Trades & Services : Modular & MMC News
Pinewood Structures using SterlingOSB Zero across its offsite systems

Pinewood Structures using SterlingOSB Zero across its offsite systems

A specialist timber engineering company, active throughout East Anglia and the Home Counties, is making extensive use of West Fraser’s SterlingOSB Zero in the production of its diverse offering of high performance, sustainable offsite solutions. Based in the village of Gamlingay on the Cambridgeshire-Bedfordshire border, Pinewood Structures was established in

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Duke Street acquires McAvoy from Blantyre Capital

Duke Street acquires McAvoy from Blantyre Capital

Duke Street, a European mid-market investor, announces it has agreed to acquire McAvoy (“McAvoy”), a provider of high-quality modular buildings and social infrastructure. The acquisition follows five years of majority ownership by Blantyre Capital (“Blantyre”), an independent investment manager specialising in mid-market equity and debt. Founded in 1972, McAvoy designs,

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McAvoy Secures Place on LHC’s £265m Modular Buildings (MB3) Framework

McAvoy Secures Place on LHC’s £265m Modular Buildings (MB3) Framework

Leading offsite manufacturer McAvoy has been appointed to the LHC £265m Modular Buildings (MB3) Framework, securing a place on all four workstreams: permanent modular buildings (education, offices and community buildings), healthcare facilities, rental of temporary modular buildings and provision of refurbished buildings. This marks McAvoy’s third consecutive term on the

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Wakefield’s Thurston Group showcases impressive digital transformation results as it aims to double turnover by 2027

Wakefield’s Thurston Group showcases impressive digital transformation results as it aims to double turnover by 2027

Yorkshire-based offsite manufacturer, Thurston Group, opened its doors in mid-June for an exclusive event with trade body, Made in Yorkshire, as it showcased the improvements made to its company culture, digital infrastructure and facilities in recent years. The firm is targeting £104m turnover by 2027.   Thurston Group currently turns over

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Planning permission granted for modular homes in Romford

Planning permission granted for modular homes in Romford

The London Borough of Havering, in partnership with Wates Residential, has secured planning approval for 18 modular homes on the Waterloo and Queen Street Estate in Romford. The project marks a key milestone in a pilot initiative aimed at transforming the provision of temporary housing across the capital. Part of

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Pitsea to Welcome £54m Diagnostic and Community Health Hub

Pitsea to Welcome £54m Diagnostic and Community Health Hub

Plans have been confirmed for a major new health facility in Essex, with modular construction firm MTX Contracts appointed as the preferred builder for a state-of-the-art community diagnostic centre (CDC) in Pitsea. The £54 million project, which will be developed on the former site of a leisure centre and library

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Latest Issue
Issue 334 : Nov 2025

Trades : Modular & MMC News

Pinewood Structures using SterlingOSB Zero across its offsite systems

Pinewood Structures using SterlingOSB Zero across its offsite systems

A specialist timber engineering company, active throughout East Anglia and the Home Counties, is making extensive use of West Fraser’s SterlingOSB Zero in the production of its diverse offering of high performance, sustainable offsite solutions. Based in the village of Gamlingay on the Cambridgeshire-Bedfordshire border, Pinewood Structures was established in 1981 and has grown steadily to become one of the UK’s foremost suppliers of timber-based systems across a variety of sectors, including housing and retirement developments, hotels and student living. The selection of site-specific solutions includes both open panel timber frame and ‘NHBC Accepted’ status factory insulated closed panels as well as floor and roof cassettes. The Sales and Marketing Manager for Pinewood Structures, Peter Keogh, commented: “Over the past 15 years we have successfully completed over 600 separate schemes encompassing not only residential and student accommodation, but also hotels, supermarkets and other types of development. We manufacture our offsite timber frame solutions at our two purpose-designed factory units in Gamlingay, which provide us with 40,000 square feet of production space. “Importantly, although numbers for the housebuilding industry remain flat, timber frame is steadily growing its market share, and we confidently expect to increase our total capacity from the current figure of approximately 1500 units per year: partly due to the fact we work a lot in affordable housebuilding which is being quite strongly supported by the Government. We are also working with registered providers and developers targeting the buy-to-rent market who favour a quick build method.” Referencing the company’s commitments to being a sustainable supplier, Peter added: “In terms of our manufacturing, we primarily use the West Fraser 9mm Sterling OSB Zero as the sheathing to our open and closed panel systems; though it is also employed in other applications such as for fabricating floor cassettes for apartment buildings which will have an OSB deck onto which an acoustic floor system is installed. We also use CaberDek for some projects. “Pinewood has long had a strong emphasis on the use of sustainably sourced materials, with the low embodied energy of timber having obvious attractions, which we need to prove to our customers through sustainable procurement. In addition, as a major manufacturer, we need a strong supply chain with West Fraser being a national supplier able to support us through reliability and quality. Overall, we are in a good place in the market and are excited about the future for timber frame and what timber products can do to help meet climate challenge.” West Fraser, furthermore, ensures that all its lumber is sourced from responsibly managed forests, mainly in the UK, carrying full chain of custody meaning stocks are conserved by replanting and carefully planned cropping. While local sourcing reduces mileage, West Fraser is also investing heavily in a new rail head for its Inverness plant and buys only renewable electricity for the site – and has switched from gas power to biomass for its drying process. Across the group, ESG commitments are being delivered, and Inverness is on course to attain its 2030 targets next year.  All West Fraser panel products produced in the UK are net carbon negative and manufactured in mills that have obtained the coveted environmental ISO 14001 accreditation.  Responsibly sourced, the panels are FSC® certified (C012533) and created from locally grown timber, cutting embodied carbon from transportation. For further information, call 01786 812 921 or visit https://uk.westfraser.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Gateway unlocked: Tide wins UK’s first Gateway 2 sign-off for a high-rise volumetric scheme

Gateway unlocked: Tide wins UK’s first Gateway 2 sign-off for a high-rise volumetric scheme

Volumetric developer Tide has secured the UK’s first Gateway 2 approval for an offsite high-rise under the post-Grenfell Building Safety regime, clearing the way for construction of The Green, a 23-storey, 424-bed student tower in Southall, west London. The milestone offers a practical template for how modular projects can satisfy the Building Safety Regulator’s demands and should accelerate confidence in factory-built delivery at height. The scheme, consented in January, will be delivered by Tide with its sister company and manufacturer Vision Volumetric. Using an integrated design-and-manufacture model, the in-house design and technical teams worked with consultant partners to evidence full compliance through detailed golden-thread documentation at Gateway 2, the point at which work can lawfully start on site. Why it matters for offsite• Process and proof: Tide and Vision aligned their technical submissions with the regulator’s expectations, establishing a replicable workflow for fire safety, structure, MEP, façade performance and product assurance within a volumetric system.• Digital golden thread by default: every module is digitally logged end-to-end. Vision’s factory controls track each build stage with QR-coded records and six independent QA sign-offs before a unit leaves the line, creating immediate evidence for Gateway 3 and data-rich handover for FM.• Programme certainty with compliance baked in: by resolving compliance at module level in the factory, site risk should reduce, installation programmes tighten and rework costs fall. Christy Hayes, CEO of Tide and Vision, said: “Securing the UK’s first Gateway 2 approval for a volumetric building is a landmark moment for Tide and Vision. Strong collaboration and regular communication with the regulatory lead and multi-disciplinary team have been key to this project. By working hand-in-hand with the regulator, we have fine-tuned our documentation and quality processes to align fully with Gateway requirements. This gives us confidence in navigating Gateway 3 and future approvals, while setting a clear benchmark for volumetric construction across the industry.” Looking ahead to Gateway 3, Tide says the same controls and documentation will underpin the completion and certification phase, with each volumetric unit’s provenance and workmanship evidenced before it reaches site. With construction now able to start at The Green, Southall gains one of the UK’s first student towers delivered to the spirit and letter of the Building Safety Act via volumetric construction. For developers weighing up MMC at height, Tide’s passage through Gateway 2 provides a workable benchmark: integrate design and manufacturing, evidence performance at component level, and treat the digital thread as core project infrastructure rather than a compliance afterthought. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Duke Street acquires McAvoy from Blantyre Capital

Duke Street acquires McAvoy from Blantyre Capital

Duke Street, a European mid-market investor, announces it has agreed to acquire McAvoy (“McAvoy”), a provider of high-quality modular buildings and social infrastructure. The acquisition follows five years of majority ownership by Blantyre Capital (“Blantyre”), an independent investment manager specialising in mid-market equity and debt. Founded in 1972, McAvoy designs, builds, and rents premium space solutions, ranging from temporary modular buildings to fully bespoke permanent buildings. McAvoy has extensive experience in supplying to the health, education, pharmaceutical, and commercial sectors throughout the UK and Ireland.  McAvoy provides complete turnkey solutions that adhere to the same regulations as traditional buildings but can be delivered up to 50% faster. Its modern, custom-built modules are typically more than 70% complete before leaving McAvoy’s 70,000 square-foot purpose-built manufacturing facility in Lisburn, Northern Ireland. This facility has the capacity to design and manufacture up to 1,200 modules annually, making McAvoy one of the largest modular building providers in the UK.  Headquartered in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, McAvoy has over 160 employees and offices in Dublin, Birmingham, Bristol, and London.  During Blantyre’s ownership, McAvoy experienced substantial growth and profitability improvements, reflecting increased demand in the UK modular rental and sales market for premium, cost-effective, and sustainable buildings that are flexible and easy to deploy. Particular growth has come from McAvoy’s rental division, which removes the need for customers to make substantial capital investments and provides them with ongoing maintenance and support.  Duke Street’s investment in McAvoy will increase the size and quality of McAvoy’s rental fleet, enabling McAvoy to continue offering its customers premium, high-quality buildings delivered at pace and without the need for capital outlay.  Joe Thompson, Partner at Duke Street, says: “McAvoy is a sustainable, well-capitalised and market-leading business that has a strong reputation for building premium modular solutions. In the last few years, the exceptional management team, led by CEO Ron Clarke, has successfully taken to market a new and differentiated modular product, SmartSpace, that exceeds building regulation requirements. Duke Street’s acquisition of McAvoy complements our long-held investment focus in essential social infrastructure services that provide the backbone to the economy.”  Duke Street has a long and successful track record of investing across the UK, Ireland, and Mainland Europe. The buyout of McAvoy is the second acquisition by Duke Street in social infrastructure, following its 2024 buyout of AGITO Medical, a provider of mobile rental medical imaging equipment to the healthcare industry. AGITO was a carve-out from Philips.   Johann Scheid, Investment Director at Blantyre, said: “We are delighted to have partnered with Ron and his outstanding team at McAvoy. Over the past five years, McAvoy has undergone a transformational period, successfully launching SmartSpace and expanding its modular rental fleet while delivering a broad range of new permanent modular buildings across education, healthcare, and other key sectors. We are confident that McAvoy has found an excellent new home in Duke Street for its next chapter of growth. We wish the company, its management, staff, and new shareholders every success in the future.” Ron Clarke, CEO of McAvoy, said: “Securing the backing and support of Duke Street, one of Europe’s most well-respected investors, underscores the strength of our proposition. They join at a critical time in the modular building industry, when the need for high-quality solutions has never been higher. Our company is uniquely positioned for further growth with a model that combines operational excellence, sophisticated design and deep sector expertise. We thank Blantyre for their commitment and support over the past five years. Together, we have achieved significant growth, establishing McAvoy as a trusted provider of high-quality, adaptable modular buildings across the UK and Ireland.”  The financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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McAvoy Secures Place on LHC’s £265m Modular Buildings (MB3) Framework

McAvoy Secures Place on LHC’s £265m Modular Buildings (MB3) Framework

Leading offsite manufacturer McAvoy has been appointed to the LHC £265m Modular Buildings (MB3) Framework, securing a place on all four workstreams: permanent modular buildings (education, offices and community buildings), healthcare facilities, rental of temporary modular buildings and provision of refurbished buildings. This marks McAvoy’s third consecutive term on the LHC Modular Buildings (MB3) Framework, which helps public sector clients to access modern methods of construction. McAvoy has successfully delivered several projects under previous iterations of the framework, including Kelmscott School, Lister Community School, and North Birkbeck Family Resilience and High Needs Centre. Stephen Clayton, Preconstruction Director at McAvoy, commented: “Securing a place on all four workstreams across all regions of LHC MB3 is a fantastic achievement and a clear endorsement of our commitment to quality, innovation and customer service. We’re proud to be recognised as a trusted delivery partner for public sector clients—bringing certainty, sustainability and modern methods of construction to the heart of every project.” Public sector clients can now access McAvoy’s full suite of modular services through the LHC MB3 Framework. For more information about McAvoy’s framework partnerships visit: www.mcavoygroup.com/who-we-are/frameworks-collaboration/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Wakefield’s Thurston Group showcases impressive digital transformation results as it aims to double turnover by 2027

Wakefield’s Thurston Group showcases impressive digital transformation results as it aims to double turnover by 2027

Yorkshire-based offsite manufacturer, Thurston Group, opened its doors in mid-June for an exclusive event with trade body, Made in Yorkshire, as it showcased the improvements made to its company culture, digital infrastructure and facilities in recent years. The firm is targeting £104m turnover by 2027.   Thurston Group currently turns over £51m and employs 377 talented staff across four sites in Yorkshire. The firm is growing at an impressive rate, having recently acquired Storplan, a specialist fabrication business, and the assets of Alsim System Building, a temporary living and secure accommodation specialist, following its insolvency.   The Made in Yorkshire Factory Tour saw Thurston open its doors to over 40 manufacturers from the national Made In network, including Rolls-Royce PLC, Trojan Baths, and A.W. Hainsworth & Sons.   The event kicked off with a candid talk from Thurston’s managing director, Matt Goff, before attendees embarked on a tour around the working factory, they then returned to a panel discussion involving our senior leadership team.  Matt’s presentation prominently featured Thurston’s remarkable growth, directly attributing it to the leadership team’s forward-thinking embrace of digital transformation. This significant shift in mindset – prioritising not only business expansion but also empowering employees through new digital tools and processes – has been the core driver behind the firm’s success, culminating in the doubling of turnover over the past seven years.  As part of the factory tours, which were led by four senior team members, Thuston showcased its newly renovated machine shop, demonstrating the evolving integration of automation in its processes, a transformation delivered in partnership with Software as a Service (SaaS) company, WrxFlo.  Speaking about the event, Matt Goff, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome the Made in Yorkshire community to our site. This is a really important time for our business as we’re implementing technologies that are allowing us to truly level up our business. The improvements that Wrxflo have helped us to unlock through process standardisation, operational efficiency gains and cultural shifts on the shopfloor as a result, have been astounding.   “As Made in Yorkshire members, it was wonderful to share this progress with our peers and learn from one another how we can all work together to improve manufacturing in Yorkshire and pioneer British made products across the nation and globe.”  Thurston Group was founded in 1970 and was acquired by private industrial investment company HLD Group in 2021 through a £16m asset-based lending (ABL) facility that formed part of the total acquisition cost.  Thurston works with hundreds of clients across a range of sectors, including Sunbelt, Wernick Hire, Network Rail, Public Health England, and INEOS.   Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Modular Momentum: NHS Framework to Accelerate Public Sector Construction

Modular Momentum: NHS Framework to Accelerate Public Sector Construction

A new wave of modular construction is set to transform the UK’s public infrastructure, with NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) unveiling its updated Modular Buildings 3 framework, naming 27 approved suppliers. This third iteration of the popular framework agreement is open not only to NHS organisations but also to schools, housing associations and a wide range of public sector bodies. Whether for new builds, temporary hire or lease agreements, the framework offers a fast, compliant route to procuring modular solutions. According to Kat Jackson, principal category manager at NHS SBS, the framework supports a number of national priorities. “Modular Buildings 3 offers an opportunity to fast-track the construction of homes, schools and NHS facilities, aligning with the government’s wider objectives to tackle the housing shortage, modernise healthcare services and improve learning environments,” she said. At its core, the framework is designed to support the New Hospital Programme, a national initiative to build 25 new hospitals and replace older facilities, particularly those affected by structural issues such as reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC). However, its remit goes much further. Modular Buildings 3 is also aligned with the School Rebuilding Programme, which has been allocated £2.4 billion annually for the next four years. Additionally, it supports social housing projects, set to benefit from a £3.9 billion yearly investment over the coming decade. Jackson highlighted the broad potential of modular construction in meeting urgent needs across sectors. “This framework enables quicker and more cost-effective delivery of vital infrastructure. Whether it’s a GP surgery, a classroom or a social housing development, modular construction provides a high-quality, adaptable solution,” she said. “By embracing modular approaches, we’re not just delivering buildings faster — we’re also supporting sustainability goals, reducing disruption, and ensuring long-term value for public investment.” Approved Suppliers Under Modular Buildings 3 Framework: As demand grows for high-quality, sustainable and quickly delivered public infrastructure, the Modular Buildings 3 framework offers a crucial tool for public bodies looking to build smarter and faster across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Eastbourne Heritage Site to Host 100 New Modular Homes in Major Housing Boost

Eastbourne Heritage Site to Host 100 New Modular Homes in Major Housing Boost

Sussex-based modular housing specialist Boutique Modern has secured its largest project to date, transforming a historic Eastbourne site into a vibrant new community. The company has been appointed to deliver 100 affordable homes at the Victorian Pump House on Bedfordwell Road – a landmark scheme that blends new modular construction with the sensitive conversion of a Grade II listed building. Originally built in the 1880s for the Eastbourne Waterworks Company, the pump house has stood derelict for years. Now, as part of the wider regeneration project, Boutique Modern and its partners will breathe new life into the site, preserving its heritage while addressing the area’s pressing housing needs. Of the 100 homes planned, 59 will be houses and 41 apartments. Twenty will be available for shared ownership, with the remainder offered at affordable rent. Eighty of the homes will be newly built using Boutique Modern’s precision-engineered modular system, while the remaining twenty will be delivered through the conversion of the existing historic structure. Founded in 2009 by Dick Shone, Boutique Modern has to date delivered 241 factory-built homes across the region. This new development represents a major milestone for the company, made possible by the increased capacity of its recently expanded manufacturing facility. Shone commented: “We’re proud to be starting work on our largest scheme yet – a project that demonstrates just how far our business has come. Thanks to our expanded factory, we can take on projects of this scale while continuing to support other clients and develop our new ModernHome range. “We’ve had a strong working relationship with Eastbourne Borough Council through previous successful developments, and we’re delighted to be building this key scheme in the town. We hope it inspires other councils to consider similar partnerships.” All new homes in the development are targeting an EPC A rating – the highest energy efficiency classification – through a combination of sustainable technologies. These include solar panels, air source heat pumps, electric heating, and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, alongside Boutique Modern’s signature fabric-first design approach. Preliminary site works have already commenced, with full-scale construction scheduled to begin towards the end of 2025. The project was procured via Lewes District Council’s modular housing framework. Councillor Peter Diplock, cabinet member for housing at Eastbourne Borough Council, said: “It’s incredibly exciting to see this transformative project progressing. The regeneration of a brownfield site like Bedfordwell Road is always complex, but our determination has delivered results. “This scheme marks the most significant council-led housing development in Eastbourne for decades and is a major step forward in our goal of providing truly affordable homes for local people.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Planning permission granted for modular homes in Romford

Planning permission granted for modular homes in Romford

The London Borough of Havering, in partnership with Wates Residential, has secured planning approval for 18 modular homes on the Waterloo and Queen Street Estate in Romford. The project marks a key milestone in a pilot initiative aimed at transforming the provision of temporary housing across the capital. Part of a broader regeneration joint venture between Havering Council and Wates Residential to deliver up to 5,000 new homes borough-wide, the scheme addresses the urgent challenge of rising housing demand and costs—issues that currently cost councils across the UK £2.1 billion annually and have left record numbers of children living in hotels and B&Bs. Developed in collaboration with architects, suppliers, planners, manufacturers, and local authorities, the modular homes in Romford are designed as pre-fabricated standard units that can be built twice as fast as traditional homes and relocated if necessary. With energy-efficient features and low carbon footprints, the units involve minimal disruption during installation and meet the same quality standards as permanent housing. Each home will include private bedrooms, family bathrooms, kitchens, and living spaces, providing a stable and dignified living environment for families facing housing insecurity. Despite being intended as temporary accommodation, the homes are built to last up to 60 years, offering councils a sustainable long-term solution. Councillor Graham Williamson, Cabinet Lead for Development and Regeneration at Havering Council, said: “These modular homes will offer a significant improvement on current options like hostels and hotels, giving families a safer, more stable place to live at less cost to the taxpayer, while we continue delivering long-term regeneration across the borough.” Paul Nicholls, Regional Managing Director for London at Wates Residential, added: “This decision shows what’s possible when we take bold approaches to tackling the housing crisis. Councils across the country are spending £2.1bn annually on hotels and hostels that have a devastating impact on their wellbeing and development. Our temporary modular homes provide a real solution. “These homes demonstrate that temporary accommodation can be high-quality, energy-efficient and designed around people’s needs, not just a stopgap, but a real place to live and thrive. We’re proud to be working with Havering Council to deliver a solution that is fast, flexible and focused on families.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Pitsea to Welcome £54m Diagnostic and Community Health Hub

Pitsea to Welcome £54m Diagnostic and Community Health Hub

Plans have been confirmed for a major new health facility in Essex, with modular construction firm MTX Contracts appointed as the preferred builder for a state-of-the-art community diagnostic centre (CDC) in Pitsea. The £54 million project, which will be developed on the former site of a leisure centre and library in the town centre, is set to become the largest diagnostic facility in mid and south Essex. Construction is expected to commence later this year. Designed as a two-storey, multi-functional healthcare hub, the Pitsea CDC will house a full suite of diagnostic services including CT and MRI scanners, X-rays, blood testing, and an eight-room endoscopy suite. The facility will also serve as a vibrant community space, with wellbeing amenities such as a purpose-built activity centre and a brand-new library incorporated into the design. Michael Thorpe, Portfolio Director at the Mid & South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said: “By bringing services under one roof, we’re making healthcare more convenient and accessible for local residents. With Pitsea being our largest CDC, we’ll be able to treat more patients quickly and locally—offering essential diagnostic tests without lengthy travel or delays.” The project is being delivered in collaboration with Essex County Council and Basildon Council, with a focus on improving healthcare infrastructure and community wellbeing across the region. MTX Contracts, a Cheshire-based firm known for delivering modern healthcare buildings, brings its expertise in modular construction to the scheme. Managing Director David Hartley highlighted the use of offsite manufacturing and modern methods of construction, allowing for faster build times, reduced disruption, and lower environmental impact. “Our approach ensures quicker delivery, better value, and ultimately faster access to vital healthcare services,” Hartley noted. “It means the Trust can begin using the facility sooner, improving outcomes for patients and staff alike.” Once complete, the Pitsea CDC will play a central role in reshaping how diagnostics and community services are delivered in Essex, helping reduce waiting times and supporting earlier detection and treatment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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TALO Awarded Offsite Superstructure Contract for Ultra-low Energy Housing Development in Edenbridge

TALO Awarded Offsite Superstructure Contract for Ultra-low Energy Housing Development in Edenbridge

TALO, the specialist in offsite timber housing, has been awarded its third contract in Kent. This is to manufacture and install the timber superstructures for eight ultra-low energy homes in the town of Edenbridge for developer The Balma Group. Project architects Edwards Wilson are working with Balma to deliver the Crofton Mews development, which comprises six three-storey, three-bed mews-style houses and two two-storey, two-bed homes. This will provide much needed family housing for market sale or rent in the centre of the town and adjacent to a primary school. TALO’s building system is currently manufactured offsite in Finland and uses slow-grown Nordic timber for superior build quality. It arrives on site complete with triple glazing, a high level of insulation pre-installed in the factory and external walls with interior plaster boarding. This approach means the homes at Crofton Mews will benefit from a much higher level of thermal efficiency, exceeding Passivhaus energy standards by at least 30 per cent. TALO’s highly insulated superstructure also achieves outstanding air tightness, again exceeding Passivhaus standards. It is combined with a solar battery package and MVHR (mechanical ventilation and heat recovery), resulting in exceptionally low energy bills for homeowners or tenants. By specifying the TALO solution, the eight homes will be installed on site and watertight in just 10 days, ready for the contractor to start fitting out. Commenting on the decision to use TALO’s offsite system for this scheme, James Everest, Managing Director of The Balma Group: “We estimate that the overall programme saving from using this advanced offsite housing system will be around six months. It will give us a faster return on investment and greater certainty of programme for the fit-out phase. It will also enable us to bring these new family homes to market much sooner, to the benefit of the community of Edenbridge. The TALO approach has already generated significant cost savings in structural engineering and groundworks from its standardised design and foundations. We also found it very useful to visit TALO’s offsite factory in Finland and to see a number of homes there under construction. The pace of work on site despite freezing temperatures was incredible.” Project Architect, Joseph Edwards of Edwards Wilson: “We don’t believe you can build to this level of specification and performance traditionally, without a vastly increased budget. The fact that this system is manufactured using robust, proven processes in a controlled factory environment, means heat loss is significantly reduced. The system also has a higher level of insulation for improved thermal efficiency. As a result, these homes will comfortably exceed Building Regulations requirements for energy performance and air tightness by a considerable margin, giving occupants the benefit of much lower running costs.” Due for completion early in 2026, the homes at Crofton Mews have been designed to complement other housing in the locality, with vertical timber cladding, a red brick plinth, metal detailing, dark grey steel-profiled gable roofs, and dark grey windows and doors. Each home will have open plan family kitchen-living, a bay window feature, a south-east facing garden, secure bin and cycle storage, and there will be eight parking spaces and one visitor/disabled bay. For more information about TALO’s timber offsite solutions for ultra-low energy housing, see www.talo.co.uk or email hello@talo.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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