Flat Pack Homes

[hammerman]

Why have these never really caught on in the UK?

Surely if we're crying out for affordable housing, this has got to be the way to go. I've seen some stunning homes which were done start to finish in about 3 months for a fraction of the price.

[sandyRoe]

Maybe there's a folk memory of the Prefabs that were built just after the war? And could people get mortgages on them?

[douglas9401]

Maybe the connection with new Kirstie on the block, Amanda Lamb, puts people off.

[Mosaic]

These have been very popular in Ireland, and I know one or two farms where the old house has been superceded by one of these prefabs. There are some fantastic, well-insulated exampes available - I'm especially intrigued by the ones that encompass the 'passivhaus' approach: http://www.passivhaus.org.uk/

I think the big hurdle in England is local planning permission, many people seem to find this a nightmare when they decide to build their own place. In continental Europe it's much more normal and planning authorities seem to expect to work with, rather than prevent, self build.

[The Builder]

Although not mainstream, I think you'd be surprised as to how much construction today uses SIPs (structural insulated panels.) Made in the factory and delivered on the back of a truck. Usually higher-end property, but certainly becoming more popular with volume builders (economies of scale.)

For really high spec, think of Huf Houses in Germany. For lower-end stuff, the savings would be considerable. Traditional building sites can be among the most inefficient "factories" imaginable - all "wet" trades, and having to handle mountains of heavy masonry. Plus the interminable delays ........ not to mention our weather.

We do still go all misty-eyed over cob and thatch, especially down here in Devon. I still enjoy working on it, but it belongs in the past ........ along with concrete blocks ;o)

It'll all come around in time, Hammers. It just takes a long time in this country. As with everything, it'll be cost-led... so, inevitable.