Hadley Group’s rollformed light gauge structural framing systems have recently been incorporated in the design and build of two pre-fabricated homes. Constructed by Totally Modular in their Cradley Heath factory, the houses were then transported more than 30 miles away to the WM Housing Group development in Littlethorpe, Willenhall.
Hadley Group’s expertise in steel framing solutions meant that the manufacturer could supply a complete load bearing stand-alone structure for the two-bedroom and three-bedroom houses. The components of the fast track, housing system were manufactured at Hadley Group’s panelisation plant in Oldbury and then delivered to Totally Modular’s factory in Cradley Heath, West Midlands.
Chris Holleron, Group Product Manager – Housing, said: “We started working with Totally Modular from the concept period in September 2018, through to the delivery in April, with the construction of the house being completed in June this year. Working closely with Totally Modular’s in-house design team, we produced a design, which encompassed a 100% cold rolled solution, using our SFS platform. Once the design process was approved, we manufactured the panels, then delivering them to Totally Modular’s factory. Totally Modular then continued to construct four separate modules, which would later come together on site, producing the finished homes.”
As part of a modular housing pilot project between WM Housing Group (soon to become Citizen), Totally Modular and Coventry City Council, their new homes underline the unique understanding of cold rollform manufacturing, but the project also highlights the significant potential of modern methods of construction in tackling the nation’s housing shortage. The use of modular housing significantly enables faster build turnaround times and is ideal for when space is limited on site.
Chris Holleron continued: “On the back of this great success, we are continuing to work with Totally Modular and we look forward to a long and prosperous relationship as they grow in this exciting sector of the market.”
John Connolly, Managing Director at Totally Modular, commented: “Having identified the increasing trend in the use of light gauge steel for the construction of volumetric modular buildings, we engaged with the Hadley Group sales and technical team who demonstrated a willingness and co-operative approach to designing a system that would meet the needs of our modular designs. Their commitment to deliver was noted and appreciated by all stakeholders.
“By working with Hadley Group on the WM Housing Group project, we got a greater understanding of their capabilities and their desire to be a major player in the supply chain — and we look forward to working with them again on future projects.”
Director of Development at WM Housing Group, Richard Whittaker said: “The new homes look brilliant and there are so many benefits to this method of building. This is the future of housing with build times and time spent on site dramatically reduced. We’re looking forward to seeing how we can use modular homes in the future.”
If the pilot proves to be successful, it could lead to many more constructed across Coventry and the wider region.
For more information on Hadley Group’s light gauge steel framing for housing click here.
