Nu Build 2009: Nu Build 2009West Midlands Centre for Constructing Excellence (WMCCE) has put its expertise and project management skills behind a state-of-the-art construction project at Stoke-on-Trent College, which showcases an innovative approach to meeting the requirements of the Government's Code for Sustainable Homes.

WMCCE leads a programme of business improvement services for the region's construction industry and next month (July) will see the unveiling of one of the latest initiatives it has supported.

The Staffordshire-based Nu Build scheme supports the delivery of affordable, sustainable and energy efficient housing to help meet Government guidelines outlined in The Code for Sustainable Homes. In addition, the scheme will provide a regional centre where eco-friendly construction skills can be taught.

The project has seen the complete construction of two new semi-detached houses over four days, a 50 per cent reduction in the time traditional construction methods would require. The speed of construction is based upon the principle of innovative off-site manufacturing, which vastly reduces the time needed for on-site assembly.

With the extensive use of sustainable and renewable materials, as well as showcasing the latest energy efficiency technology, the new houses offer a prime example of how affordable and sustainable housing can be devised, constructed and delivered to meet demanding timescales and budget parameters. These are two of the key considerations that need to be addressed when seeking to satisfy the stringent demands of the Government's Code for Sustainable Homes.

With the construction industry suffering as a result of the current economic downturn, the Nu Build initiative also offers an ongoing practical training resource. This meets the industry need to learn new eco-friendly construction skills and diversify to help satisfy Government guidelines around sustainable construction approaches, which cannot be met through traditional building methods.

Acting as key advisers to the NuBuild project, WMCCE has worked alongside a number of bodies including Renew North Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent College, Advantage West Midlands, BRE, Streif UK and Kier Group.

Phil Wilson, Operations Director at WMCCE says: “The Nu Build project addresses two key issues. Firstly, it proves that we have the methodology and ability to quickly construct low-cost, energy efficient homes of the future, which can help meet the Government's housing requirements. Secondly, the Nu Build scheme will act as a superb training resource and allow the practical teaching of modern and eco-friendly construction methods. Such new skills will be increasingly required in the future. WMCCE has been delighted to play its part in helping turn the Nu Build vision into a reality.”