An innovative regeneration project to develop two, near zero carbon, prefabricated bungalows on a former garage site in Rhondda Cynon Taff (RCT) is complete.
Trivallis, a housing association based in RCT, has partnered with KEEBS and Rhondda Cynon Taf Council (RCTCBC) to deliver the project, now named Loc Duffryn, which is believed to be the ‘first of its kind’ due to the construction materials and methods used.
Jonathan Davies, asset regeneration manager at Trivallis, explained: “We began this project in December 2020 by demolishing garages owned by Trivallis. Fly tipping was a real problem on the garage site and it had become a real eyesore. Thanks to the Social Housing Grant from RCTCBC and Welsh Government, we were able to work with our partners to regenerate this area and provide much needed, affordable housing on the site.”
“We are so pleased with the quick turnaround time on this project and now have two, two-bed adapted bungalows that are designed to be very energy efficient to achieve as near to zero carbon as possible. It is, I believe, the first of its kind in RCT due to the construction methods used.”
Glenn Kathrens, company director of KEEBS, said: “The way we have constructed the bungalows is different to normal builds. We used a steel panel structure that was pre-fabricated off site. This method allows for accuracy and limits the time needed on site, meaning less noise and waste. The steel we have used is made of 90% recycled materials and could be reused again in the future, either recycled or adapted for future use. It’s proven to be energy efficient, has great fire ratings and durability, it can last for around 350 years.”
The homes are designed and readily adapted for use by tenants with bariatric need and have been allocated through the common housing register by RCTCBC to those with a need for this type of property.
For more updates on Loc Duffryn and other Trivallis developments, as well as information on how to apply for a home with Trivallis, visit www.trivallis.co.uk or follow @wearetrivallis on Facebook and Twitter.