The projects, delivered in partnership with the Royal Borough of Greenwich under its Greenwich Builds programme, span three urban sites and have created 66 affordable council homes for residents in the borough.

As well as providing much-needed new homes, the developments have had a positive impact on the wider community, turning neglected spaces into neighbourhoods where people can feel proud to live, helping to improve wellbeing and encourage stronger local connections.

Reducing carbon emissions was a key focus throughout. The homes have been carefully built using sustainable modern methods of construction and are designed to use less energy, helping to reduce both environmental impact and everyday living costs for residents.

Each development has its own unique features:

• Barnfield Hall provides 14 new homes alongside a flexible community space, following the demolition of existing structures on the site. The development has been carefully designed to make the most of the space, introducing new landscaping and a children’s playground.
• Well Hall Road has transformed a former garage site into 20 high quality apartments set within a landscaped environment. What was once a hard, unused space is now a greener, more attractive area with places for children to play and residents to relax.
• Sam Manners House, the largest of the three sites, delivers 32 homes including a mix of houses and apartments, as well as homes designed for residents with additional accessibility needs. Shared outdoor spaces and play areas help bring residents together and create a sense of community.

Across the three sites, modular construction and structural insulated panels (SIPs) were utilised to deliver the homes efficiently, without compromising on quality. The result is a collection of thoughtfully designed developments that not only meet housing needs but also make a lasting difference to the communities around them.

Being shortlisted is a proud moment for everyone involved and reflects the hard work, collaboration and dedication of the entire project team. We’d like to thank our partners shedkm, FUSE Architects, British Offsite, and Blakeney Leigh for their hard work in helping to successfully deliver these projects.

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Here’s why redeveloping urban infill sites matters, and why it’s such a focus for us.

Utilising underused land

Urban infill development is all about making the most of land that’s already in a built up area. Instead of building outwards, infill projects transform vacant lots, former garage sites or dilapidated buildings into new productive spaces. This approach makes efficient use of existing land without expanding into greenfield space, helping to preserve countryside and natural habitats.

In redeveloping these sites, we also reduce pressure on local authorities to fund new infrastructure, as infill projects can tap into existing utilities, roads and services.

Revitalising communities

One of the most visible benefits of infill development is its impact on neighbourhoods that have been overlooked or are in decline. Derelict garages, empty lots, or ageing buildings can make an area feel run-down and neglected. Thoughtful redevelopment breathes new life into these spaces, increasing footfall, attracting new residents and improving safety.

Infill developments can often act as a catalyst for further investment in an area, encouraging new shops, services and community facilities to support new residents, helping to build stronger, more sustainable communities.

Supporting housing supply

Cities and towns across the UK face ongoing housing demand. Urban infill is a key part of addressing this, as it enables new homes to be built close to existing amenities, transport links and employment centres.Increasing residential density within existing urban areas helps provide a range of housing options without expanding development into surrounding countryside.

At Elkins, our experience in delivering high quality infill developments means we can help maximise housing provision even on awkwardly shaped or constrained sites, turning what many see as problems into well-designed, desirable places to live.

Enhancing sustainability

Urban infill sites tend to be located close to shops, schools, transport and other key amenities. This means future residents are more likely to walk, cycle or use public transport, reducing reliance on cars and contributing to a lower carbon lifestyle.

By building in established areas rather than on the edge of towns, infill development also minimises the need for new roads, sewers and other costly infrastructure extensions, making better use of what already exists.

Boosting local economies

Redeveloping infill sites doesn’t just create homes, it also stimulates local economic activity. Construction projects create jobs and, once complete, new homes support spending at local businesses. Vacant sites that once detracted from neighbourhood value can become assets that enhance their surroundings.

As these areas become more desirable, they can attract further investment and improvements, creating ongoing positive change that benefits residents and local businesses.

Urban infill development is a practical and sustainable way to make our towns and cities stronger, greener and more inclusive. At Elkins, we’re proud to play our part in revitalising these sites, bringing forward thoughtful, high quality developments that contribute meaningfully to the places we build in.

See some of our urban infill projects here.

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Gilbourne Road was completed earlier this year and comprises a five-storey block of 13 flats and two houses in Plumstead. The new homes are available for affordable rent to local people as part of Royal Borough of Greenwich’s ‘Greenwich Builds’ scheme, which aims to provide more affordable homes in the borough.

As well as winning in the Social Housing category, Gilbourne Road was also selected as a finalist in the Best Use of Volumetric Technology category. The development was constructed using MMC, with modules manufactured in a factory and assembled on site, to increase speed and efficiency and reduce environmental impact. The new properties are designed to meet net zero carbon emissions standards, and employ a number of energy-saving technologies, which also make the running costs more affordable for residents.

Gilbourne Road residents celebrate moving in

It has been a busy month celebrating our Gilbourne Road project. A week prior to the project’s awards win, we were pleased to attend a welcome event for the new residents organised by Royal Borough of Greenwich. Jamie Watkins (Operations Manager), Ayesha Wright (Social Value Manager), Marnie Greenwood (Contracts Manager) and Sarah Feleppa (Customer Services Manager) attended from the Elkins team, alongside the team from Greenwich Builds, local councillors, and the new residents of Gilbourne Road.

It was fantastic to have the opportunity to meet the new residents and discover the difference this development, and the wider Greenwich Builds scheme, is making to local people on the housing register. “We were in temporary accommodation for seven years,” said Caroline, one of the new residents. “It’s like a dream come true, I needed to pinch myself a few times. The kitchen is amazing, it’s a beautiful home. We’re very happy.”

Find out more about Gilbourne Road.

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The post Gilbourne Road Wins Social Housing Project of the Year at Offsite Awards appeared first on Elkins Construction.

Exceptional insulation

SIPs consist of a rigid foam insulation layer sandwiched between two surfaces. This makes them much more energy efficient than traditional building materials. They regulate temperature more efficiently, keeping interiors cool in the summer and helping them retain heat in the winter. The insulation also helps reduce the amount of noise penetration, so they are much quieter homes for residents to live in.

Energy saving

SIPs are thought to be about 50% more energy efficient than traditional timber framing. Homes are airtight and leak less heat, reducing energy bills for residents and decreasing carbon emissions being released into the environment. Not only this, but the reduced air movement allows for a controlled indoor temperature and improved air quality.

Weather-proof

Despite being lightweight and easy to transport, SIPs are considerably stronger than comparable surfaces made from traditional frames. They can be used in roofs and floors to span as much as 18 feet without additional support. Buildings constructed with SIPs panels are also able to withstand extreme weather conditions.

Sustainable building method

The method of constructing a building using SIPs uses significantly less energy than traditional construction methods. Panels are manufactured in factories offsite and transported to their final location, meaning minimal waste that goes to landfill and less noise pollution for businesses and residents in the area.

Fast construction

As all SIPs walls, roofs and floors can be designed and built precisely offsite, once the panels are transported into place, construction can take place very quickly. For example, a flooring project that would usually take a couple of days can be completed in just a couple of hours.

Flexible design

SIPs offer greater versatility for architects, providing more creative freedom when it comes to designing aesthetically pleasing homes than with traditional construction methods. The panels can also be combined with other building materials such as brick, stones, wood, tiles and glass for optimum modern designs.

We have a number of projects using SIPs currently in progress at Elkins, including Greenway in Eltham, Palmerston Crescent in Woolwich, Thanington Court and The Triangle. Take a look at some of them here:

Find out more about our off-site modern construction new build services.

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Faster construction

Modular construction projects can be completed up to 70% quicker than those that use traditional construction methods. The production of modules in a factory prevents delays caused by changeable weather conditions. It also allows builders to work in a controlled environment, using repetitive techniques with convenient tools and equipment.

Minimal disruption

Since modules are constructed off-site and transported to site for assembly, 80% of the building activity takes place away from the site location, so there’s minimal disturbance to the surrounding businesses and residents.

Cost effective

Modular construction is an extremely cost-effective option. As it is based on a repetitive production process, it uses precise quantities of lumber and materials, making it easier to plan and buy. It also reduces onsite manpower and often avoids architects’ fees.

Built to last

Modular structures are distinctly hard-wearing. All the materials used in manufacture are highly durable, not least because they need to be strong enough to withstand transportation to site as well as the handling involved in their assembly. They are also exceptionally energy-efficient, being almost airtight. All of which means modern modular buildings are built to last.

Eco-friendly

Modular construction is a sustainable process, leading the market with the use of recycled and eco-friendly materials. Taking advantage of repetitive production, it uses less energy compared to traditional construction. There’s also less waste produced, making this method hugely favourable for the environment.

Find out more about our modular construction offering.

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