A ceremony has been held at RAF Marham to mark the start of work
on the second of four new Single Living Accommodation blocks for
personnel at RAF Marham.
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO)
contracted modular construction specialist Reds10 to deliver the
modular blocks on behalf of the RAF. Each block will provide 94
single bed spaces, each with en-suite bathroom, as well as
kitchenettes, communal space, equipment storage and laundry
facilities.
The SLA modules will be manufactured at Reds10's offsite factory
facility in East Yorkshire before being transported to RAF Marham
to be assembled on site. This method of construction is faster
than traditional methods, maximising productivity, quality and
control, and minimising disruption. While construction is
starting on the second block, the first is nearing
completion. All of its modular components are in place
and work is now taking place internally, such as electricity and
plumbing connections.
Each block is designed to high energy efficiency standards, using
air source heat pumps for heating and hot water and utilising
photovoltaic panels and a SMART building management system which
ensures it runs as efficiently as possible.
Marcus Blair, DIO's Principal Project Manager, said:
Some of the accommodation at RAF Marham is maintenance intensive
and in need of replacement. We're really pleased to be making
great progress with these new accommodation blocks, which will
ensure that Junior ranks stationed here get the quality of
accommodation they deserve.
Gp Capt Leonie Boyd, RAF Marham Station Commander, said:
It's great to see the building of the new Single Living
Accommodation progressing so well and I look forward to seeing
the first Junior Ranks utilising the new blocks as they
come online next year. We are keen to show some of our personnel
around the building prior to its completion to get their input on
how best to make use of the communal spaces.
Phil Cook, Defence Sector Lead for Reds10, said:
Ensuring the armed forces have modern, comfortable and energy
efficient homes is vital for them to live and thrive and it's
great to see the progress being made on the new accommodation at
RAF Marham. Our close working partnership with the DIO has
enabled us to progress the design and build of high-quality and
sustainable housing for the RAF, using industrialised
methods of construction which deliver exceptional value to the
public sector.
Alongside the four new SLA blocks are a number
of Temporary Accommodation Units also provided by Reds10,
which are nearing overall completion with some already occupied.
These are intended to be a short-term solution to accommodation
shortages and can be transported from site to site as needed.
This allows personnel to live in them temporarily while new
accommodation is under construction, as in this case.
