BoKlok ('Smart Living’)
Based on his development work with the innovative Buma modular house, and the advanced Amphion timber panel system, Mike was engaged by the Home Group to develop a state of the art house with the Swedish company BoKlok,a partnership between Skanska and IKEA. The result was the creation of a cutting edge open plan house with lots of light and innovative features which was launched at the end of 2006 to much media publicity.
The first project has been developed in Gateshead with enthusiastic support from the local Council with whom Mike has developed an excellent relationship, and the first houses have recently been completed. The scheme has been evaluated as “Eco Homes Excellent” in terms of being very sustainable. The houses are available to rent or purchase. To assist first time purchasers hit by the squeeze on mortgages and forced to use more of their own savings, Mike secured funding from the Homes and Communities Agency through a new programme called ‘Home-Buy Direct’. This takes an ‘equity stake’ in the homes so making the purchaser’s money go further, making the homes more affordable.
Mike is very committed to the sustainability agenda. He is part of the NHBC Sustainability Group, and has worked with BoKlok to find ways of ensuring the BoKlok house achieves a high rating under the new ‘Code for Sustainable Homes’. He is keen to see this house be part of the new Eco-Towns.
