Ministry On Modular Home Costs & More
“While final project costs are not yet available, the capsule homes are expected to be substantially less expensive than traditional residential construction,” the Government said.
Total Of Nine Capsule Homes For The Project
A listing late last year in the official notices stated that $207,730.00 was spent with Henan Sinova Enterprise Co Ltd for “Capsule and Container Housing – Order 1st Set of Prototyping New House Types – 7 Capsule Homes & 4 Container Homes.”
Bernews asked for clarity about the listing and costs of the capsule homes, and the Ministry explained that while the notice related to the initial prototype housing order from China-based Henan Sinova Enterprise originally included seven capsule homes and four container homes, it was later changed to nine capsule homes.
In response to our general queries about the costs overall, a spokesperson told Bernews, “The Official Gazette procurement related to the initial prototype housing order from Henan Sinova Enterprise Co. Ltd., which originally included seven capsule homes and four container homes.
“Following further assessment, the four container homes were not pursued because they were determined not to be of sufficient quality for the project’s requirements. Instead, two additional capsule homes were added to the order, resulting in a total of nine capsule homes for the project.
A Look At The Interior Of One Of The Capsule Homes
Final Cost Not Yet Available, Less Expensive Than Traditional Construction
“The capsule housing project remains under development, and final costs have not yet been determined. Several elements of the project are still being completed, including the delivery of the remaining units and associated site and regulatory requirements. A final project cost will be available once the development is complete.
“As the project has not yet been completed, it would be premature to provide a definitive per-home cost. Final costs will depend on the completion of all project elements, including transportation, installation, and any outstanding development requirements.
“While final project costs are not yet available, the capsule homes are expected to be substantially less expensive than traditional residential construction. In addition to reduced costs, they can be delivered and installed significantly faster than conventional housing, making them a potentially valuable option as part of Bermuda’s broader strategy to increase housing supply,” the statement concluded.
Planning Permission Granted For 4 Years
In granting the permission for these units, the Minister with responsibility for planning previously noted that he is “granting final planning permission for a strictly limited period of four years,” noting that it is subject to the enforcement of the a number of technical frameworks including, but not limited to, a 6-foot-high architectural PVC or wooden privacy fencing being installed, vegetation retention, parking and manoeuvring space for 11 cars and 12 cycles shall be established, provision for the control and disposal of storm water, traditional Bermuda accent colours being added and more.
Homes Pictured Below In Storage Not In Their Final Location
Modular Housing Is ‘Tool In A Broader Toolkit,’ Not Replacement For Permanent Developments
Speaking late last year in the House of Assembly, Minister of Housing and Municipalities Zane DeSilva said, “I wish to directly address the distinction between traditional construction and modular housing, as this has been the source of recent confusion. Permanent developments such as Battery Road, Harmony Terrace in Paget, the Chelsea Apartments, Middletown, and other similar sites are all being built with traditional or hybrid construction systems, designed for long-term occupation.
“Modular housing, on the other hand, will be used only in a highly targeted manner to address urgent and transitional housing needs. As part of the Emergency Modular Housing Programme, which we are currently developing, the Government will deploy a limited number of “capsules” and other types of modular units, on suitable land owned by the Bermuda Housing Corporation [BHC] and the Bermuda Land Management Company [BLMC]. These units are designed for short-term rentals, generally between six and eighteen months, while Bermudians in crisis transition toward permanent housing solutions.
“These will meet Bermuda’s building and safety standards and will be supported by wraparound services such as case management and social service referrals. Modular housing is therefore a bridge, one tool in a broader toolkit, and not a replacement for permanent developments like Battery Road.”
Screenshot From The Original Planning Application
“$207,730.00 was spent with Henan Sinova Enterprise Co Ltd”
So, more commerce with a Chinese company whose ownership is kept secret.
“While final project costs are not yet available, the capsule homes are expected to be substantially less expensive than traditional residential construction,”
Now, there is a surprise. No financial information will be released.
Also note that “The Official Gazette procurement” was not adhered to.