The Hill Group has handed over 24 DuoHaus homes to Chelmsford charity, CHESS Homeless, to help support local homeless people.
The modular, self-contained properties have been purpose-built and were delivered by Hill in March 2025. The homes will be run by CHESS, with the charity providing 24-hour on-site assistance and support with living skills.
The 24 DuoHaus homes will be stacked on two levels, occupying the site of a former, obsolete motel building. Designed to have a 60-year lifespan, the homes are built to Future Homes Standards, exceeding building regulations for energy efficiency and sound insulation. Each DuoHaus provides a fully furnished and equipped home, complete with a fitted kitchen, white goods and all the essentials for daily life.
Dick Maddon, chair of the trustees at CHESS, commented: “Having 24 brand-new, fit-for-purpose homes will play a key role in opening doors to independence for those who have found themselves homeless in Chelmsford. Known as the Turning Point Project, the properties will offer a significantly improved living style for adults who have been homeless, with support from staff to help them move forward purposefully.”
Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst, lord lieutenant of Essex, said: “The superb new DuoHaus provision showcases the power of philanthropy and partnership working to deliver a significant and lasting impact. Thank you to the many organisations and people that have worked with CHESS Homeless to achieve this wonderful opportunity for individuals experiencing homelessness in Essex.”
CHESS’s dedicated, 24-hour support team will be based in an administration building alongside the new homes, offering a communal area where residents can relax and socialise. As part of the overall redevelopment of the site, the building also includes office space, private areas for residents to access one-to-one support and space for educational sessions. These will range from practical sessions on IT skills and DIY to job advice designed to help individuals rebuild their confidence.
Andy Hill OBE, founder and group chief executive of The Hill Group, commented: “Back in 2019, as part of our 20-year celebration, we pledged to give back to the communities in which we operate through the design and provision of modular homes to help those most in need of safe, independent accommodation. By working with a wide range of forward-thinking stakeholders, our SoloHaus solution provides residents with dignity, quality and security. I hope the residents that occupy these homes through CHESS Homeless will go on to achieve great things as they move forward.”
