A housing development of nine starter homes in Nottingham is taking shape after housing developer, Waters Homes, began exploring the potential of using a structural insulated panel (SIPs) building system, supplied by SIPS@Clays, as an alternative to brick and block construction.
Skipton based SIPS@Clays LLP, who are the original delivery partner for the Kingspan TEK™Building System, were chosen to design, fabricate and install the SIPs superstructure at Phase II of the Perry Road site, after Waters Homes carried out extensive research into various systems and SIPs suppliers across the country.
The benefits of using SIPs for volume construction are fast becoming clear at Perry Road, according to Damian Waters, Construction Director at Waters Homes:
“Although we are still a couple of months away from completion, we are already seeing huge benefits in using SIPs as an alternative to traditional methods of construction. Critically, at this stage, we have seen a reduction of approximately 50% in the build programme.
“This, together with the advantages of minimal waste, precision build, added size of units and efficiency of programme, has all been acknowledged by the site team.
“Whilst the overall evaluation and comparison of SIPs versus brick and block can only be carried out upon completion of the project, we are quietly optimistic.
"The SIPS@Clays team has been exceptional. From the design and fabrication right through to the erection of the superstructure by the installation team, their service has been outstanding. From our first visit to the factory in Skipton, we knew we were dealing with a likeminded organisation that understood our requirements and gave us the confidence to trial our first SIPs development with them".
Ian Clay, Partner, SIPs@Clays said:
“We are delighted to be working with Waters Homes on this project.
“We are being approached by more and more developers who have heard about the benefits of SIPs and are trialling the building system in order to gauge a comparison with traditional methods of construction.
“There is no doubt that the many benefits of SIPs, especially the Kingspan TEK™ Building System, is beginning to firmly establish the system as a viable option for volume construction and more developments, like Perry Road, Nottingham will begin to take shape across the country”.
The one and two bedroomed homes, just 10 minutes from the city centre are due for completion in July and with all nine properties already sold, the SIPs starter home development has already proved a great success.