University of Sheffield researchers have demonstrated how modular solutions can help the government meet its 1.5 million new homes target.
Unlike traditional offsite modular housing, the university’s ‘factory-in-a-box’ system involves deploying a rapidly assembled manufacturing facility, or factory, under a temporary, weather-shielded canopy.
By building directly on site, the system aims to eliminate logistical challenges while protecting the construction process from weather-related disruption.
The temporary canopy can then be moved as each new home is completed.
The system has been developed by the university in partnership with Seismic Group, with funding from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.
The next steps for the project will involve working with local partners, local authorities and housing associations to develop a local supply chain capable of delivering at scale.
Ben Hughes, professor of energy engineering at the University of Sheffield’s Energy Innovation Centre, said: “Our factory-in-a-box demonstrator is designed to deliver high-quality, sustainable homes in all weathers in a matter of weeks – that can be deployed at pace and scale.
“This demonstration shows that by coupling advanced manufacturing methods with onsite production systems, it is possible to build the affordable, quality homes the country desperately needs, while improving efficiency and reducing costly delays.
“The Energy Innovation Centre’s location and proximity to the world-leading expertise and facilities at the University’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre puts us in a unique position to help the government meet its ambitious housing targets, using South Yorkshire expertise as a manufacturing and training hub supporting a national roll out.”
