In 2023, 104,510 people in England were in temporary accommodation, and an estimated 3,898 people slept rough. This is a 27% increase in rough sleeping from the previous year, and the sharpest rise since 2015.
With housebuilding failing to keep up with the demand for new properties, what is the solution to the homelessness problem?
In Chelmsford, a project from The Hill Group is suggesting one answer.
A new collection of 24 modular DuoHaus homes that will provide accommodation for homeless people is being installed near Chelmsford. Delivered by The Hill Group, the purpose-built, self-contained homes will be run by CHESS Homeless; the Essex-based charity that supports people suffering from homelessness. The charity will provide 24-hour on-site assistance and support with living skills, helping residents rebuild their independence and stability.
DuoHaus homes are innovative, low-cost modular homes designed specifically to support and protect vulnerable residents. The concept was developed by award-winning housebuilder, The Hill Group, as a follow-on housing solution to help address the homeless crisis. Hill is installing the DuoHaus homes to replace an obsolete motel in West Hanningfield near Chelmsford, which CHESS Homeless has been running as a homeless hostel since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The project was made possible through support from the government’s Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme (SHAP), Chelmsford City Council, various trusts, grant-makers, individuals, and pro bono contributions from the teams involved.
Equipped
Designed with a 60-year lifespan, each DuoHaus home is designed for up to two residents and is built to meet Future Homes Standards, exceeding building regulations for energy-efficiency and sound insulation. They come fully furnished and equipped including a fitted kitchen and white goods, providing a safe, comfortable environment for residents before they find somewhere more permanent.
The DuoHaus homes are part of The Hill Group’s broader SoloHaus initiative, which has been providing safe, high-quality modular housing for homeless individuals since 2020.
Andy Hill OBE, founder and Group Chief Executive of The Hill Group, commented: “We’re proud to be supplying these DuoHaus homes for vulnerable individuals in the Chelmsford area who need a safe space to get back on their feet. The design of DuoHaus means it is both cost and energy efficient, providing a flexible low-cost housing solution for those most in need.”
The 24 DuoHaus homes will be stacked on two levels and each home arrives ready for installation as they are prefabricated by Hill’s manufacturing partner, Volumetric Modular Ltd. The homes are set to be complete and ready for new residents to move in by late spring 2025, just 18 months since this project was first initiated. The development gained planning permission recently and demolition of the former motel building and site groundworks are already underway.
As part of the redevelopment, one section of the former motel is being retained and renovated to provide an administration building where CHESS’s dedicated support team will be based, as well as a communal space for residents to socialise. The charity will provide 24-hour assistance for residents and also offer educational sessions including IT skills, DIY and job advice to help build their confidence back. In addition to the DuoHaus homes, the redevelopment will provide office and private spaces where residents can access one-to-one support from the charity.
Rob Saggs, Chief Executive Officer of CHESS Homeless, commented: “The redevelopment of the temporary hostel into brand new DuoHaus homes will be game-changing for us as a charity and the level of support we can offer to people moving on from homelessness. This will be a safe and secure environment, where our residents can rest, heal and move forward with purpose. Our thanks go to all the partners that have made this happen so rapidly and gifted their time to the project.”
Delivery
TSA Riley acted as the project manager for the development. Dan Macpherson, Executive Director at TSA Riley, commented: “Delivering a high-quality housing solution for some of the most vulnerable in society has been a strong motivating factor for everyone involved. We will have completed the project within 18 months and this speed of delivery is a fantastic testament to all the members of the project team, doing an outstanding job and collaborating effectively toward the same, very worthwhile goal.”
Allia Future Homes is a specialist in supported modular home communities that tackle homelessness. It has been advising CHESS Homeless on the project since its inception. Daniel Renn, Housing Development Lead at Allia Future Homes, said: “We are proud to have been part of the incredible team that brought this vital project to life. With the homelessness crisis escalating across the UK, supported modular communities are an essential part of the solution. The success of this project has been driven by the shared values and commitment of the organisations involved, many of whom have generously contributed their expertise and resources free of charge. We hope this initiative serves as a model for similar projects nationwide, offering a practical and sustainable response to one of the country’s most pressing challenges.”
To date, Hill has delivered over 200 SoloHaus and DuoHaus homes to local authorities and charities across the UK, from Suffolk to Cornwall. This initiative not only addresses immediate housing needs but also sets a sustainable and replicable model for tackling homelessness nationwide.
See also: The Importance of an Energy Performance Certificate
