The new development formed an extension to the existing Winnall Flats site on the outskirts of the city. This currently houses four apartment blocks comprising 156 homes of which around 25 have been sold as leasehold and the remainder are council owned, rented at social rents. Wates Residential and the council plan to build a further 35 homes, designed for local people to purchase through shared ownership.
Overview
The scheme has been built to AECB standards which means the homes were designed to have such a low heating demand, that there is no conventional heating system required. Using the AECB methodology also means that there will be a 41% reduction of energy use and carbon emissions across the entire scheme.
Metek installed the structural light steel frames, 170mm decking, concrete floors and roof, lift shafts and accessories, brick support plates, 100% of the external walls were pre-boarded with window openings pre-made, 85% of the internal walling and all precast stairs.
Construction Details
In the sphere of light steel framing, sustainability walks alongside efficiency; as a progressive and dynamic business, we have evolved our system to reduce our carbon footprint. This project was used as the pilot for our ongoing effort to increase panel sizes first from 1.8m to 2.4m and then onto 6m whenever possible. Thus reducing the frequency of deliveries and the materials needed to fix panels together. Also due to the increased use of mechanical handling both in production and site, decreasing the number of personnel needed in manufacture and erection, enabling the business to service more projects overall.
Hand in hand with piloting larger panel sizes, this project also became the first scheme delivered under a philosophy of offering to undertake a greater scope of delivery. Where in this instance Metek plc supplied and installed the hot rolled steel components.
This has been facilitated by investments increasing factory production space to setup a dedicated hot rolled steelwork fabrication arm at intermediate scale. Allowing clients to place contracts with ourselves for the complete above ground superstructure rather than just the light steel frame. Thus simplifying coordination and responsibility, and de-risking for the MC.
Application Benefits
- Built to AECB standards- homes will be designed to have low heating demand
- Early completion 2 weeks ahead of programme
- Fast construction system – 8 weeks faster when compared to traditional construction
- Early engagement between client and Metek led to cost and time efficiencies
- First project for end-to-end solution – Metek provided HRS elements as well as LGSF
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Metek provided a key sub-contractor relationship in the delivery of this residential scheme for Winchester Council. One of the key drivers for Wates was to reduce energy use and carbon emissions, so to use the Metek offsite system along with their sustainable credentials added value to our build. Their contribution to the air tightness criteria was invaluable and we look forward to working with them again. The Fire, acoustic and air test results exceeded all of the clients’ expectations. Oliver and I have built
a great relationship and I look forward to working with him and his team for many years to come.
