Modular construction could be the answer to our housing needs
MORE than 20% of houses in Germany are factory-built, also known as modular or modern method of construction (MMC) and their construction continues to outpace traditional built houses, also with schools. The Germans, with their penchant for well-built luxury cars, buy these factory-built houses for many reasons, including their eco credentials – they are amazingly air tight and well insulated. I have watched the walls and roof arrive on a flat bed and be assembled in a day. All the wiring and pipes are in the walls and just need clipping together.
The UK Ministry of Defence have just awarded a £1bn order for factory-built housing because this is more efficient and offers ‘better value for money for taxpayers’ and ‘offering a more cohesive and effective approach for capital investments’.
My wife and I have stayed in the modular officers accommodation block at RAF Waddington, built from low maintenance durable materials and found our flat very comfortable, well insulated and built to a very high quality standard.
MMC may provide Guernsey with a rapid, low cost and sustainable solution to our housing and school building needs, without the need for armies of builders.
KEITH WATSON
Vale