO has just been awarded ICW Endorsed accreditation from ICW Group – one of the country’s largest structural insurance warranty specialists, which serves all major mortgage lenders. This certification follows a robust technical assessment of TALO’s timber superstructure system and its manufacturing processes to meet ICW’s stringent MMC requirements. The endorsement means that the TALO offsite system is now pre-approved, subject to satisfactory site audits, for use in conjunction with ICW’s structural warranties across multiple housing projects. Philip Quinn, Director of Surveying Services at ICW, said, “TALO’s commitment to quality is clear, as attested by their comprehensive technical design and robust manufacturing processes. Working with TALO has been refreshing and their approach to sustainability is impressive.” “We found TALO’s team to be responsive, technically minded and engaging professionals. We are thrilled to be working in partnership together as we look ahead to future MMC projects.” Leona Wikman, TALO’s Technical Director said, “The accreditation from ICW gives our housebuilding customers the reassurance that the TALO system meets ICW’s requirements for their structural warranties.” “We have an exciting project pipeline in place for both housebuilders and social and affordable housing providers. This certification will open the doors to more opportunities in the residential sector, as well as provide our existing customers with independent verification of the consistently high-quality standards we work to.” “ICW’s MMC team visited our offsite manufacturing centre in Finland as part of the assessment process. The depth of technical knowledge of MMC and competence of their team made the approval process very straightforward.” TALO is now working towards its first UK offsite manufacturing centre as demand increases for its zero energy housebuilding solutions in the UK. Its timber superstructure system is currently manufactured in Finland for its UK customers. Once production in the first factory nears capacity, there are plans for further manufacturing centres which will be rolled out across the UK to meet customer demand and create local jobs for local housing. This will accelerate the construction of TALO’s zero energy homes – from Scotland to the South West of England. TALO specialises in the offsite manufacture and installation of advanced timber superstructures to deliver new low-rise homes for sale, rent and social housing more efficiently. The high level of thermal efficiency of the TALO system removes the need for energy bills and snagging, and at no cost premium for the developer or housing provider. For further information, visit www.talo.co.uk, call 03301 334121 or email hello@talo.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction of the new Orsett Heath Academy in Essex, which was commissioned by the Secretary of State for Education, has been completed by leading offsite manufacturer McAvoy. The 8,610m2 three-storey design and build project, which is McAvoy’s largest to date, comprises 209 modules encompassing collaborative breakout areas, a double-height dining area and a performing arts hub. McAvoy was also responsible for the extensive hard and soft landscaping, including car and bicycle parking provision, the creation of a new cycle path, new sports playing fields and the installation of a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA). The school was procured through the Department for Education’s (DfE) Mod C framework and completed over the course of 15 months, one week ahead of schedule. McAvoy was instrumental in the swift delivery of the new 1,200 pupil capacity school, for ages 11-16, through close stakeholder collaboration at every stage. First working with the school and local planning authority, McAvoy then engaged with archeological specialists to provide advice and excavation of the brownfield site. Manufacturing and ground works took place concurrently, and installation of the modules was completed during winter 2023. The offsite manufacturing process was not only efficient but served to avoid delays from weather disruption by having 70% of works, including screed floors, completed at McAvoy’s manufacturing facility. McAvoy also procured and liaised with utilities providers to manage the installation of the new power substation and water infrastructure for the school. To provide flexible delivery, McAvoy hired a local airfield close to the site, which alleviated road delivery restrictions and limited disruption. Undertaking Considerate Constructors Scheme practices throughout, McAvoy engaged with the local community through regular updates, foodbank donations, local employment, as well as student site visits. McAvoy also installed a four-phase clock on a new plinth, to commemorate the school opening. Gavin Ward, Contracts Manager at McAvoy, commented, “The new Orsett Heath Academy is an exemplary educational institution, demonstrating the strong capabilities and benefits that offsite manufacturing can provide, at the scale required to help the education sector quickly meet growing demand for fit-for-purpose education facilities. As our biggest project to date, this scheme also represents the growth and skill of our experienced team to deliver excellent education facilities on complex brownfield sites. Throughout the process, McAvoy has managed and delivered solutions to enable the quick and efficient turnaround of the school, to all necessary standards and building regulation requirements. We are thrilled with the final result and positive feedback received from teachers, students and the local community, who are all now benefitting from the great internal facilities and carefully considered external landscaping.” Steve Munday, Chief Executive Officer at South West Essex Community Education Trust commented: “We are thrilled to see the completion of this exciting new facility for Orsett Heath Academy, made possible by McAvoy’s unique approach. The attention to detail, from state-of-the-art learning spaces to the expansive sports facilities, reflects our vision to create a nurturing and dynamic environment for our students. We are excited to see the positive impact this new school will have on our community, and we look forward to watching our students thrive in this exceptional space for years to come.” Amy Tait, Project Director at the Department for Education, commented: “Orsett Heath Academy is a fantastic facility and offers excellent learning spaces to support the South West Essex Community Education Trust in continuing to offer high quality education to their students. McAvoy have worked closely with the Trust and the Local Authority to deliver this impressive educational facility which includes high quality outdoor sports pitches to support the school in providing excellent education and opportunities to students.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Modular construction business Integra Buildings has celebrated a record year as a string of major contracts underpinned impressive growth. Yorkshire-based Integra recorded turnover of £50m in 2023 for the first time in the company’s 27-year history, as newly-released accounts detail its strong financial performance. Income reached £50.4m in the year ending December 31, 2023, up 18 per cent on the previous 12 months, with pre-tax profits of £6.6m, up from £2.8m in 2022. Key to the success were a series of showpiece projects, including the delivery of a £6m new facility for a world-class sports organisation, as well as contracts won with blue chip clients including Network Rail and Transport for London. Integra’s impressive financial performance comes as it continues to deliver major investments at its headquarters site in Paull, near Hull, including an expanded head office and wide-reaching sustainability initiatives. With a healthy order book and future pipeline of work, Integra has set its sights on exceeding £60m turnover in 2025 and is investing in its team to lay the foundations for continuing growth. Integra CEO Gary Parker said: “Hitting £50m turnover for the first time reflects a hugely successful period for Integra, delivering impactful projects for clients spanning both the public and private sectors. “As we have grown organically, we have evolved from a modular manufacturer to a full-service modular construction company which is delivering turnkey projects spanning design, consultation, planning, manufacture, delivery and installation. “Throughout our history, we’ve remained focused on delivering buildings of outstanding quality. Our reputation for excellence and consistently exceeding expectations is driving ever-growing numbers of enquiries from clients looking for modular solutions to their projects.” As well as smaller scale contracts, a total of 15 projects worth at least £1m each were successfully delivered during 2023. Integra’s single biggest project during the year was a development for one of the world’s best-known sports organisations. The modular construction business also delivered an award-winning Wellbeing Hub for NHS staff at Southampton General Hospital. The project was made possible following the auction of famous street artist Banksy’s “Game Changer” piece and provided a modern, attractive space for colleagues to relax and unwind from the pressures of work. Other important contracts included a staff accommodation and maintenance building at Transport for London’s Neasden Depot and a new training centre for Network Rail at its Innovation & Development Centre in Tuxford, Nottinghamshire. Integra continues to work with leading organisations including National Highways and the Ministry of Defence with a healthy order book and pipeline of high-quality contracts. Chris Turner, Managing Director at Integra, said: “Our strong performance is in line with a structured growth plan which was put in place to ensure we remain at the forefront of a fast-growing modular construction industry. “It means, as a business, we are well placed for the next chapter of our story, as we continually look to evolve the services we offer to our clients. “I’d like to take the opportunity to thank all of our team who have played a massive part in what was the most successful year in Integra’s history.” Integra is also midway through a £2m investment programme at its East Yorkshire site, including a self-built expansion to Integra’s modular head office. Over the past six years, Integra’s workforce has grown from a team of 80 to around 180, and the new space will cater for the company’s expanding office-based team. Investment has also been made to create additional storage space at the site, to accommodate growing numbers of units ready to be transported to sites. Sustainability forms a crucial part of the investment programme, with Integra having embarked on an ambitious pathway to become a carbon neutral business by 2038. More than £1m has been invested in projects including a comprehensive rooftop solar installation, the introduction of electric forklift trucks and welding equipment, a waste compactor which reduces trips to landfill, and replacing company vehicles with electric models. Integra now has more than 1,000 solar panels installed on its main office and production factories, with capacity to generate around 380,000 kWh of clean electricity every year. Integra continues to invest significantly in learning, development and training for its existing team, as well as expanding and recruiting in project management and commercial roles. The company provides a high-quality healthcare benefit package, with a clear focus on wellbeing. With an eye on the future, and nurturing a skilled workforce, Integra has a successful apprenticeship programme, working with local schools and colleges to provide opportunities for young people pursuing a career in the construction industry. Integra has also formed a new pre-construction team, with a focus on offering a broader, complete service to clients. It means the company is involved in projects from an earlier design and planning stage, taking the client right through to completion and handover of the building. With a commitment to excellence across all of its operations, Integra has retained its three ISO accreditations for Quality Management, Environment and Health and Safety. The business is also working towards ISO 19650, an international standard which helps companies securely manage information over the whole lifecycle of a built asset using building information modelling. As the modular industry continues to grow and evolve, Integra has invested in a number of research and development projects, focused on new product development, including an innovative modular custodial cell which meets the required Government standards. Integra believes the modular cell could hold the key to tackling the prison overcrowding crisis which has made the headlines in recent months. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
