Transform-ER (Transform.Engage.Retrofit) is a game-changing, consortium-led project funded by Innovate UK that’s tackling retrofit’s biggest barriers to scale - enabling one million home upgrades every year by 2030. It’s designed to create a cohesive, industrialised sector that delivers high-performance, cost-effective solutions through a standardised process.
Ultrapanel is one of the project manufacturers alongside Tata Steel UK, Bow Tie Construction and VundaHaus. Together with BRE and KIN Architects, they are working to streamline accreditation routes and prototyping products and kits-of-parts, defining interoperability standards to cost-effectively meet demand.
So, what does offsite construction look like in real-life? Here’s what we discovered!
350 panels are made each day at Ultrapanel’s dedicated factory in Rishton - the Ultrapanel is a simple design comprised of two side boards clinched into rails at either vertical edge . A clinch is an innovative way to secure the pieces together that requires no screws or rivets. Insulation is then manually infilled, the panels can then be sent out with Ultrapanel's full length clip to clip the panels together.
Each panel takes around six minutes to be assembled – the simplicity of design means less training is required. Perfect for tackling the retrofit skills shortage!
Having invested millions in maximising efficiency, 3D design and only making to order, there’s zero waste to landfill. For example, all metal offcuts are sold back to the supplier for recycling.
A 6m panel weighs 25kg, meaning it can be lifted by one person onsite making for easier, quicker install.
With 30% female staff, it’s a great example of how offsite construction can open the industry up to more diversity.
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