An Innovative Way Of Building – New Normandy Homes Were Built In a Factory

Published on: 21 Aug, 2026
Updated on: 21 Aug, 2026

Guildford councillor Howard Smith meets the team from Abri and Rollalong: From left, Elliot Prior, Stuart Hensby, Jamie Turpin, Ashley Beckett, Cllr Smith and Dasos Christou.

People have begun to move into a small development of 16 new homes in Normandy – described by housing provider Abri as affordable, energy-efficient and targeted at the local community.

Abri says their new development – a mix of 11 social rent and five shared ownership – provide much-needed affordable places to live for local families. The development comprises one- two- and three-bedroom homes, at Warbler Park, Beech Lane.

The new homes were constructed by Abri partner Rollalong, who built 90 per cent of the houses in their Dorset factory, not on a traditional, bricks and mortar building site.

The company says: “This innovative method of building can help reduce weather delays, construction time and save the community from having to deal with the disruption a busy building site can bring. With over 2,000 households on Guildford’s social housing waiting list, using newer, more efficient methods of construction will play an important role in meeting the UK’s high demand for affordable housing.”

Elliot Prior, Senior Development Manager at Abri, said: “Warbler Park shows how modern methods of construction can help us deliver the much-needed sustainable, affordable homes for local people, while minimising the disruption of building them.

“By building the majority of each home off site, we have been able to improve efficiency, minimise disruption for neighbours and prioritise quality and sustainability. The energy-efficiency features will also help customers keep their homes warm and reduce running costs.”

The company said the homes were designed with quality and sustainability in mind. Features such as high-performance insulation and air source heat pumps help reduce carbon emissions, keep the homes warm in winter and lower residents’ energy bills.

Borough councillor Howard Smith joined the team on a tour of the development to view the new homes now that people have begun to move in.

He said: “I’ve seen first-hand the need for more genuinely affordable homes for local families in Guildford, so it’s fantastic to see developments like Warbler Park exactly where they’re needed.

“This is the first time I’ve seen a development built like this and I was very impressed. I’d love to see more developments around Guildford using it.”