Vanbrugh aims for local authorities work

Vanbrugh Construction in Moore Street has been going for four years and has already completed a pilot scheme of two three-bedroom homes in Wessex Road in the city.

Consultant director of developments, Nicola Clayton, said it was nearing getting Local Authority Building Control certification for its system.

She said that the company had already had talks with a housing minister and with the Greater London Authority to discuss how its homes, which are constructed by bolting together pre-manufactured steel framed panels, could be used to deliver 'pop-up' housing that could help meet the need for more housing in the capital.

"We are able to compete with the traditional methods of construction as our two-storey building frame can typically be erected within a day," she said.

Vanbrugh is able to offer a bespoke service from assisting with planning and design through to erection of the building on site.

It can supply the frame only, but would be on hand to offer advice and assistance.

All panels would be offered with a minimum 10-year manufacturer's guarantee.

"We are getting a lot of interest from local authorities across the country. Once we get the LABC accreditation we will be able to move forward," said Mrs Clayton.

Vanbrugh, which was started by managing director Richard Sanders, currently employs eight but would take on more staff as orders come in.

It has already exported to the Emirates and has a site being developed in Mumbai, India, along with projects in Mexico and Ireland.

Mrs Clayton said home of up to four stories could be constructed using its current design.

She said the benefit to local authorities and housing associations was that the construction could enable them to take on local unemployed people.

"From start to finish each home takes three weeks to finish compared to 24 to 26 weeks for standard construction," she explained.

"The panels are currently being made for us in Mumbai, but we plan to bring all manufacturing to Wolverhampton.

"Because of the current housing crisis we are focusing our efforts now in the UK. There is a need for more social housing.

"We believe that in 10 years time the only way to provide it will be through modular techniques," said Mrs Clayton, who has 15 years experience in the property business.

A 50ft crane was used when the two homes in Wessex Road were put together in 2014. Each panel weighs over a tonne.

The ambitious company has yet to identify a site in Wolverhampton from which to manufacture the panels for its modular housing system.

Examples of the wide range of types of building that Vanbrugh Construction's panels can be used to create are detailed on its website at www.vanbrughconstruction.com