Gateshead contractors
Tolent: Paul Storey, site manager; Michael Burnikell, engineer; and Adrian Veitch, operations manager.

Gateshead contractor Tolent leads on completion of first modular housing scheme

Gateshead-based contractor Tolent has completed its first modular housing project in Newton Aycliffe.

In one day, two homes were delivered and assembled on site, witnessed by local residents.

Working with offsite manufacturer ilke Homes, six homes made up of the ground floor, first floor and roof sections were delivered to site and installed into position to create a pair of two-bedroom homes.

Modular housing is seen as a potential solution to the housing crisis with the factory-built homes requiring less labour, therefore being able to be built much faster than traditional homes.

Regional director for Tolent, Chris Price, said: “As our first fully modular housing project, it’s been a fascinating process to be a part of and fantastic to now see the homes in place.

“The speed and quality of this process is of huge benefit to us and our client Livin, but possibly the biggest benefit is to the local community.

“Using modular housing can halve the traditional build programme with residents less affected by noise, pollution and disruption as there are fewer lorry deliveries to the site.”

Tolent is currently on site in Durham on the £84.5m Milburngate development and Hadrian’s Tower - soon to be Newcastle’s tallest tower.

With builds including Sunderland’s Beacon of Light, the UK headquarters of Sage in Gosforth, and the 1846 Roundhouse in Camden and many UK projects, the business recently announced plans for a £190m Garden Village in Seaham.

The proposed plans include 1,500 homes, half of which will be affordable houses and half of the village will be managed green space, including parkland, a football pitch, play areas and allotments linked by a network of more than 4.75km of landscapes paths and cycleways.

Dave Sheridan, executive chairman at ilke Homes, added: “It’s great to begin what we hope will be a long-lasting partnership with Tolent, as they wholeheartedly embrace Modern Methods of Construction.

“By manufacturing each home in our factory, we can ensure better insulation and superior sound proofing. Our sustainable approach empowers consumers by enabling them to make considerable savings on energy bills, while reducing their homes’ impact on the environment.”

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