Jun 8 2007
Thin-jointed aircrete has won another convert after a successful trial by Barratt Homes (West Midlands) at Bushbury, in Wolverhampton. The project comprised 42 homes, 21 each for Accord and Heantun Housing Associations. Celcon blocks with the Thin-Joint System were chosen as they are an MMC and attract Housing Corporation funding. Having heard so much about Thin-Joint, Barratt Homes wanted to trial the system and were attracted by the speed of construction offered by a combination of light weight, large size Celcon Jumbo Plus blocks and quick-setting Celfix mortar. H+H Celcon’s Thin-Joint system was the only MMC considered for the walls on this project. Some of the units are bungalows for which other systems, such as timber frame, were not practicable.
H+H Celcon provided support for this first-time user with an on-site demonstration and training and support on site during the early stages of the project. Support staff also made regular visits to check on progress and the client’s satisfaction with the products and system.
Commented Iain Wardlaw, senior buyer at Barratt Homes: “As our first Thin-Joint project Bushbury was very much a learning experience. We were very impressed and would like to use it again, especially when we are building to Modern Methods of Construction. With experience we expect to make better use of its benefits and significantly speed the construction process.”
The project at Bushbury is sited on a former council estate and is part of the rejuvenation of a deprived area which includes both social and private housing. The social housing is a mix ranging from 4-bed detached through to 3 and 2-bed semis and bungalows and 1-bed apartments. Celcon Jumbo Plus blocks with the Thin-Joint System were used for the inner leaf of the external walls with brick cladding, pitched, tiled roofs and an attractive dormer feature.
The site won a Barratt Homes Regional Award and the site manager, Bob Morse, was Barratt Homes Regional Site Manager of the Year for 2006.