Specialist builder completes £1.4m scheme to help find an answer to housing crisis

More than 30 studio apartments for young people struggling to find good quality, affordable homes have been created in just 12 weeks by a modular building company.

Integra Buildings manufactured the innovative, self-contained apartments at its production facilities in East Yorkshire.

The units were then transported by lorry to Bristol, where they have been assembled to create “Launchpad” – a pilot project to help address a growing housing crisis in the city.

The single-person apartments, which left Integra’s site fitted out with high-quality interiors, will be available to people aged 18-30 who are looking to leave student rentals, supported housing or over-priced accommodation.

Integra is now completing the on-site installation of plumbing, power and high-speed broadband, with the homes expected to be ready to move into this autumn.

The rapid turnaround on the £1.4m project was achieved by Integra using modular building methods that allow project times to be cut considerably when compared with traditional bricks and mortar methods.

Based in Paull, east of Hull, Integra has delivered a range of flagship projects across the UK, in sectors as diverse as sport and leisure, education, healthcare and commercial operations.

Launchpad combined two of the company’s key areas of expertise – steel fabrication, normally employed in the manufacture of secure anti-vandal units, for the container-style exteriors; and innovative modular building methods to create high-quality living spaces.

Integra Technical Director Mike Marriott said: “Everyone should have access to good quality, affordable accommodation and this project has enabled us to be part of meeting this basic need for young people in a city where housing problems are acute.

“It brings together our expertise and capability in designing and manufacturing robust steel shell units and modular internal fit-outs. That combination has created comfortable and appealing homes, with the desired industrial external appearance.

“The apartments are constructed and equipped to very high standards and comply fully with domestic building regulations.”

Bristol-based United Communities, the housing association leading the pioneering project, believes Launchpad could be the forerunner for new housing solutions.

Launchpad is backed by a partnership of United Communities, 1625 Independent People, which supports young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and the University of Bristol.

Last year, a report by Bristol City Council showed more than 11,000 people were waiting for council housing in the city, where the average house price had reached almost £300,000.

The initial concept for Launchpad was to convert shipping containers, but it was decided these would be too small and restrictive. Instead, Integra was commissioned to design and manufacture a bespoke version of the shipping container concept, including a larger floor space and higher ceilings.

A ready-made modular kitchen was slotted in, alongside an en-suite shower room, and each apartment has room for a bed, sofa, desk and wardrobe.

Integra has also built communal shared spaces, intended to encourage the development of a supportive and sustainable community.

Integra Design Technician, Sam Treadaway, said: “Shipping containers are very restrictive – instead we’ve created a bespoke product. It’s much larger, with higher ceilings and big windows, to bring in a lot more light, and to meet stringent building regulations, including insulation standards. These units are self-contained studio apartments, ready for people to move in.

“This has been a very positive project to be involved in and demonstrates the potential of modular construction in tackling important social and welfare issues.”

United Communities Chief Executive Oona Goldsworthy paid tribute to Integra’s contribution and the strong relationship between the project partners. She added: “What I liked best is Integra’s enthusiasm for the job – that passion really comes across.

“We’ve learnt a great deal from this pilot. We’d like to house key workers, such as nurses, perhaps using land owned by hospitals.”

Click here to sign up to receive our new South West business news...
Close