The development site comprises an area of approximately 33ha spread across both agricultural land and the former Gedling Colliery which has been allocated for 1,120 new residential units. Phase 1 included the construction of 506 units, with 31 of these being modular units incorporating the Ilke Homes modular system.

Keepmoat Homes chose to incorporate modular units at the Chase Farm development due to notable programme advantages, whilst also ensuring that a sufficient number of ‘A’ rated Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) dwellings were allocated to the site. The use of modern methods of construction also greatly reduced the amount of waste produced on site. In addition to this, practical project management opportunities could be employed that assisted the reduction of site-based waste management, including ordering materials ‘ just in time’ to minimise on site storage, potential damage, and loss due to theft.

Dice undertook the substructure foundation design, private drainage & external works design, and the road & sewer design. Dice were engaged slightly earlier in the design process to undertake the substructure design and as a result were able to identify various limitations of the modular system, thus preventing buildability issues associated with the proposed plinths for the individual house types. By engaging with the manufacturer on this item, Dice were able to assist with the innovation of the modular system. This innovation has subsequently been adopted by Ilke Homes across all sites.

Due to topographical site constraints, and an obligation to ensure that the external works design met the requirements of the Ilke Homes system manual, the tender information was supplemented with sections showing the relationship between each plot and the external works. These sections detailed plot specific retaining wall details, which were a requirement on this site due to the fact the Ilke Homes system is unable to utilise underbuild or tanking features.