Avebury International has been appointed as construction manager for around 90 ‘flat-pack’ homes to be built in Gateshead, after the council agreed to sell an area of land, subject to planning.

It is the first such development in the UK, and a start on site is expected within the first quarter.

A second site in Glasgow has also been identified.

MD Rod McGillivray says Avebury will use its own method of construction management, called direct procurement. “It focuses on local supply chain management to reduce costs,” he explains.

The innovative house design – called BoKlok – was developed in the 1990s by Ikea and Skanska to address the need for affordable properties in Sweden, and the same approach is being adopted for the housing system’s debut in the UK.

Avebury has worked closely with property firm Live Smart@Home, BoKloK’s UK partner, to develop the project. McGillivray says house prices will be set to reflect the local marketplace. “Our intention is to bring it in at the bottom end to keep it affordable.”

Source

Construction Manager