With regard to the recent reviews of the Housing Corporation's layout templates, did anyone bother to talk to the manufacturers?

Calford Seaden's brief from Space4 included integration with and adaptation of selected dwelling types in the Westbury private sector range. We worked closely with Space4 to understand the manufacturing, assembly and fit-out efficiencies of their system, while achieving specification and space standards that comply with a selection of general needs housing design briefs.

All of the proposals successfully demonstrated the principle of adopting approaches that enable at least some level of standardised components to be used in production and assembly. Similarities between the various manufacturers' independently submitted proposals are equally noteworthy in this regard.

This work does not prevent higher standards being achieved or different design forms being used; most of us in this sector are usually only too happy to oblige. However, it is essential that the next wave of projects are demonstrably more affordable.

Source

Housing Today

Postscript

Andy McCosh, Calford Seaden