McCarthy Stone embraces game-changing Modern Methods of Construction
15th June 2020
McCarthy Stone embraces game-changing Modern Methods of Construction
New Modern Methods of Construction Flagshipped in Hexham
10th February 2021
The site of a new Retirement Living development in Hexham has become the first in the country for developers McCarthy Stone, to pilot a new eco-friendly and modern method of construction.
Hewson Court on Dene Avenue, which saw the completion of its roof this week, has been built using an innovative light gauge steel frame (LGSF), and the company behind it is Leeds based business, Sigmat.
The 23 one-bedroom and 20 two-bedroom apartment development is expected to be completed in September 2021.
This latest innovation has been shown to increase the speed of build by six weeks overall versus traditional solutions, and more sustainably than ever before. When rolled out nationally, it is thought this will help to fast-track the delivery of high quality housing for older people which, despite the rapidly ageing population, is currently undersupplied across the UK.
Iain Fleming, Construction Director at McCarthy Stone comments: “Thanks to our teams and the work of Sigmat the build at Hexham is tracking at two weeks per floor quicker than it ordinarily would, while maintaining the same consistent high quality.
“It’s a ground-breaking new technology that we are proud to have had the opportunity to pilot here in Hexham, which is a much-anticipated new development for the town that will bring with it many economic and societal benefits to the local area, and more housing choice for older people looking for the right solution for them in later life.”
Hexham is the next generation in an increasing portfolio of McCarthy Stone projects across the country to benefit from the use of this form of construction.
One of many benefits of the light gauge steel frame is it can be built off-site, in Leeds, helping with efficiency and productivity. It has also be shown to improve energy efficiency cutting energy bills, compared with a traditional UK home, and be better for the local environment where a high proportion of its materials are recycled.
The partnership with Sigmat has seen leading manager and developer of retirement communities McCarthy Stone become one of the first national retirement developers to back the Government’s agenda of increasing housing built off-site and to make a major commitment to this type of manufacturing.
Mark Eburne, CEO of Sigmat comments: “We are delighted to have completed our first project with McCarthy Stone in Hexham, and we anticipate more projects to commence within the following 12 months. The scheme at Hexham has demonstrated how light gauge steel framing offers a superior advantage in terms of speed, quality and sustainability. By partnering with McCarthy Stone we are committed to creating sustainable communities by providing quality superstructures, manufactured off-site at our Leeds manufacturing facility for the UK retirement market”
Hewson Court has been designed to be located close to a number of local amenities, such as shops, the bus station and Hexham General Hospital. The properties will be tailor-made for the over 60s, presenting homeowners with an opportunity to downsize and live in a community of like-minded people to enjoy living the life they want to live.
Selected apartments will feature juliet balconies and private patios, and the landscaped gardens which will be maintained all-year round, are a lovely place to enjoy the outdoors. Hewson Court will be offering apartments for purchase outright as well a range of flexible solutions including rental and part-buy part-rent options.
