Europe’s and the world's second tallest modular tower has seen its final module lowered into place in north London. The 29-storey structure is a student accommodation scheme developed by Tide Construction and Vision Modular Systems.

Apex House in Wembley is made up of 679 modules and delivering over 580 rooms that will be ready for students to move into in September. The development will also include communal facilities, such as a cinema, and an outdoor courtyard.

The total build time was 12 months, with the modules being installed in just 13 weeks to the height of 90 metres.  The building has a BREAAM rating of Excellent.

Prior to this project, Tide Construction and Vision Modular Systems also held the title for the tallest modular tower in Europe with a 25-storey student accommodation scheme in Wolverhampton that was completed in 2009.

Apex House will be the fourth modular scheme that Tide Construction and Vision Modular Systems have completed in Wembley. There is Grand Felda House, another student accommodation scheme providing 802 beds, an onsite gym and swimming pool. Also, there is Olympic Way, a residential development providing 158 homes, Felda House providing over 450 student rooms, and the 237 room Novotel hotel.

Christy Hayes, chief executive officer at Tide Construction, said:

“We are delighted that both the housing minister Gavin Barwell and London mayor Sadiq Khan have made off-site construction a priority in the capital to help ease the strain on London’s housing supply. Modular construction provides a much faster alternative to traditional construction without compromising on the quality of the building, or the versatility of the design. Modular produces 80% less waste, requires fewer onsite workers and provides certainty of cost and time.

“Apex House is a shining example of what modular construction can bring to UK property, whether its hotels, residential apartments, build to rent or student accommodation.”

Each module is manufactured at Vision’s factory in Bedford where the furniture, windows, electrical wiring and plumbing are all installed before the modules are transported 60 miles to the site in Wembley.

The Farmer Review, published last year, cited offsite construction techniques as a crucial way to build more with less due to the current labour shortages in the construction industry. Mark Farmer also stated in his review that modular construction can help support SME builders and developers by creating a steady pipeline of work and providing cost certainty for developers.

Rory Bergin, partner at HTA Design LLP, said:

“Modular volumetric construction presents a new design challenge for architects. We believe that architects need to be involved from the very beginning of a modular project to get the best result, working closely with all parties to get the design finalised early, and understand the manufacturing and delivery process. Our work with Tide Construction and Vision Modular Systems demonstrates how this approach produces innovative and exciting buildings which are delivered in half the time it would take traditional construction.”