Skanska + Ikea’s BoKlok appoints TopHat to build homes in UK

BoKlok homes are built using timber frames, Ikea fittings, and Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) technology. When finished, the homes - in Bristol, and the Sussex towns of Worthing and Peacehaven - will be divided between market sales, local authorities and housing associations.

TopHat has entered into a five-year contract to build 200 new two- and three-bedroom homes. It will fulfill this agreement using a £75m capital investment from Goldman Sachs.

The managing director of Goldman Sachs, Tavis Cannell, commented that BoKlok’s entry to the UK market in partnership with TopHat is a significant development in the construction industry: “TopHat’s technology-driven approach has the potential to make a significant impact on the UK’s housing shortage.

“Their speed, efficiency and high standards make them uniquely positioned to drive critical change in the way the industry currently operates and improve the housing supply chain. We look forward to supporting their continued growth.”

MMC technology allows houses to be built within 10 weeks, with on-site assembly taking only two weeks.

BoKlok’s managing director in the UK Graeme Culliton added that the company is looking to make a positive contribution to the British housing market: “We share the same ambition to bring innovation and sustainability to the UK housing market, which means attractive and good quality homes for people on average incomes.

“Our two companies complement one another well, with TopHat bringing its high levels of automated manufacturing expertise and BoKlok having over 20 years’ experience developing and manufacturing over 12,000 homes in the Nordics.

“As we venture into the UK, we believe that TopHat will contribute to our long-term vision and success, to provide quality, low-cost homes, using sustainable materials and Modern Methods of Construction.”