Contruction of new SLA underway at RAF Marham
Above: The Station Commander joined other representatives from RAF Marham and colleagues from DIO and Reds10 at the groundbreaking for the second block.
Courtesy DIO / Copyright MoD 2024
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) contracted modular construction specialist Reds10 to deliver the modular blocks on behalf of the RAF. Each block will provide 94 single bed spaces, each with en-suite bathroom, as well as kitchenettes, communal space, equipment storage and laundry facilities.
The SLA modules will be manufactured at Reds10’s offsite factory facility in East Yorkshire before being transported to RAF Marham to be assembled on site. This method of construction is faster than traditional methods, maximising productivity, quality and control and minimising disruption. While construction is starting on the second block, the first is nearing completion. All of its modular components are in place and work is now taking place internally, such as electricity and plumbing connections.
Each block is designed to high energy efficiency standards, using air source heat pumps for heating and hot water and utilising photovoltaic panels and a SMART building management system which ensures it runs as efficiently as possible.
Marcus Blair, DIO’s Principal Project Manager, said: “Some of the accommodation at RAF Marham is maintenance intensive and in need of replacement. We’re really pleased to be making great progress with these new accommodation blocks, which will ensure that Junior ranks stationed here get the quality of accommodation they deserve.”
Gp Capt Leonie Boyd, RAF Marham Station Commander, said: “It’s great to see the building of the new Single Living Accommodation progressing so well and I look forward to seeing the first Junior Ranks utilising the new blocks as they come online next year. We are keen to show some of our personnel around the building prior to its completion to get their input on how best to make use of the communal spaces.”
Above: The Station Commander is shown one of the new bedrooms in the first of the four blocks.
Courtesy DIO / Copyright MoD 2024
Phil Cook, Defence Sector Lead for Reds10, said: “Ensuring the armed forces have modern, comfortable and energy efficient homes is vital for them to live and thrive and it’s great to see the progress being made on the new accommodation at RAF Marham. Our close working partnership with the DIO has enabled us to progress the design and build of high-quality and sustainable housing for the RAF, using industrialised methods of construction which deliver exceptional value to the public sector.”
Alongside the four new SLA blocks are a number of Temporary Accommodation Units also provided by Reds10, which are nearing overall completion with some already occupied. These are intended to be a short-term solution to accommodation shortages and can be transported from site to site as needed. This allows personnel to live in them temporarily while new accommodation is under construction, as in this case.
