Learn about eco-construction

Birchways’ Eco-Community’s five new blocks of apartments have been constructed using the ‘Futureform Building System’. The development shows how high quality, self-contained accommodation can be delivered at an affordable cost by using modular construction within a very compact urban space.

The Futureform Building System is one of the most eco-friendly ways to construct homes and has a significantly reduced carbon footprint compared to other construction methods. Its green credentials have been proven on a variety of award-winning schemes.

The Birchway project features an eco-friendly based aesthetic building envelope design using brickwork, treated timber and a ‘green’ curved roof. This has been achieved by supporting the roof structure of the self-supporting volumetric modules which also have their own independent water-proof coverings over each module - not only to prevent water ingress during construction, but also to prevent internal leaks penetrating down from one apartment to another in the event that an appliance or other source of water leak occurs. This attention to detail has won Futureform a number of awards and reduced insurance premiums for occupants of buildings constructed using their systems.

The Futureform Building System uses a fully welded modular structure which is formed in a jig. This means that module sizes can vary dramatically if required in terms of length, height and width.

The Birchway project consists of five modules with many different variations. The modules are fitted out at the Futureform Assembly Plant at Wellingborough, Northamptonshire. Inspection of the fit-out process is conducted by independent BRE Inspectors, Paradigm Housing, NHBC’s inspectors and Futureform’s own quality control team.

The fit-out process starts with the lining and insulation of the cold-formed steel-framed modules that are made from a minimum of 65% recycled steel. Next, modules have internal partition walls installed followed by the installation of building services including electrical, water and waste services. Bathrooms and kitchens are finally installed and the modules decorated ready for final inspection.

Carbon footprint
The Futureform Building System significantly reduces the carbon footprint as a result of its innovative construction methods. Material wastage has been reduced by around 90% compared to traditional building methods and because over 60% of the building is delivered in just a few days, carbon emissions from visits by material suppliers and workforce are absolutely minimal. This goes to make this particular building process one of the most eco-friendly turn-key building solutions available.

Installation of the new buildings
Following site clearance, preparation of the site and installation of the foundations, erection and installation of all five blocks of apartments is programmed to occur in just two months. Each block will take just a few working days to erect.

Because so much of the final building is delivered and installed in one quick process, the Futureform Building System is very ‘neighbour friendly’ in keeping noise from construction to a minimum.

The Buildings
High degrees of tolerance have been required in order that the buildings can fit onto the site exactly. The Futureform System works to tolerances of less than 5 mm over 10m’s.

The services, including cisterns, controls, pipework, electrical looms and connections, are all pre-installed within the main bodies of the apartment modules, the interiors are uncluttered and feel spacious. Connections to the main building services are made on site via service ducts built into each module which provides a ‘plug and play’ type of installation facility which is quick and easy to commission on site.

The thorough technical development work carried in developing the Building System, along with the co-ordination between the manufacturing and site operations result in a relatively short building programme;

- Work starts simultaneously on and off site.
- The modules are delivered, erected and commissioned over a short programme period.
- The buildings achieve Building Regulation Approval quickly thanks to the ‘Type Approval’ that the System has achieved through NHBC Building Control.

Futureform has developed an efficient and flexible modular system complete with prefabricated integrated servicing strategy which is compliant with BRE Certification process as a Building System up to six storeys.