A development of 60 houses built using a cutting-edge technique that is up to 40% faster than traditional construction methods is taking shape in rural Norfolk.
Builders are on-site at Crown View in Great Ellingham, which is being built using innovative i-House technology. This modern method of construction (MMC) sees prefabricated walls and roofs assembled on site, significantly reducing build times compared to traditional construction methods.
Breckland Council delegates had the chance to learn more about the techniques during a visit to the Flagship Homes development, which is being built in partnership with Lovell. The visitors praised the style of layout of the development, with the two-storey homes’ tall profile with high-pitched roofs lending them a modern, European feel, as well as the site’s innovative approach to construction.
L-R: Carolan Davidge, Steve Udberg, and Cecilia Tredget (Flagship Homes board) and Gill Duffy, Stephen Scowen, and Cllr Sarah Suggitt (Breckland Council)
The process behind i-House has become more widespread in mainland Europe in recent years, and is gaining popularity in the UK. By having house components built off-site, there is less chance bad weather or skills shortages will delay a development.
All 60 homes on the Crown View site will also use air source heat pumps for heating, making the development gas-free, as well as solar PV panels . The project aims to set a precedent for future developments, and showcase the benefits of sustainable building practices.
Sarah Suggitt, Breckland’s deputy leader and ward councillor for All Saints & Wayland, which includes Great Ellingham, said during the visit: “This was a great opportunity for us to come together with Flagship and Lovell and not only see this development, but also to get an insight into this new housebuilding technology and see what the future holds.
These 60 homes are much needed in the local community and will be a huge benefit to Great Ellingham and the wider area. At Breckland Council, we’re excited to see this take shape and look forward to the chance for further collaborations in the future, and appreciate being able to see it for ourselves.”
Simon Medler, Regional Managing Director at Lovell, said: “We pride ourselves on quality, innovation and using environmentally sustainable materials where possible, and these fantastic homes are being built using i-House along with air source heat pumps and solar PV panels.
We’re confident that these new homes at Great Ellingham will prove popular, thanks to these benefits, as well as the location near Attleborough. This is a really positive partnership with Flagship Homes, and we enjoyed showcasing our building techniques to Breckland Council during their visit to the site.”
Tony Tann, Flagship Homes MD, said: “We really appreciate this opportunity to showcase Crown View to members of Flagship Homes Board and Breckland District Council as a key development for Flagship Homes using modern methods of construction. This method enables us to accelerate the delivery of high-quality, efficient and much-needed affordable homes to the local area.
All 60 homes, which have been supported by a Homes England grant, are being built using this new technology and really proves how realistic it is to create affordable housing without compromising on quality or efficiency. We’re really proud of what’s been achieved here and grateful that all parties are working collaboratively to deliver this scheme. We hope it can be used as a blueprint for future developments.”
The homes are all affordable, and a mix of affordable rent and shared ownership properties. The homes will go on sale June-July this year, with the site on track for completion by March 2025. For more information and to stay up to date on this and future developments, visit flagship-homes.co.uk.
