Case Studies - The Osbourne Demonstration House
The Project
The Osborne Demonstration House is the fourth house to join the Building Research Establishment’s (BRE) Innovation Park. The brainchild of leading house builder Osborne Homes, the Osborne Demonstration House is designed to establish the potentiality of sustainable, affordable homes that offer superb environmental credentials, speed and ease of construction and meet the needs of the social housing sector.
The house has also been designed to be flexible in its layout; allowing for straightforward modification of the internal configuration and simple adaptation to accommodate changes in occupants’ mobility needs.
The Build
Key to the realisation of the Osborne Demonstration house was the deployment of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). The envelope was formed from the Jabhouse Structural Insulated Panel System (SIPS), which allowed construction in one single day. A tile-clad cassette roof was employed that does not require trusses or rafters; alongside timber I beam floor joists. Door sets and bathroom pods were also manufactured off-site. MK Electric’s innovative, ‘pluggable’ Flexible Wiring System ensured speed and ease of installation for the electrical services.
The system enabled the installation to take place using trained operatives; with the full benefits being exploited. First fix was completed within two days; the second fix completed within hours, utilising the pluggable MK Wiring Devices and Consumer Unit. On completion of testing, the system and connectors were proved to be 100% fail safe, with 0% snagging, thus removing the need for remedials and return visits.
There was also a high focus on energy efficiency in the house – delivered through very high levels of insulation, underfloor heating, solar hot water heating and a heat recovery ventilation system. The property is likely to achieve an EcoHomes Excellent energy rating.
The Developer
Founded in 1996, and with nine regional offices through the south of England, Osborne Homes is a leading provider of innovative, high quality social housing and works exclusively with Registered Social Landlords (RSLs). It delivers a wide range of services for RSLs, including land location, new build, regeneration and refurbishment; and maintenance secured through both Contracting and Partnering procurement methods.
In ten years, the business has delivered 2300 new homes through 82 projects, for 29 Registered Social Landlords and 36 Employers Agents, throughout London and the South East.
MK Flexible Wiring System
The MK Flexible Wiring System was developed specifically to address the needs of the rapidly growing MMC building sector. The MK Flexible Wiring System provides a cost effective and comprehensive solution to the provision of electrical services for all types of off-site manufactured homes, be it a panelised, volumetric or hybrid construction technique.
The highly popular MK Logic Plus range of Wiring Devices are equipped with a new patented miniature power connector allowing the wiring system leads to be plugged directly into the rear of the product. No tools are required and the connector guarantees polarity and continuity of every connection. This, along with the traditional MK safety standards, ensures all projects are completed to the highest standards with the least risk.
The MK Flexible Wiring System is recognised and fully supported by the NICEIC who have developed a dedicated sign-off certificate for this system. Training programmes are available for electricians covering a system overview, installation and the sign-off process.
MK offers a full design and technical support service, and will convert architects’ drawings into detailed wiring diagrams assuring efficient overall system design. A dedicated technical support team, with detailed knowledge of the off-site manufacturing process, is also on hand to offer technical advice and training.
The Client
Paul Ensch, Director of Innovare Systems – a joint venture between the Osborne Group and Vencel Resil – is very positive about the benefits conferred by the MK Flexible Wiring system. As Paul says, “This is a system that is going places. Innovation is a driver for us – and this is a very simple idea that is effective, safer, faster and will prove a superb element in the overall development of Modern Methods of Construction”.
