The former Arborfield Garrison site is being transformed into a new neighbourhood on the edge of Wokingham. Saunders have worked closely with Crest Nicholson to continue the development of residential “Build to Rent” after the success of the Kilnwood project, and have developed 218 rental apartments across 9 blocks - 4 following a traditional design aesthetic whilst the others are more contemporary.

Each block comprises a mix of one and two bedroom apartments arranged around a single core. The apartments are created from a combination of either two or three standard modules set out within an efficient structural grid. Standard family and ensuite bathroom layouts have been used to simplify construction and allow for offsite modules to be used.

Both phases of the development utilise a structural insulated panel system (SIPS) manufactured offsite by Fusion Building Systems, chosen by the client. Fusion panels are formed from a cold rolled, light gauge steel frame that is precision engineered into insulated panels. This construction method is fast and efficient to construct on site, generates minimum wastage and does not suffer from shrinkage or unpredictable differential movement, substantially reducing costly remedial works.

Reserved Matters planning approval for the first phase was achieved following the development of the approved Design Code, and is currently on site. The second phase was approved in October this year, and is due to start on site early in 2019.

Saunders Construction Director, David Roles, commented: “Whilst different in their design, both phases use modern methods of construction that enables us to deliver quality buildings, fast. We have worked with Fusion Building Systems on a number of recent schemes for Crest Nicholson and this has led to a clear understanding of the benefits of this particular method and the role it plays in efficient offsite construction.”