Argument for traditional construction from the THB

Barry Holmes, Executive Director of the Tradistional Housing Bureau makes the case for traditional construction.

In theory off-site construction ticks all the right boxes, manufacture in controlled conditions, quickly churning out perfectly exact modules with scales of economies that make perfect sense.

However, nothing is ever constructed in a utopia of 'controlled conditions' and judging successful building primarily on speed ignores the real issues of market demand, preference, planning, performance, durability, adaptability and the ready supply of materials and workforce.

A trained workforce.

Scare stories have suggested there is a lack of skilled labour to cope with increased production.

However, this is not isolated to the traditional trades, reports on off-site manufacture by the Housing Corporation indicated that 37% of off-site manufacturers cited skills shortages and 4 and % cited market demand as obstacles to growth in this sector.

The traditional skilled trade sector is working hard to improve the situation with oversubscribed training colleges already pointing to an improvement.

The traditional sector is confident that with an existing willing and able workforce that is familiar with its build method housing targets can be met.

A reliable, proven method.

The performance of masonry construction in both floors and walls goes above and beyond the required minimum in terms of thermal mass, durability, adaptability and inherent resistance to fire.

Many Victorian, Edwardian and Georgian homes form some of the most desirable blueprints for homes today - full of character, easily adaptable with extensions, basements and conversion into flats or offices, not always readily achievable with modular alternatives.

The performance of modern masonry construction over its lifetime, which stretches far beyond the recommended 60 year lifespan of lightweight timber frame constructions, is such that it provides are far better holistically sustainable building option and a better financial investment.

Factory built options are a false economy.

Investment in prefabrication involves a heavy commitment by the developer before the first foundation is laid.

Factories by their nature produce volume and deliver in bulk often resulting in large quantities of modules being left in costly storage or in inclement weather on site, often leading to damages.

No such problemwith brick and block.

Modern masonry is cheaper.

Kate Barker's report urges the ODPM to exercise caution in its advocacy of off-site construction, pointing out that masonry construction is on average 10% cheaper than off-site alternatives.

Masonry is innovative.

The assumption that "new" translates to "innovative" is misleading.

Factory goods by their nature produce volume items that are the same.

Modern concrete masonry allow s for greater flexibility in design, room shape, size and larger open plan living as the residual strength is borne in its structure, not in the modular sections.

Public opinion backs masonry.

Importantly, masonry is what the public wants.

A recent MORI poll revealed:.

* 90% of people prefer to live in a home with the characteristics of modern masonry construction - excellent sound insulation, longevity and robustness.

* 71% of homeowners believe masonry home shave a long life span * 69% of homeowners believe that they will achieve a favourable resale value from a home constructed in modern concrete masonry.

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