How our first modular build can help customers save energy and money into the future

17/01/2023

To mark Big Energy Saving Week, today we’re putting our first new-build modular development in the spotlight: 12 highly energy efficient, two-bedroom apartments at Stephenson Street in Waterhead, built in partnership with Heywood-based, modular building specialist, MultiBuild UK.

Due for completion in early spring this year, this scheme of contemporary homes has transformed a brownfield site and been designed to help residents save energy and money into the future. We’re proud that it was shortlisted for Best Approach to Modular Housing at the Northern Housing Awards 2021, too.

The £1.4m project, due for completion February this year, is part of our strategy to deliver 1,100 affordable, high quality, low carbon homes in Oldham and surrounding areas 2020-2026 to help meet growing demand.

Our Stephenson Street scheme uses modern methods of construction to deliver important energy and cost saving benefits for customers…

We have maximised the performance of the materials that make up the building (known as a ‘fabric first approach’). Each apartment is highly insulated to make sure homes are warm and economical for customers to run
Each apartment is designed to be highly energy efficient and is set to achieve Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) B – supporting our customers to save money on utility bills and minimise their carbon footprint.
To help us achieve high standards of quality and energy efficiency across the build, and minimise waste, all components have been precision engineered off-site at MultiBuild UK’s factory in Heywood. Once the timber studwork internal walls, pre-fitted insulation and plasterboard, plumbing, electrics etc were ready, they were then delivered to the Stephenson Street site, lifted into place with a crane and assembled.

MultiBuild UK’s modular system is helping us quickly bring forward more much-needed, green, great homes that will make a difference local people and futureproof our stock and we can’t wait for them to be handed over to customers!

Joel Owen, our Director of Development, said: “Demand for affordable housing in Oldham and surrounding areas far outstrips supply and we’re working hard to address this. At the same time, high energy costs impacting on customers’ finances and sustainability targets in our Big Plan and Sustainability Strategy mean finding innovative ways to provide more high quality, low carbon homes for customers and minimising our environmental impact are a priority.

“MultiBuild UK’s modular system is a great example of how we’re responding to this and bringing forward more energy efficient, new homes that will help improve the lives of local people.”