Telford-based volumetric modular firm to collaborate with South Korean developer

A Telford-based volumetric modular construction company, Elements Europe, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a South Korean housing developer to help it develop its high-rise modular technology.

David Jones, the chief executive of Elements Europe, which is 75% owned by GS Engineering and Construction (GS E&C), a Korea-based contractor, and Sei Yong Kim, CEO of Gyeonggi Housing and Urban Development Corporation (GHUDC), have signed an agreement to collaborate over delivery of high-rise modular projects in South Korea. 

Jones said that this “presents an exciting opportunity for Elements and GS E&C to share our expertise in the delivery of high rise modular building solutions”.

Stuart Marshall, head of modular sales at Elements Europe explained that as part of the MoU, the modular construction company will share expertise on how to set up a factory, as well as helping GHUDC to use Elements’ technology to deliver mid and high-rise modular buildings. 

Marshall said that while modular has often been thought of as low rise, Elements’ mid and high-rise modular technology can be used throughout the world.

GS Engineering & Construction is currently building a new city in Nha Be, six miles from Ho Chi Minh City. 

Elements Europe is both an offsite modular manufacturer and main contractor in various UK construction projects.

Elements is currently constructing a 23-storey hotel in London, on East Road, in Shoreditch, London, which is set for completion by the second half of 2024. 

The offsite modular specialist is also delivering a 550-home build-to-rent scheme at Smith’s Garden, in Birmingham. 

The 1143 modules needed for the project will be manufactured in Telford between November 2023 and January 2025. 

 Construction started at the Birmingham site in July 2023 and a phased handover of the six blocks will take place between September 2024 and January 2026.