A north and mid Wales housing association is saving time and money on its latest development thanks to an innovative construction method.

The two Grŵp Cynefin homes were built off-site as modular units and lifted into place by crane on site. The new properties are in addition to the six traditionally built houses already owned by Grŵp Cynefin on the site at Cynwyd near Corwen, Denbighshire.

And the scheme, in partnership with the Welsh Government’s innovative housing programme, will help reduce energy costs for future tenants. The ready-made, two-bedroom homes are designed to retain heat, with environmentally friendly timber frames helping keep the properties warm.

Time spent on the project by contractor Jones Bros Weston Rhyn has also been reduced versus the traditional method of building houses, as well as minimised disruption to local residents during the work. Specialist manufacturer F1 Modular, based in Newtown, produced the modular units.

Dylan Roberts, regeneration services director at Grŵp Cynefin, said:

“We’re pleased to be providing these homes for our tenants, who will enjoy a high quality finish for modern and comfortable living.

“We have worked with modular units before, and would like to do more in the future, as it is an effective way of building properties in an efficient manner. In addition, manufacturing them in a factory significantly increases quality.

“This project is an important part of our development programme, as we aim to build 120 new homes a year for the next few years, and are actively looking for more opportunities to develop.”

Commissioning work is now taking place on the site, with completion scheduled for April. People local to the village who would like more information on becoming a tenant should contact Grŵp Cynefin.

The Welsh Government’s innovative housing programme, which has £90 million funding over three years, seeks to stimulate the design and delivery of new quality, affordable homes.

It aims to increase supply as part of a 20,000 target, speed up the delivery of homes to the market, trial new housing models and methods, and prove the replicability of innovative housing models.

The new houses will be in addition to Grŵp Cynefin’s 4,800 houses included within the association’s property portfolio. Working across north Wales and north Powys, it strives to provide high-quality affordable homes that meet local community needs.