We recently hosted a visit at one of our development sites to highlight our use of modern construction methods, which speed up the build process whilst reducing the running costs for residents.

Organised with Bentley SIP Systems, the visit invited members of the Constructing Excellence Club to learn more about Structural Insulated Panels (SIP) technology and the environmental and financial benefits. The attendees represented 10 organisations from the construction industry.

We're using the technology at our Kitchers Close site in Southampton. The development is introducing 45 modern houses and flats to an area with a real need. There will be a mix of Affordable Rent and Shared Ownership opportunities; the homes are due to be completed next spring.

Our construction arm, VIVID Build, is the site’s main contractor and Bentley SIP Systems are delivering the SIP, using the Kingspan TEK Building System.     

Kitchers Close is set on the edge of a beautiful forest and we've carried out extensive conservation work to protect and nurture the environment. This includes tree and reptile habitat protection and the provision of five community allotments. The building methods used on the site are also environmentally conscious; SIP technology has sustainability at its core. 

Timber is traditionally the most widely used building material and SIP technology is the next generation in timber based construction. The Kingspan TEK Building System is highly energy efficient and can give low running costs and impressive comfort for the lifetime of the building. Panels are manufactured using less timber than traditional framing methods and have a high build-speed and low site wastage. All these factors result in a cost-effective and sustainable way of meeting and exceeding Building Regulations. 

Building much needed affordable housing is our priority and the site visit was a great opportunity to share best practise. 

Mark Batchelor, Commercial Director at VIVID said:

"VIVID’s committed to building at least 1,200 new homes a year and making them affordable to everyone. We continually review our approach and utilise modern construction methods, such as SIPs, which enable us to build quality, sustainable and cost-effective units, which in turn helps us to deliver even more homes.” 

Robin Thorpe, Chair of Constructing Excellence Hampshire Club said:
“Constructing Excellence members were very pleased to visit this VIVID housing development with Bentley Projects. A number of factors are convening to make off-site construction a more attractive solution than ever before. This was a great opportunity to see how off-site solutions are implemented on a live site.”

Kristin Jones, Business Development Manager at Bentley Projects said:  
“We enjoyed showing the group from Constructing Excellence around. With 45 high quality housing units, VIVID’s project was ideal for us to showcase the benefits of the Kingspan TEK system.”