Hartlepool opens its doors to UK’s first Evolve homes

Published by Craig Downs for Frank Haslam Milan in Housing and also in Communities

Vela and Frank Haslam Milan (FHM) are leading the way in revolutionising how homes are built in the UK.

FHM, which is part of the Keepmoat Group, has completed work on three homes at St John’s Way in Stockton-on-Tees for Housing Hartlepool using an innovative green construction technique. 

The Evolve properties are the first of their kind in the UK, with tenants now enjoying their new high quality, environmentally friendly and affordable homes.

Keepmoat’s Evolve system has seen the houses built off site under strict factory controlled conditions. They are then transported to the development site and lifted into place by cranes.

Graham Scanlon, Business Development Director from FHM North East, said: “We see Evolve as playing a significant role in the future of delivering sustainable and affordable homes throughout the UK.

“Evolve allows us to build homes quicker, cheaper and to a higher standard.”

FHM is also working with Housing Hartlepool (part of the Vela Group), on a second regeneration project using the Evolve technique, at Easington Road in Hartlepool.

The £8 million development, which is part funded by the Homes and Communities Agency, will see 68 new homes built, including two, three and four bedroom family houses as well as two bedroomed bungalows.

Building the properties in factory conditions improves quality control and reduces construction times, as building can continue in times of bad weather.

Evolve homes are spacious, cost effective, high quality, quick to build and offer positive environmental features that reduce carbon emissions by more than 40 per cent from traditional build methods.

Sarah Fawcett, Vela’s Head of Development, said: "This method of building is an ideal solution for providing quality affordable homes for our local communities.

“We are very pleased with the quality of these new homes at St. John’s Way and the tenants are happy to have moved into their brilliant new homes.”

Work on the Easington Road development is underway and the first unit is expected to be completed next month.