Tai Tarian has formed a new subsidiary company that will use modern methods of construction (MMC) to build sustainable homes.
Tirnod, meaning landmark in Welsh, aims to embark on a wide range of sustainable projects to enhance housing provision in Wales whilst embracing new, innovative, building methods and technologies for the benefit of its communities, places and planet.
This ambition links closely with Welsh Government’s desire to reimagine social house building in Wales and increase the supply of homes by using modern methods of construction (MMC).
Utilising a Welsh Government loan, Tirnod has entered into a collaboration with SevenOaks Modular Ltd, a Neath-based business specialising in timber frame/modular manufacturing.
By using the finance to acquire new equipment, the partnership has allowed the SevenOaks factory to be substantially up-scaled to increase the production of new offsite manufactured homes.
Basic timber frame, insulated panels and fully modular homes are all now able to be produced in the factory and delivered to site for various housing providers. All options are lifted into position on site via a crane and erected quickly. The approach helps reduce the duration of a construction project and helps minimise disruption to local residents who live close to a new development.
As a result of the 10-year collaboration it is anticipated that almost 400 jobs will be created or safeguarded, over 5,000 quality, sustainable, homes manufactured and this provides the opportunity to research retrofitting existing homes with innovative products.
In addition, a training academy will be created for local builders, designers and clients to learn more about designing sustainable and highly efficient homes. This, along with the training of staff and apprentices carrying out the construction, means over 1,000 training days are expected to take place in the first year of operation alone.
One of the first projects undertaken by the collaboration will be the supply of 55 new homes and supporting the retrofit of 72 existing homes for Tai Tarian’s County Flats redevelopment in Sandfields, Port Talbot. Work began on site in early Autumn 2021 and is expected to take three years to complete.
