Design4Structures is proud to collaborate with key industry players in tackling both London’s housing crisis and the wider UK’s need for quality, affordable homes.  On Wednesday 12 February, we attended the New Homes in New Ways Summit, where a modular home prototype was unveiled outside the Building Centre in London. This two-bedroom, four-person apartment has been designed for efficiency, with the entire process from design to manufacturing and installation taking just two months. This project brings together RCKa Architects, Wates (Lead Contractor), Rollalong (Offsite Manufacturer), and Design 4 Structures as Structural Engineers. Our role has been integral, providing expert engineering design and detailing to ensure the structural integrity and functionality of the modular pod.  Our specialist offsite team focuses on designing to a manufacture-level of detail, which allows for greater precision, less material waste, and smooth, quick assembly. By combining structural engineering with offsite manufacturing principles, we help drive both cost efficiency and faster construction timelines, crucial for meeting the growing demand for high-quality, scalable housing solutions.  The design for the modular pod began in December 2024, with the final product arriving in London on 7 February. We worked closely with RCKA to ensure that the structural design could support up to 4 storeys, while staying within the required building footprint. This collaboration resulted in a fully coordinated and detailed manufacturing package for Rollalong, incorporating the hot rolled chassis frame fabrication drawings as well as CSV files and production drawings for the floor and ceiling joists and wall panels utilising Rollalong’s Howick Mills.  

Apartment prototype, outside the Building Centre, London

From concept to installation, in just 2 months

Design concepts and floorplans Image Credit: RCKa

D4S structural design and fully coordinated Tekla model

Prototype construction in Rollalong factory. Image credit: Rollalong

Site installation Image credit: Rollalong

Our involvement in this project is part of a larger initiative led by RCKa, Wates, and Rollalong, aimed at advocating for new powers for local authorities to grant automatic permission for temporary accommodation under permitted development powers.  The New Homes in New Ways exhibition will be open until 28 February. Along with the prototype home, the exhibition draws on findings from the Social Rent Housing at Pace Playbook (2024), which highlights the need to accelerate the supply of new homes and temporary accommodation within the social housing sector.  We aspire to work in an industry where innovative construction methods and collaboration are the standard. If you share this vision or have questions about MMC, or want to know more about our approach, feel free to get in touch with us at hello@design4structures.com.