Project Overview:
Abbey Quay is a development of one, two and three-bedroom apartments in the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham. Developed by Weston Homes in multiple phases, this 6-acre waterfront site will eventually accommodate 1,000 new homes. The build solution for the first phase of the project, comprising 223 new homes, has incorporated the use of both UNIpanel and UNIwall systems and involved the installation of 845 panel units (3,550 linear metres) and 700 wall units (2,940 linear metres).
As a high-density (1000 unit) scheme that forms part of a wider masterplan for the regeneration of Barking. This vision will culminate in the creation of 20,000 new jobs and 50,000 new homes and is one of London’s most exciting new opportunities. The first phase of Abbey Quay, comprising two buildings – Dunstan Place and Erken Plaza – is nearing completion, while a further six buildings will follow in four phases. As with any large-scale masterplan, timely delivery of the first phase is critical to the success of the overall scheme. Given the scale of the development, the project team has opted for a hybrid solution utilising British Offsite’s UNI System, the most advanced light gauge steel panel system in the marketplace.
UNI System incorporates highly flexible set of products capable of meeting every architectural need with precision. For the superstructure, the project team at Abbey
Quay have utilised UNIpanel, a light gauge steel (LGS) closed panel system This LGS system comes pre-fitted with insulation, doors, windows, vent apertures, fire stopping and façade fixing systems.
This is complemented by the use of UNIwall, an internal LGS compartmentalisation closed panel pre-fitted with insulation, doorways, MEP and service void battens. Manufactured offsite, these systems offer benefits including the rapid delivery of dry envelopes, reducing weather-induced delays, improving health & safety, streamlining fit-out and accelerating handovers. By streamlining the process at the outset, this approach offers significant tangible time savings and ultimately results in generating quicker sales and improved cashflow.
Designed and manufactured in British Offsite’s bespoke factory, components are subject to more rigorous quality control that their on-site equivalents. Strict quality controls are carried out at all stages with items including door sets, windows and kitchens quickly and efficiently fitted at an advanced stage of construction. The result is better specified, higher quality and more efficient new homes for the end-user. This hybrid solution also benefits the developer via a reduction in uncontrollable factors (weather, personnel, deliveries) results in a more robust development timetable and a project that is easier to keep on time and on budget.
