An award-winning modular housing specialist is providing a sustainable solution to tackling fuel poverty, homelessness and rough sleeping
As the cost-of-living crisis and soaring energy prices put increasing pressure on the most vulnerable in society, an award-winning modular design specialist delivers a solution that provides more than just a home.
Meeting the need for sustainable, affordable, high-performance accommodation, VOLUMETRIC has been presented with a CIBSE Building Performance Award for its SOLOHAUS modular home. Winners of the Innovation of the Year – Wellbeing category, the single-occupancy modules are exceptionally energy-efficient, with minimal running costs to negate fuel poverty.
Modular housing has a vital role to play in providing a sustainable solution to the housing crisis
Following their latest award win, Trevor Richards, director of VOLUMETRIC said: "Modular technology has a vital role in helping to supply a sustainable solution to an increasingly critical situation.
"The VOLUMETRIC team has worked with councils, local authorities and charities to deliver modular housing across the UK. We provide safe and secure places for people who otherwise cannot afford to get back on their feet. The SOLOHAUS concept is about more than just building houses. It is about providing social value and something highly sustainable. People need somewhere to start again, to regain their independence."
The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) celebrates projects offering actual, measured performance outcomes through its annual awards.
The judges were impressed with the thoughtful and value-centric approach to the SOLOHAUS design: "VOLUMETRIC has made significant contributions to wellbeing due to the close partnership with Hill Group to design and manufacture the bespoke single-person homes."
VOLUMETRIC has already manufactured over 200 fully fitted modular homes in areas of high need
Trevor Richards added: "When we first began designing the MODULHAUS range, we wanted to create a home that could help alleviate the homelessness crisis. Our range has since expanded to include SOLOHAUS, DUOHAUS and FAMILYHAUS. The CIBSE Building Performance Awards helps highlight the benefits of modular housing to deliver urgently needed homes quickly and efficiently. We are very grateful to the judges for their positive comments."
Despite reports by action groups warning of the escalating consequences of the poverty crisis, as of late 2022, over seven in ten low-income families cannot afford essentials such as food and heating. Men continue to be at greater risk of rough sleeping, accounting for an estimated 88% of homelessness cases in London. According to information gathered by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, an independent social organisation tackling poverty in the UK, the crisis will worsen over 2023, with bleak forecasts for increasing rental costs and higher mortgage interest rates.
Designed to accommodate single occupancy, SOLOHAUS comes fully furnished with quality interior fittings and energy-efficient white goods. BOPAS-certified, futureproofed for Building Regulation changes, and LABC assured, the model exceeds the Future Homes Standard, offering assured quality throughout its expected 60-year design life. The homes provide exceptional heat, thermal and acoustic performance. Running costs can be as little as £5 per week. VOLUMETRIC also supplies and fits purpose-built energy centres to optimise energy efficiency.
Modular housing can offer an efficient and reliable solution in areas of urgent need
Modular homes offer considerable benefits to local authorities in areas of urgent housing need. Offsite manufacturing in VOLUMETRIC's advanced production facilities is efficient and reliable, resulting in less waste and optimal material use. Delivery and installation are fast, requiring minimal groundwork. The adaptable, stackable nature of the design makes it suitable for unused spaces such as car parks or former industrial sites.
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities recently published its annual statistics regarding homelessness in the UK. Figures show the cost-of-living crisis has seen homelessness increase by 26% compared with the previous year.
Trevor Richards concluded: "The number of people living in interim accommodation has risen 74% in the last decade. The current social and temporary housing stock cannot meet such inflated demand, forcing many people to sleep rough. This is not a situation we need to be in. Modular technology holds the answer to providing suitable accommodation that is sustainable and futureproof. We have already successfully delivered our SOLOHAUS modules to projects across the UK. VOLUMETRIC is keen to work with local authorities in areas where fast, robust and reliable housing is urgently required."
Source: www.volumetric.co.uk
