This year's Housing Innovation Trip offered a unique glimpse into what the future of UK housebuilding could look like. Hosted in Tallinn, a city that has earned a reputation as one of Europe’s most forward-thinking when it comes to innovation in construction, the three-day programme brought together SME housebuilders and industry leaders from across the UK and Europe for something that felt a long way from a standard industry event.
The trip was hosted by VELUX, one of the Regional & Bespoke Housebuilding Forum's founding sponsors, and was attended by a number of R&B Forum members alongside founder, Edwin de Silva. The programme was thoughtfully put together, with factory tours, keynote sessions, and round-table discussions that gave attendees a genuine, hands-on look at how homes are being built differently across Northern Europe.
Advanced timber systems, prefabricated housing, 3D-printed construction are no longer emerging concepts. Seeing up close how these technologies are being deployed in Estonia to deliver new homes at scale was inspiring. Whilst not every practice will necessarily be directly translatable to the UK market, the case for engaging with these approaches is growing.
Just as valuable as the formal sessions were the conversations that happened around them. On factory floors, over dinner, in the gaps between. These are often where the most useful exchanges take place and this trip was no different. For a sector facing real and sustained pressure, the chance to share experience honestly with peers who understand those pressures was invaluable. For many SME housebuilders, innovation is no longer a ‘nice-to-have’, it’s key to their survival.
Stepping away from the day-to-day and seeing the pioneering methods that housebuilders in another country are taking to tackling problems was an incredibly valuable experience. Many new connections were forged over the three days, some of which may lead to future partnerships and collaboration that drives the sector forward.
Thank you to VELUX for hosting such an informative and enjoyable trip and for your ongoing support for SME housebuilders.
