Verbus Systems Launches Homes for Under £60K

Verbus Systems Ltd this week unveils its modular housing system, designed to help address the shortfall in the UK’s supply of affordable accommodation. Verbus homes can be built quickly and in high volume – a typical two bedroom, two storey home costing less than £60,000 can be completed within two weeks.

Verbus Systems is a joint venture between consulting engineers, Buro Happold and constructor, George & Harding.

The first modular “building blocks” to roll off the Verbus Systems production line are single room units that can be fixed together quickly, easily and uniformly. These building blocks can be joined in a number of configurations to suit individual schemes, thus offering a high degree of flexibility.

Being built to a high standard yet at a low price makes the system ideally suited for use as budget hotels, student and key worker accommodation, residential care homes, social housing and for first time buyers.

The system, which has been under development for more than year, meets the challenges set recently by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for developers to build affordable homes for first time buyers over the next 10 years, as detailed in its Homes for All five-year strategy. It is also in step with current government endeavours to effect change in the UK construction industry, with greater emphasis on the use of prefabrication to deliver significant savings and increased profitability. 

“The UK is badly in need of affordable accommodation but to date modular construction has not been viable because of its high cost relative to traditional construction, with the current supply chain unable to perform at larger volumes,” said Rod Macdonald, Buro Happold partner and director of Verbus Systems.

“The Verbus volume manufacturing process will overcome this barrier. The modules are being manufactured on an established and successful manufacturing system that delivers high quality products and is capable of producing more than 500 units per week.  The system has the facility to ramp up production as market demand dictates. Higher volumes will lead to increased demand and over time will result in lower unit prices. Through the direct transfer of this technology and process to construction modules, Verbus Systems can supply the necessary volumes at competitive prices, comparable to those that are traditionally constructed.”

The system’s base units consist of a range of self-supporting, steel monocoque modules that are available in two generous sizes which are compatible with the majority of construction applications. The modules are supplied insulated and lined ready for the customer to fit out according to individual requirements.

Verbus modules are simple, fast and safe to erect on standard foundations and use low tech, failsafe locking mechanisms. They can be stacked to at least 16 storeys high without the need for special modifications and, when nested, can be locked together horizontally and vertically, providing the combined structural core and frame of the building. Cladding, roof systems, stairwells, corridors and balconies can all be attached to the structure according to the individual customer’s specification, using compatible interconnecting components.

The units are completely weatherproof so that interiors remain protected throughout the erection process.

The Verbus Systems modules allow designers to add their own creative flare without constraint and can provide an infinite range of options, mixing and matching traditional or innovative construction products and techniques.

In comparison to a low rise timber framed house, Verbus modules are cost neutral, but Verbus offers much better value for buildings that are over four floors high. Verbus modules are also 25 percent faster to build than timber framed houses.

Verbus Systems has designed its modular buildings to be sustainable. They can be increased in size, reshaped, repositioned, relocated, refurbished and recycled for other uses. A combination of the strength and quality of materials used in the product design and the system of building ensures they will have a lifetime that far exceeds the current construction industry base standard of 60 years.

The Verbus Systems manufacturing process is guaranteed to international standards, which are Lloyds accredited and exceed current UK construction standards.

ENDS

Note to editors:
Verbus Systems
Verbus Systems is a new company conceived by Colin Harding and Rod Macdonald, founder members of the Movement for Innovation. M4I was formed by the Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, with the remit of modernising the UK construction industry through integration of its structure, processes and development of modern systems, such as off site prefabrication.

The company is supported by its manufacturing partners and consulting engineers, Buro Happold, of which Rod Macdonald is a partner, and construction firm George & Harding.

Verbus web site: www.verbussystems.com

Buro Happold
Buro Happold is a multi-disciplinary international practice of consulting engineers established in 1976 offering civil and structural engineering, mechanical and electrical engineering, quantity surveying, building services and environmental engineering, infrastructure and traffic engineering, ground engineering, façade engineering, fire engineering, computational fluid dynamics analysis, disability design consultancy, project management, urban design and a range of specialist CAD services.

Practice information:  www.burohappold.com

Further information and images from:

Elspeth Wales
Buro Happold PR and communications officer
Tel: 01225 320627
Email: Elspeth.wales@burohappold.com