- Offsite production model has potential to scale rapidly to thousands of homes annually
- MMC approach can deliver high-quality, sustainable homes at pace and with certainty
- EDAROTH product for houses and apartments accredited by BOPAS for 100 years
AtkinsRéalis-owned social and affordable housing producer EDAROTH has delivered a practical blueprint for tackling the UK’s housing challenge by combining industrialised construction, digital delivery and long-term asset performance with a scalable model capable of supporting significantly higher levels of housing output.
The completion of new affordable homes by EDAROTH (Everyone Deserves A Roof Over Their Head) for Raven Housing Trust in Surrey has been achieved using its innovative offsite delivery model showcasing how modern methods of construction (MMC) can deliver sustainable homes at scale.
The 12 homes were manufactured across four sites in Epsom using EDAROTH’s precision-engineered offsite approach, with up to 65% of materials produced in a controlled factory environment (exceeding government requirement of 55%) before being assembled onsite.
The process reduces waste, improves quality, accelerates delivery and minimises disruption to local communities while delivering homes designed to achieve net zero operational performance and exceed emerging Future Homes Standards.
The scheme provides a real-world example of how MMC can move beyond pilot projects to become a repeatable, investable and scalable solution for mainstream affordable housing delivery. EDAROTH’s ambition is to rapidly scale the use of its proven housing product enabling the entire housing industry to benefit from the quality, safety, programme and cost benefits that the approach can deliver.
It is an ambition based on the firm foundation of EDAROTH’s achievement of full BOPAS accreditation, including an independently assessed 100-year design life for both its housing and apartment systems. The accreditation provides assurance around durability, performance and long-term value, creating confidence for housing associations, funders and institutional investors seeking reliable long-term assets.
Richard Weeks, director at EDAROTH, said: “The completion of these homes for Raven Housing Trust demonstrates that modern methods of construction can deliver exactly what the sector needs in terms of high-quality, sustainable homes at pace and with certainty. This project is not just about 12 homes but is proof that an industrialised approach to housing delivery can unlock scalable, repeatable solutions that support housing associations, local authorities and government in meeting ambitious housing targets.
“By combining digital design with precision manufacturing and our delivery model, we can improve quality, reduce programme risk and create homes that are independently assured to perform for 100 years, or more. That level of certainty is critical if we are to attract long-term investment into affordable housing and deliver at the scale the country requires.
“At the same time, the Bradford factory that produces our components is creating the skilled jobs, apprenticeships and manufacturing capability needed to build a modern construction workforce, ensuring the economic benefits of housing delivery are felt far beyond individual developments.”
As the UK seeks to accelerate the delivery of social and affordable housing, the success of the Raven Housing Trust project, procured through the Pagabo development-led framework, demonstrates how MMC can provide not only faster and more sustainable construction, but also the long-term certainty, investability and workforce development needed to transform housing delivery at scale.
Stephen Clements, assistant director of Development & Sales for Raven Housing Trust said the homes meet their priority to provide high quality, sustainable, affordable homes for their residents.
He added: “We’ve really valued the collaborative and practical approach that EDAROTH has brought to working with us, helping to unlock some of our more challenging sites and move them forward with confidence.
“The flexibility of the Pagabo development-led framework, alongside the multisite Development Agreement, has made a real difference – allowing us to bundle sites, streamline call-off and keep momentum across the programme.
“From early site due diligence through to handover, EDAROTH has felt like a genuine partner, supporting us to deliver the high-quality, highly energy efficient homes for our customers.”
The Raven Housing Trust scheme also highlights the role offsite manufacturing can play in supporting economic growth and skills development as components for EDAROTH homes are produced with expert partners such as Cardinal in its Bradford factory, where the business is creating high-value manufacturing, engineering and construction career opportunities.
As the operation scales, the facility has the capability to grow from supporting approximately 120 homes per year today to potentially thousands of homes annually, creating around 500 local jobs and up to 40 apprenticeships.
The factory-based model is also helping attract new talent into the construction sector by creating safer, more accessible working environments and providing opportunities for young people, apprentices and individuals who may not traditionally pursue site-based construction careers.
In addition to the production of social and affordable homes by EDAROTH, AtkinsRéalis is active across the UK housing and residential development sector, supporting public and private sector clients with the planning, design, delivery and management of new homes, mixed-use developments, regeneration schemes and new communities – working with local authorities, housing providers, developers and investors to help bring residential projects from concept through to occupation.