Sep 17 2003
Modular construction is not a new concept but recent developments by Britains biggest prefab factory, Yorkon, are seeing it emerge as a large-scale construction reality.
Their 60 acre facility near York is producing fully manufactured and fitted out buildings for clients like Tescos and McDonalds as well as housing modules. The Local Authority Building Control has recently approved the Yorkon system and they have responded by doubling production capacity for their living accommodation modules.
Yorkon’s partnership with The Peabody Trust, a developer committed to innovation and pushing the potential of modular technology, and architects Allford, Hall, Monaghan and Morris has resulted in London's Raines Court development setting new standards. Raines Court is a development of 53 shared-ownership flats for public sector key workers and local people in Hackney. The six-storey development of steel-framed modules features a zinc-clad façade and splashes of vivid colour. It’s about to be completed following the reclamation of the former dairy products distribution yard on Northwold Road, Stoke Newington. It is slightly behind schedule but still months ahead of timescales for a traditional build.
The living modules are transported by lorry from York complete with fixtures and fittings, tiling, bathrooms, kitchens and heating installed. The units are then craned from the lorry directly into position.
Source: LABC