Cartwright
Pickard

Won in competition, this project in Hackney, East London was the first of its kind to use innovative steel framed modular construction techniques to improve construction quality and to radically reduce time on site. The high quality steel framed room modules were manufactured and fully fitted out by Yorkon in a British factory. The project was handed over with zero defects, and was on site for just 6 months.

30 spacious dwellings were created for key workers. Living spaces look south-east and south-west into a landscaped courtyard. There is a large communal garden to the rear, and all flats have dedicated sunny, south-facing exterior space. The flats are very well-insulated, meaning they are economical to heat, with residents spending as little as £250 a year on fuel.

When Building Magazine visited the scheme in 2006 they found it was exceeding all expectations of both the client and end-users. The Building Manager reported: "In this financial year, with two months still to run, the total repairs and maintenance cost, along with redecorating and replacing white goods in vacated flats, is £7,000." This is just less than 20% of the typical annual maintenance bill for a block of flats this size.

Using principles more associated with car production, the building was almost totally constructed offsite using modular units that were fully fitted out in a factory and then assembled on site in just ten days.