A national housebuilder has launched a new purpose-built model home where it can trial new technology and train its staff.
Persimmon Homes launched the three-storey model home to contractors and suppliers at its Space4 factory in Castle Bromwich, with the house developed to the latest building regulations.
Making use of modern methods of construction, the new home features Mauer brick façades, factory fitted to the Space4 timber frame product – improving efficiency and significantly reducing build time.
With the prototype brick façade factory fitted prior to erection, Persimmon said it was able to complete the superstructure construction fully watertight in just five days, compared to eight to 10 weeks for traditional masonry construction, with much less reliance on typical construction trades.
The interior of the house showcases the different stages of build in each room, starting with a completed living room, moving through the home to show the water and electricity fittings, as well as thermally efficient wall and roof insulation.
Signage throughout the house provides links to product information, building regulations as well as Persimmon’s own guidelines.
David Griffin, group build director at Persimmon Homes, said: “We’re really proud to launch our model home to contractors and suppliers and are confident that this will enable Persimmon to be at the forefront of construction innovation.
“With the Government hoping to build 1.5m homes over the next five years as well as Future Homes Standards being implemented in 2025, our mission to place efficiency and sustainability at the heart of our business is of ever-increasing importance.
“We look forward to seeing our trial home put to good use over the coming year, helping us to achieve our goal of developing sustainable, quality homes for local people.”
Now the facility is open, Persimmon intends to use the home for testing new construction technology along with the training and development of its staff, subcontractors, suppliers, and manufacturers.
The launch was marked with an event hosted by Griffin, and attended by a range of suppliers and contractors who contributed to the build of the model home.
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