Hayfield, the WhatHouse? Housebuilder of the Year 2021, has made a significant investment in Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) across a number of its live development sites, as the multi-award-winning developer targets a turnover of £150million during 2022.
The introduction of MMC offers a range of benefits, accelerating Hayfield’s build timeframes and delivering greater programme and cost certainty, all while alleviating the risks of material and labour shortages.
A panelised ‘I-House’ system utilising large aircrete blocks is being implemented at two Hayfield developments in both Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire, and at Hayfield Grove in Hallow, Worcestershire, the housebuilder’s first EPC-A rated development. A trial of Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) is underway at another scheme in the Bedfordshire village of Silsoe.
Andy Morris, managing director of Hayfield said: “Making a significant investment in MMC is a fundamental strand of our ESG strategy. We are creating programme efficiencies and reducing CO2 emissions while continuing to deliver beautiful, handcrafted homes to our customers. The panelised system is the closest MMC alternative to traditional brick and block masonry construction. It is enabling us to improve build pace by seven weeks, and is not only increasing our production rate and assisting with our growth plans, but also opening up more land opportunities.”
Hayfield continues to work towards its zero-carbon-ready specification too, proactively installing air source heat pumps, underfloor heating, EV fast-charging points, 100% renewable energy, and fibre optic broadband into all new and upcoming developments. The new investment in MMC is in line with Hayfield seeking to deliver 350 homes during 2022. The company is gearing up to construct 500 homes annually, supported by a portfolio of sites to enable visible production into the future.
MMC will continue to play a key part in Hayfield’s future developments. Andy Morris said: “To demonstrate our commitment to MMC and offsite construction, I am thrilled to report we have established an internal MMC committee to explore and review further opportunities.”
