This pioneering scheme – involving the building of 106 new homes across three sites in March and Chatteris, Cambridgeshire - demonstrates how modern methods of construction can alleviate housing shortages in growth areas.
Home, in partnership with a number or organisations, has adopted the SmartLIFE approach to buildings by providing affordable houses that emphasise sustainability and environmental performance, as well as comfortable community living. The programme is also being applied in Sweden and Germany.
Different building techniques for each of the three sites are being applied, including timber frame, steel frame, insulated concrete formwork and traditional brick.
Building Research Establishment (BRE) staff use state-of-the-art technology on-site to closely monitor and gauge the efficiency of each construction method.
Funders involved in the project include English Partnerships, the Housing Corporation, Fenland District Council and the Department for Local Government and Communities.
In the UK, SmartLIFE is a joint venture between Cambridgeshire County Council and BRE. Fenland District Council and Home are key partners in driving forward the development.
The houses are being offered for rent, private sale and shared ownership.