In a remarkable transformation, an abandoned industrial site in Eastbourne has undergone a stunning metamorphosis into a community of affordable homes all thanks to our team here at Boutique Modern.

Our work with Eastbourne Borough Council has breathed new life into a previously derelict area, seamlessly blending into the town’s fabric.

Dick Shone, managing director at Boutique Modern, said: “Sites such as Fort Lane with their restricted access are challenging to redevelop using traditional methods of construction, but modular housing provides a solution.  

“There are thousands of sites just like Fort Lane around the country which could be used for social and affordable housing. As modular housing is craned into place it makes it easier for us to redevelop sites like this.

 “As a certified B Corporation, we believe in balancing profit with purpose and have a desire to collaborate with forward-thinking peers in the industry to create a more sustainable and inclusive housing landscape and Fort Lane will really help to make a difference.

“Sustainability is incredibly important to us and material waste on this development was just 5.4 per cent, while all timber was repurposed at the Wood Store in Brighton, a charitable organisation which reuses waste timber and processes all of our timber waste.”

Councillor Stephen Holt, Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, said: “It was wonderful to meet some of the new tenants and hear how delighted they are with their new homes.

“Being bordered by the sea, the South Downs National Park and Pevensey Levels, we have limited opportunities in Eastbourne to build the affordable properties that local people need most. However, we have successfully transformed this site from several disused industrial units into seven superb homes.”

Limited access

The commercial site in Fort Lane, Eastbourne was partially burned down and vacant, which was attracting antisocial behaviour.

Due to the constraints of the small site traditional methods of construction were not an option, however modular homes, which involve minimal excavation and reduce the need for vehicle access were the perfect solution.

The homes in Fort Lane feature seven two-bedroom homes, including two semi-detached homes and five terraced houses, all with a garden, open plan living room and kitchen, a bathroom and parking.

A state-of-the-art foundation system was used to install the homes which reduced the amount of ground that Boutique Modern needed to remove, decreased carbon and scaled back the use of concrete in the foundations by 80 per cent.

The homes include a brick-slip façade and an aluminium standing seam roof system. Solar panels power electricity during the day to help reduce their bills.

Soft landscaping gives residents places they can take up gardening or stop for a chat.

It took two weeks to lay the foundations, three days to deliver the modules from Newhaven to Eastbourne and a total of nine months turnaround, from starting demolition and building the modules, to residents moving in.

In total 90 per cent of work to the module interiors was finished in the factory before they arrived at Fort Lane.

Home is where the heart is

New Fort Lane resident Katie Ripley said: “To have secured this home is more than just a roof over our heads. It has greatly improved our quality of life for the rest of our lives.

“We feel secure and content and so happy that we finally have the home that we have been praying for.

“It’s been a long time waiting to be housed but it was absolutely worth the wait. Within days we felt at home and I can’t even remember what life was like before we were here. The house is so warm and all the neighbours are just in such a happy little bubble.

“The name Boutique Modern makes sense now. Thank you so much for building our home and building it so well. We are living the dream and we are living it in style!”

Warm for winter

Our modular homes are designed to stay warm in winter but cool in the summer and consequently reduce running costs.

Our team helps residents to use solar power efficiently and save money. The electric powered homes have been rated highly for their energy efficiency, with a B86 EPC rating and rated highly for their minimal carbon emissions over the building’s life cycle.

The scheme was delivered by Boutique Modern through an established modular housing framework we have with Lewes District Council (LDC).