Construction Partnership Plants Green Roots For the Industry In North Staffordshire

Published by Jo Foster for Seddon in Housing

A Stoke-on-Trent construction company has joined forces with a German manufacturer to deliver the latest innovation in building techniques at a site in the city - creating new homes built in hours.

Under a partnership between Seddon Construction and specialist off-site manufacturer Streif, flats have been built at the new North Staffs YMCA Young Persons’ Village in Hanley, through an off-site construction process.

In just four weeks, 30 flats have been built over three floors on the site, to the highest green standards.

The process began with the manufacture of the flats at Streif’s factory in Weinham – before a team of workers from the company then joined forces with Seddon in Hanley to erect the major structure.

Despite language barriers – an interpreter was needed to aid communication between both parties – the team worked without a hitch, delivering each flat in just 4.5 hours.

The approach is one of a number of innovations introduced at The YMCA Young Person’s Village to ensure the development is built with sustainability in mind.

As part of the process, Seddon Construction’s chairman Stuart Seddon made a trip to Weinham last year to find out more modular building. His son Joe – currently completing an apprenticeship at Seddon Construction - then undertook a week-long training programme at Streif to understand more about the concept, joined by Dean Parkes, an apprentice maintenance worker at North Staffs YMCA.

Joe said: “I had a really interesting time and was able to bring a lot of knowledge back to the site.

“The modular panels are built in the German factory to very exacting standards, using wood from sustainable sources.

“The wood is then insulated and clad, windows and doorframes fitted, and electrical sockets and letterboxes cut out.

“These panels were delivered to Hanley, and put in place during 650 lifts with a 55 tonne crane. Due to the fact the structure went up so quickly we could put a roof on at an early stage, making the building watertight and alleviating the usual weather concerns we face on site.

“This project is at the cutting edge of modern methods of construction and it’s been a great experience to learn more about the approach and see it in action on site.”

With the structure in place, the Seddon team are now carrying out the second fix. The precise nature of the scheme means ceilings and doors are fitted and correct to within one millimetre.

Tony Cameron, site supervisor for Strief, said: “All has gone very well with no problems. The work has been completed on time and ran smoothly.

“We had great assistance from the team at Seddon. We have given them a great product and in return they have provided us with good facilities and health and safety. I have never been to such a clean site.” 

Rodney Leake, Seddon Construction’s site manager at the YMCA Young Persons’ Village, said: “I have not worked on this type of modular building before and it has been a fantastic experience.

“This approach has considerable green benefits. As the preparation work is all done off-site there is virtually no waste to deal with and as the panels are solid, insulated and airtight, so there is little heat loss.”

Danny Flynn, CEO of North Staffs YMCA, said: “We are very excited to be working with Seddon Construction and Streif. The build process has been amazing to watch, the speed on construction literally took our young customers’ breath away.

“The buildings were constructed in 28 days, and as they begin to reach completion the quality of provision is already being commented upon by customers and partners”

ENDS

Notes To Editors

About the Young Persons’ Village

Under a phased design and build programme, Seddon Construction is renovating and redeveloping existing YMCA facilities in Hanley to create the new Young Persons’ Village – a development that will deliver an environment geared up for the 21^st Century.

Seddon will create international standard, professional sports facilities - including a refurbished boxing club – as well as offices and new accommodation facilities.

The latest in sustainable construction techniques are being introduced, including rainwater harvesting, which will be used to flush toilets.

Low energy lighting is also being introduced, all excavated materials are being reused on site, and all timber comes from sustainable sources,

Contact Details

Seddon Construction has regional offices across Britain. It is part of Seddon Group Limited, one of Britain’s major privately owned construction companies, with an annual turnover in excess of £250 million, which employs 1,750 people.

Seddon Group raised £330k for the Christie throughout 2009/10.

Press release issued by Jane Shepherd, Shepherd PR Limited.

01538 308685/308099  Mobile 07985 129315 jane@shepherd-pr.com