Retirement housing builder McCarthy & Stone will build more than 200 homes using modern methods of construction (MMC) in 2021, after striking a deal with Leed’s based Sigmat.
Sigmat will deliver its offsite-manufactured light gauge steel framing (LGSF) structural solution to five McCarthy & Stone sites next year.
Under the deal, the solution is expected to become 25% of McCarthy & Stone’s output within five years, equating to 400 units a year.
The new solution is expected top help cut development times by half. McCarthy & Stone is also consifering adopting other off-site development methods, including Sigmat’s pre-glazed window options.
John Tonkiss, CEO of McCarthy & Stone, said: “Sigmat’s team share our commitment to embracing MMC and can help us deliver high-quality retirement communities that push the boundaries of what consumers expect while cutting energy bills, waste and construction times. The Government has prioritised off-site manufacturing in recognition that we need different solutions to the housing crisis. We are responding to this with a serious, long-term commitment that will be a win-win for investors, policy makers and, above all our customers.”
Mark Eburne, CEO of Sigmat added: “We are delighted to be partnering with McCarthy & Stone to help them embrace modern methods of construction by providing Sigmat light gauge steel panelised structural frames, including floors and walls. The Sigmat team have started on-site for our first project together in Hexham, and we anticipate more projects to commence within the following 12 months. By partnering with McCarthy & Stone we are committed to providing quality superstructures, manufactured off-site at our Leeds manufacturing facility for the UK retirement market.”
