Rok plc - Mixed-Use Development - Plaistow, London, Regeneration Project Celebration for Rok
Date: 16 Oct 2006
Forward-thinking builder Rok is celebrating the successful completion of the first phase of a major regeneration project in Plaistow, London - one which demonstrates the company's innovative approach to the use of modern methods of construction.
The £24 million Brooks Road Estate scheme to build 204 affordable homes includes the use of light gauge steel pre-fabricated houses with integral insulation - just one of the off-site construction methods used by the nation's local builder.
The light gauge steel pre-fabricated houses, which are a system of bolted frame connections consisting of floor and wall panels, were craned into position and bolted into place with the external skin and roof added afterwards.
Once the development is complete, 15% will consist of light gauge steel pre-fabricated houses.
Clive Perceval, for Rok, said: "This is an exciting and challenging project to be involved with and one that reflects Rok's mould-breaking approach to the use of inspiring construction methods.
"The development is part of a wider regeneration scheme and is integrated into an existing block of flats. We really embraced the surrounding community during the building of phase one to ensure the work did not cause a problem for existing residents.
"The design element needed careful consideration as in parts the buildings will rise to seven-storeys. All units will share either face brickwork cladding or Sto-render in multiply colours with roofs in mono-pitch Rheinzinc facing inwards to the courtyards - just some of the unique external design features that will reduce the impact to the street.
"The recent completion of phase one is fantastic news and positions us on schedule for an overall completion in February 2007."
Rok is working in partnership with Community Housing Association and London Borough of Newham to deliver the scheme in three phases comprising flats, maisonettes and houses on a site which was previously dominated by tower blocks.
The project has also given Rok an opportunity to really add value to the local community and it has worked alongside the Westham & Plaistow New Deal for Communities (NDC) to bring job opportunities to local people.
Clive added: "So far we have delivered 20,000 leaflets locally, visited 26 local schools, provided careers guidance to 358 residents, provided four, two-week work experience placements for under 16's, 30 work experience placements for post 16 year-olds and 46 new full-time construction jobs - all of which indicate Rok's culture of playing an integral part in the communities in which it works."
Rok has worked hard over the last six years to develop its social housing contracts and has secured 19 new framework projects across the UK from Glasgow to Exeter in the past 12 months alone.
The team at Rok celebrate the successful completion of phase one.
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