Britspace Invests in Modular Homebuilding

Modular homebuilder Britspace is investing £2m extending its production lines over the next two years. It is currently erecting two and three-bed homes in Chelmsford, Essex for Wimpey and its social housing partner Guinness Trust.

Each two-bed home is made up of four room modules and two roof modules, which are individually guided onto concrete ring beams using locating pins. The modules are then visually joined or "zipped up" using Ibstock brick slips clipped in on site.

All fixtures and fittings including bathrooms and kitchens are fitted in the factory, which Britspace estimates has reduced deliveries on site by 300%. Each home has been designed to incorporate a room in the roof at a later date and a space has been included for Velux roof lights.

Britspace is hoping to be producing 800-1000 units with Wimpey by late 2002, and is planning to build a 102-bed apartment block with another developer in Leeds.