A brief history of modular construction
Prefabricated buildings are some of the earliest manmade structures. Ancient human societies created lightweight, portable buildings, perfectly suited to nomadic lifestyles.
Moving on through history, European settlers made use of prefabricated homes as they colonised the world. The “Portable Colonial Cottage” being a prime example.
After the first world war, we see the first steel-framed housing systems being developed, such as the Weir and Atholl systems.
The most famous expansion of the “prefab” market came after the devastation of the second world war, when the Emergency Factory Made Homes programme delivered more than 150,000 houses between 1946 and 1949.
Today, advances in technology have again brought the idea of prefabricated housing to the fore. Not only do modular buildings provide a quick and cost-effective solution to the housing crisis of the 21st century, they also facilitate building in locations which traditional methods cannot reach.
Building the homes the country needs is a priority for the Government and modern methods of construction have enormous potential to not only accelerate this work but to deliver better quality homes too.
Housing Minister Rt Hon Christopher Pincher MP.
The Enevate story
While Enevate Homes only dates back to 2016 in name, in terms of history we have decades of experience and expertise.
The business, originally called Powerwall, was formed in 1992. It specialised in volumetric construction and rendering/aggregate products. Despite its innovate products and making headlines for its startling speed of construction, Powerwall hit financial difficulties due to the 2008 economic crisis.
It was brought by the Enevis group in 2012, recognising its market leading position and industry expertise. This safeguarded the 30 jobs at the company and heralded a new era for volumetric construction.
Enevate today
Today, Enevate Homes is going from strength to strength.
Our manufacturing is still based at the 12 acre Bone Steel site in Netherton, Wishaw. The 150,000 sq. ft factory is still home to some of the original team, enabling us to benefit from their wealth of knowledge, as well as bringing in new team members with fresh ideas.