The company, which has three manufacturing centres in the UK, will also support L&Q on bids for standalone contracts in the open market.

This deal forms a key part of L&Q’s innovative Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) strategy, which will see all of its new build homes delivered with some form of MMC by 2025, with an entirely off-site manufactured home completed by 2028. This will support L&Q’s plans to build 100,000 homes over the next ten years.

Fiona Fletcher-Smith, group director of development and sales at L&Q, said: “We are excited to be collaborating with Stewart Milne Timber Systems on our modern methods of construction programme. Off-site manufacturing offers a range of exciting opportunities, speeding up the delivery and build quality of our developments whilst reducing the costs of projects.”

Stewart Milne Timber Systems were selected after demonstrating their ability to design, manufacture, supply and erect residential units up to six storeys tall.

They combine this with their capabilities in Business Information Modelling, a 3D digital construction planning tool which streamlines how different elements of a project are brought together.

Alex Goodfellow, group managing director of Stewart Milne Timber Systems, said: “This is an ambitious and innovative partnership which lays down a significant marker for how new homes can be built at pace and to exacting design standards. This strategic alliance and collaboration will allow L&Q to deliver on a number of fronts and we believe they are setting the standard for how we should approach the housing shortfall across the UK.”

The closed-panel timber frame structures will initially be used in the construction of L&Q’s new Counties developments at Birnam Mews, Tiddington and Saxon Reach, Milton Keynes, with the first deliveries in spring 2019. L&Q’s £5 million per year Academy will accompany this with investment in upskilling apprentices and staff in MMC techniques.

Ian Millard, operations director, counties region at L&Q, added: “L&Q’s partnership with Stewart Milne Timber Systems will help us to lead the way in delivering innovative construction solutions to solve the housing crisis. By forging strong relationships and working together, L&Q will guarantee more investment in new homes, communities and apprenticeships for years to come.” 

Mike Perry, sales director at Stewart Milne Timber Systems, said: “The whole team is hugely excited to be involved in this project, which will help L&Q deliver high quality homes across the UK. This opportunity allows us to demonstrate our expertise and capability in delivering quality housing solutions in high volume.”