INDUSTRY NEWS
AMBITIOUS PLANS FOR MCCARTHY STONE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY SITE PROJECT Beginning construction this year, McCarthy Stone has announced they will be developing 40 new retirement community sites utilising modern methods of construction (MMC). The ambitious plan will see the first sites in Warminster, West Bridgford, Stratford-UponAvon, and Broadstairs under construction this year, with the remaining sites scheduled for completion by 2024. MMC will use an eco-friendly and dynamic light steel framing (LSF), offsite structural solution provided in partnership with Sigmat. The utilisation of MMC will enable fast-tracking of the delivery of high-quality, energy-efficient and cost-friendly retirement homes for the elderly. The partnership recently achieved NHBC Accreditation for their unique apartment system using LSF. The company is one of the first UK retirement community developers to begin delivering offsite built housing and the only one to provide it on a nationwide scale. A recent McCarthy Stone project, an MMC retirement community in Hexham, reduced build times by 15%, and the company aims to cut future build times by 25%. The retirement home scheme will also aid the government’s Heat and Building Strategy, designed to reduce carbon emissions.
CEO of McCarthy Stone, John Tonkiss, announced further details, including the goal of building 50% of their retirement homes utilising this method as part of their long-term plan. Construction Minister Lee Rowley MP said of the project: "I am pleased to see McCarthy Stone will be expanding their commitment to delivering more retirement housing using modern methods of construction. Their cleaner and cheaper construction method is helping the UK meet its net zero targets while also providing high-quality housing for our aging population."
both McCarthy Stone and Sigmat. We are delighted to have been selected as McCarthy Stone's LSF partner of choice on their journey to fully embrace MMC and the benefits it brings. By partnering with McCarthy Stone we are committed to setting new standards in delivering retirement living portfolios, providing NHBC-approved quality structures, manufactured offsite at our Leeds manufacturing facility for the UK retirement market." Image: McCarthy Stone
Sigmat has also spoken about their excitement for the partnership, with Paul Smith, Managing Director, saying: “This is a hugely exciting collaboration for
FORECAST SHOWS 4% CAGR INCREASE IN GLOBAL LIGHT STEEL FRAMING MARKET The 2021-2031 forecast has reported a 4% growth projection (estimated) in the Light Steel Framing Market across all regions. The report has prompted major manufacturers to focus on costeffective steel framing solutions to the construction sector in order to address the needs of end users. Designed for construction of prefabricated buildings, these modern systems ensure maximum utility space without the requirement for complex building foundations. Simple to erect on shallow foundations, the flooring systems are designed based on loading parameters. Acting as primary as well as secondary structures in steel construction and building technologies, the systems can either be used as individual framing members or roofing, floors,
10
and walls, utilised in place of conventional structures. The light steel systems offer higher security and safety with less probability of failure. Advantages include fast and easy transportation and quick construction. Further benefits include the lower construction cost, and environmentally friendly materials used to create a sustainable building technology that takes into account future environmental impact. Becoming increasingly popular in a variety of commercial and industrial settings, light steel systems offer several advantages. Increased spans, modular entry points, contoured walls, and various external precast treatments are made possible thanks to increased flexibility and strength, creating a versatile building material. The technology uses fewer components in order to maintain the building’s structure, making it an ideal and cost-effective expedited procedure ideal for housing projects requiring
LIGHTSTEELFRAMINGMAGAZINE.CO.UK
a large number of units. Factory manufacture of structural and non-structural elements of the framing reduces project site work, reduces waste, and improves building quality. In the European Market, adoption of strict government legislation and regulations governing the use of modern civil engineering techniques in the building sector has boosted the market’s growth. Meaning the industry will likely see a rise in the market across the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Italy. A number of leading suppliers and manufacturers are named in the report, providing insight into the various solutions provided by architectural, engineering, and construction professionals that will help optimize every aspect of the building along with a sustainable design. You can get a free sample of the report at www.futuremarketinsights.com