McCarthy Stone have completed their first Box-designed MMC project in Hexham.
The development at Hewson Court is part of the company’s national commitment to create its next generation of retirement homes using eco-friendly modern methods of construction.
And it’s being followed by four more joint-projects with Box around the UK, which are combining the same successful MMC processes with designs that meet local planning objectives.
The 48-apartment scheme in Hexham certainly meets these criteria – a low-impact build that cut energy bills, waste and construction times while addressing the demand for high-quality retirement accommodation in the area.
“You would never know that this project was an MMC build using Light Gauge Steel Frame technology, but there were many advantages,” said McCarthy Stone’s Construction Director, Iain Fleming. “The build at Hexham was tracking at two weeks per floor quicker than it ordinarily would, while maintaining the same consistent high quality.”
The LGSF offsite structural system is designed to cut development times by as much as 50% and fast-track the delivery of housing for older people. McCarthy Stone believe the approach will fast-track the delivery of high quality housing for older people which, despite the rapidly ageing population, is currently undersupplied across the UK.
In Hexham, residents have already moved in – the decorations are up, and they’re preparing for their first Christmas together.
“The build at Hexham was tracking at two weeks per floor quicker than it ordinarily would, while maintaining the same consistent high quality.”
Iain Fleming, Construction Director, McCarthy Stone