Rok gave itself nine weeks to build two new homes for Coastline Housing and did it with time to spare!

Eight weeks to the day that Rok project manager, Paul Postlethwaite, started work with his team on the plot in Helston for Coastline Housing, the two bedroom properties were ready.

To make sure they were looking their best for the big day, volunteers from Rok and Coastline arrived to help clean them and a ribbon was tied round them ready for one of the new tenants, Kay Atkin to view.

Handing the keys to Laura Haynes, development manager for Coastline, Paul paid tribute to everyone who had made the record-breaking attempt possible including the company’s suppliers who had entered into the spirit of the challenge which was known as Project Optima.

“The quickest we have been able to build homes like this in the past was 12 weeks but with the co-operation of everyone from the timber frame suppliers to the our own plumbers, electricians and painters we have certainly smashed all our targets,” said Paul.

“We thought nine weeks would be tough so to shave a week off is amazing. It happened because of everyone’s willingness to work together and not let up. We have learned a lot from it and can take those lessons to other schemes.”

The new properties are part of a Land Transformation Project undertaken by Coastline aimed at making the most of all its land and they have been built on a derelict area previously used for parking.

Built to Code for Sustainable Homes Level Three, the houses attracted a grant from the Homes and Communities Agency.