The Problem
Homelessness in the UK has reached the breaking point. Councils spend £2.1 billion annually to house record numbers of families in hotels and B&Bs, and these accommodations often have families living in inadequate conditions. Meeting demand will require 90,000 new social rent homes every year for the next decade, yet from 2022 to 2023, only 9,500 were delivered. This mismatch has pushed boroughs toward financial strain and plunged families deeper into crisis. [/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]The Solution
Modular homes offer a fast, sustainable, and high-impact alternative. Capable of being installed in just two hours, they provide private bedrooms, kitchens, and comfortable living spaces. With energy-efficient design and moveability, councils can recoup their investment within three to five years and save up to £63,500 per household per year compared to existing temporary housing. While not a long-term substitute, our modular homes deliver immediate relief for thousands of families, offering a safe and comfortable home. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding=”|0px||0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-0d8339cc-0ef9-4a25-891e-31dde3c292ab” custom_padding=”40px|40px|40px|40px|true|true” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-0d8339cc-0ef9-4a25-891e-31dde3c292ab%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”–et_global_heading_font|600|||||||” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”34px” text_line_height=”1.5em” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”]
At Rollalong, we’re passionate about demonstrating the potential of modular construction to address pressing housing needs. That’s why we were thrilled to bring a cutting-edge modular home installation to Romford Market, open to the public from March 10th to April 3rd.
This installation isn’t just a display; it’s a conversation starter. It’s a tangible example of how modular technology can deliver high-quality, sustainable living spaces quickly and efficiently. We’re proud to have contributed to this project, which was designed, delivered, and built in just over 90 days, showcasing the rapid deployment capabilities of modular construction.
From Exhibition to Reality: Bridging the Gap in Housing
Rollalong’s solution previously featured in The Building Centre’s “New Homes in New Ways” exhibition. a platform that explored how better-quality temporary accommodation can provide a crucial stepping stone for individuals moving out of hotels and hostels. Partnering with a leading Development and Building company, Wates, and a London based Architectural partner, RCKA we have demonstrated the potential of modular solutions to “provide dignifying and comfortable living spaces,” a principle Rollalong strongly believes in. 
The journey from exhibition to Romford Market underscores the adaptability and transportability of our modular units. As discussed in Wates Insight’s modular demonstrator article, “modular construction is about more than just speed; it’s about quality, sustainability, and creating spaces that people genuinely want to live in.” The Romford installation serves as a real-world example of these values.
Addressing Havering’s Housing Needs with Modular Solutions
We were delighted to welcome Councillors, Council officers, and representatives from Wates to the Romford installation, providing them with a firsthand look at the potential of modular homes. This visit comes after the submission of a planning application for 18 temporary modular homes at Waterloo and Queen Street in Romford.
While the Romford Market module differs in design from the proposed Waterloo and Queen Street units, it effectively demonstrates the core benefits: safe, warm, and self-contained homes that can support families within their local communities. Cllr Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, stated “We are committed to addressing homelessness in Havering and modular homes provide self-contained accommodation as a cost-effective solution that not only saves taxpayers money, but will provide better living conditions for those Havering families who require support and ensure we reduce our reliance on hotels and B&Bs. 
“It forms one part of a wider strategy in our housing programme, which aims to provide more homes for residents.”
Rollalong’s Vision: Transforming Perceptions of Temporary Housing
Paul Jones, Director at Rollalong, emphasises our goal: “Our aim is to demonstrate how modular homes can offer a practical and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional housing.” We believe this installation will challenge preconceived notions about temporary modular homes and spark vital discussions about addressing housing demand.
The project at Waterloo and Queen Street, currently in the early design phase, represents a significant step forward in this journey. This development, situated to the east of the site, alongside Cotleigh Road, and adjacent to both sides of St Andrew’s Church, will form the first phase of regeneration. Rollalong is committed to working closely with Havering Council and Wates to ensure these homes meet the highest standards of quality and sustainability.
We’re proud to be at the forefront of the modular housing revolution, providing innovative solutions that make a real difference to communities. We encourage everyone to visit the Romford Market installation and experience firsthand the potential of modular homes. At Rollalong, we’re not just building homes; we’re building futures.
Watch a time lapse of the installation process here.
For more information about the modular home installation, including opening hours.
The sun shone in Redhill, Surrey at the official opening of Mitchell Place, a development of eight low-carbon one-bedroom flats for homeless single parents and young people with support needs.
Transform Housing & Support welcomed 30 guests to the event in Redhill where the guest of honour was Transform’s former Chief Executive Paul Mitchell, who was in charge for nearly half of the housing association’s 50-year history.
The event marked a significant milestone for Transform, showcasing its commitment to innovative housing solutions for homeless single parents and young people in need of support.
The building was manufactured in modular form at Rollalong’s factory in Dorset and transported to Surrey to be installed on site.
The opening ceremony brought together representatives from Rollalong, project managers Playle and Partners and one of the development’s key funders, Surrey County Council.
Guests were given an exclusive tour of two of the completed flats which are designed to meet the specific needs of their residents. A young mother, proudly holding her five-month-old son, shared her gratitude with visitors as she guided them through her new home which she moved into just a few weeks ago. “This place has truly changed my life,” she said.
Our Project Director Iain Steele spoke at the event and highlighted the innovative nature of the project’s construction. “Mitchell Place is a modular build, meaning the units were constructed offsite and then brought in by crane and assembled,” he explained.
“This sustainable, cutting-edge method is extremely energy efficient, providing long-term benefits – including reduced costs – for clients.”
Transform Chief Executive Lawrence Santcross thanked the contractors and said how thrilled the organisation was to have been able to develop Mitchell Place. “We are dedicated to meeting the needs of the communities we serve by providing affordable social housing and tailored support,” he said.
“These eight meticulously designed flats, along with the support we’re offering, will empower clients both today, and in the future, to lead more independent and fulfilling lives.”
The event also showcased women in construction, and architect Hayley Poynter Fenning emphasised the significance of Mitchell Place’s all-women project team. “Gender equality in construction remains a challenge, with only 1% of skilled tradespeople and 16% of senior positions being held by women,” she noted. “This project demonstrates the power of female leadership in driving positive change.”
Paul Mitchell said: “Mitchell Place is the realisation of a dream that began in 1998 with the creation of Chaucer Court, the sister building to this one, so I am delighted that Transform, Rollalong and Playle and Partners have been able to bring this vision to life using such sustainable, modern construction methods.
“I know Mitchell Place will be hugely appreciated by all who live here and call it home.”
Pictured are (left to right) Sarah Young, Pelin Erginsoy and Hayley Poynter Fenning from Playle & Partners, Iain Steele from Rollalong and Suzanne Edwards from Transform Housing.
*Updated 20th October 2023*
Grovelands Park in Winnersh won the award for Best Residential Development at the Royal Berkshire Property Awards on 18th October.
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We’re hearing some fantastic news from Wokingham, where a modular development we delivered for the local council has been shortlisted for two awards!
The development of 23 modular two-bedroom homes for homeless families at Grovelands Park in Winnersh near Wokingham has been shortlisted as Best Residential Development and Best Low Carbon Project in this year’s Royal Berkshire Property Awards.
The homes are arranged in two storeys with their own entrances, allowing families to live safely and comfortably while awaiting somewhere permanent to live.
Each has its own toilet and bathroom with an open-plan lounge, dining room, kitchen and internet access, and one will be specially adapted for households where someone has a disability.
They replaced 12 mobile homes at Grovelands, which had reached the end of their useful life and would not have been economical to refurbish.
“We were delighted to be asked to deliver this project for Wokingham Borough Council’s housing team, and we’re very pleased with the results,” said Rollalong Projects Manager Laurie Garside.
“Homelessness is a growing problem for many local authorities, and our offsite modular manufacturing methods mean we can deliver high-quality housing quickly and cost-effectively.
“This new accommodation is of a very high standard and has provided the borough of Wokingham with much needed additional temporary housing.”
Councillor Stephen Conway, Leader of Wokingham Borough Council, said: “We’re so pleased that our hard-working team and partners in this ambitious project have been given the recognition they deserve – and we’re crossing our fingers for good news next week.”
The winners of the awards will be announced at a ceremony at Reading Town Hall tomorrow evening (Wednesday 18th October).
The modules which will make up Mitchell Court in Redhill, Surrey have been installed on the site in just three days.
We’re delivering eight low-carbon one-bedroom flats for supported housing association Transform Housing & Support.
The development will be known as Mitchell Court after Transform’s former Chief Executive Paul Mitchell, who was in charge for nearly half of its 50-year history.
It will provide housing for homeless single parents and young people with support needs.
“One of the advantages of modular offsite construction is that it’s considerably faster to build a modular building than it is to build using traditional methods,” said Rollalong Sales Manager Nigel Allen.
“The installation took just three days and we are now working on internal finishing and fit-out with brickwork and roofing progressing well. Spending less time on site means a faster turnaround for the client and less disruption for local residents.”
Transform Chair Mark Austen said he was impressed by the new building’s sustainable, low-carbon credentials which include an EPC A rating, all-electric flats, an innovative fire suppression misting system which limits water damage, and solar panels installed on the roof.
“We are breaking new ground as this is Transform’s first ever modular construction with these flats being built offsite and then lifted in,” he said.
Transform provides specialist housing and support services for more than 1,800 homeless and vulnerable people each year in Surrey and surrounding areas.
Mitchell Court is expected to be complete later this year and clients should be moving in by the autumn.
Two more modules have been installed on site at Grovelands Park in Winnersh near Wokingham, where we’re providing modular accommodation for homeless families for Wokingham Borough Council.
The installation was challenging as the nearby school creates additional traffic, but as usual we ensured our operations took account of the school’s key drop-off and pick-up times to minimise disruption.
Twenty out of 23 modules are now in place, and our thanks go to everyone for their patience and hard work in making sure the installation went smoothly.
These new modular two-bedroom homes will replace existing outdated temporary accommodation for homeless families provided by Wokingham Borough Council. The old, prefabricated units were originally built as holiday homes and not intended for long-term occupation.
The project will double the number of homes on the site, and as they are EPC A-rated they will be far more energy efficient than the old units. One will be specially adapted for households with people who have disabilities.
The modular homes will allow more families to be accommodated safely and comfortably while they wait for somewhere permanent to live, and they have their own toilet and bathroom as well as an open-plan lounge, dining room and kitchen.
They are well specified, self-contained homes which provide all the modern facilities one would expect in a new home.
All councils are required to provide temporary emergency housing for homeless families with children or families and individuals who are vulnerable until they find a settled home.
We’ve started work on a modular housing development for homeless single parents and young people in Redhill, Surrey.
We’re employing modern methods of construction to provide eight low-carbon one-bedroom flats for supported housing association Transform Housing & Support.
Mitchell Court, named after Transform’s former Chief Executive Paul Mitchell who held the organisation’s reins for nearly half of its 50-year history, will house homeless single parents and young people with support needs. Transform provides specialist housing and support services for more than 1,800 homeless and vulnerable people each year in Surrey and surrounding areas.
Our Sales Manager Nigel Allen met up with colleagues from Transform to mark the start of work on the new building, which is being manufactured in modules at our factory in Dorset before being installed on site.
Mitchell Court is the first development we’ve delivered for Transform and we’re delighted to be collaborating with them.
“One of the advantages of modular offsite construction is that it’s considerably faster to build a modular building than it is to build using traditional methods,” said Nigel. “The modules themselves are scheduled to be installed next month and we expect this to be completed within just three days.”
Transform Chair Mark Austen said he was impressed by the new building’s sustainable, low-carbon credentials which include an EPC A rating, all-electric flats, an innovative fire suppression misting system which limits water damage, and solar panels installed on the roof.
“We are breaking new ground as this is Transform’s first ever modular construction with these flats being built offsite and then lifted in,” he said.
Transform’s Head of Housing and Support Natalie Murphy said that as well as the flats being energy-efficient – which would help clients manage their living costs – they would provide good-sized homes.
“They will meet the Government’s recommended space standards which is important because we are very conscious of the significant impact a spacious, well designed home can have on people’s wellbeing – as we saw during the Covid-19 pandemic,” she said.
“For the young people and lone parents who will live in Mitchell Court, this environment will make such a positive contribution to empowering them to change their lives, so they are happier, healthier and more independent.”
Transform has appointed consultants Playle & Partners LLP to assist with procurement and project management of the scheme. Mitchell Court is scheduled to be completed later this year with the aim of clients occupying the flats by the autumn.
We’re delighted to announce that we’ve been shortlisted for a prize at the London Construction Awards!
Our ongoing project to build residential accommodation for homeless families in Winnersh near Wokingham, Berkshire has been shortlisted in the Offsite Innovation of the Year category.
Colleagues from Rollalong will be in London on 23rd September for the gala dinner and awards ceremony.
The London Construction Awards have attracted a record number of entries in 2022 – more than double the number of entries compared to last year.
You can view all the finalists here: www.londonconstructionawards.com/finalists.
The London Construction Awards are part of London Build, the UK’s leading construction and design show.
To find out more about our development at Winnersh, read our latest blog post.
Work is progressing well at Grovelands Park in Winnersh near Wokingham, where we’re providing modular accommodation for homeless families.
Six more modules were installed on site this week, which means that 18 out of 23 modules are now in place.
The new modular two-bedroom homes will replace existing outdated temporary accommodation for homeless families provided by Wokingham Borough Council.
The project will double the number of homes on the site, and they will be far more energy efficient than the old units. One will be specially adapted for households with people who have disabilities.
The modular homes will allow more families to be accommodated safely and comfortably while they wait for somewhere permanent to live, and they have their own toilet and bathroom as well as an open-plan lounge, dining room and kitchen.
“We’re very pleased with how this project is progressing and delighted to be working closely with Wokingham Borough Council’s housing team,” said Rollalong Projects Manager Laurie Garside.
“Homelessness is a growing problem for many local authorities following the pandemic and the cost of living crisis. Fortunately, our offsite modular manufacturing methods mean we can deliver high-quality housing quickly and cost-effectively.
“This new accommodation is of a very high standard and will provide the borough of Wokingham with much needed additional temporary housing.”
All councils are required to provide temporary emergency housing for homeless families with children or families and individuals who are vulnerable until they find a settled home.
At Grovelands Park the old prefabricated units had to be replaced as they were originally built as holiday homes and not intended for long-term occupation.
Features
– Two bedrooms, four people
– Fully building regulations compliant
– Design life of 60 years
– EPC rating A (with the addition of PV)
– Single or two-storey configuration
– Factory-fitted timber cladding
– Fully fitted bathroom and kitchen
– 4.1m wide x 14.3m long, 50m² GIA
15th March 2022
We’re using our expertise to provide accommodation for homeless families near Wokingham, Berkshire.
We’re delivering 23 modular two-bedroom homes at Grovelands Park in Winnersh, replacing existing outdated temporary accommodation for homeless families.
Phase one has now been transported to the site and work to complete the installation of all 23 homes is expected to be completed by August 2022.
The project will double the number of homes on the Wokingham Borough Council site, and they will be far more energy efficient than the old units.
The modular homes will allow more families to be accommodated safely and comfortably while they wait for somewhere permanent to live, and they have their own toilet and bathroom as well as an open-plan lounge, dining room and kitchen.
One will be specially adapted for households with people who have disabilities.
“We are delighted to be working with Wokingham Borough Council’s housing team,” said Laurie Garside, Rollalong’s Projects Manager.
“The accommodation we have installed for the initial phase of the project is of a very high standard and will provide the local area with a much needed boost for temporary housing.”
All councils are required to provide temporary emergency housing for homeless families with children or families and individuals who are vulnerable until they find a settled home.
At Grovelands Park the old prefabricated units had to be replaced as they were originally built as holiday homes and not intended for long-term occupation.
The new timber-clad homes have modern and reliable heating systems and are highly insulated which will prevent pipes from freezing in winter, reduce heating costs and limit their carbon footprint.
They also feature the latest fire safety and sustainability measures such as sprinkler systems, double glazing and solar panels, and they are fully furnished with internet access.
Some homes are also trialling the latest air source heat pump technologies, an environmentally friendly system that draws heat from outside into the home.