Completed in 2021, Ten Degrees is the world’s tallest residential modular building. Located in Croydon, South London the development stands 135 meters tall and features two towers of 38 and 44 storeys, delivering 546 rental homes.
Designed by HTA architects and constructed in collaboration with Vision Modular Systems and Tide Construction, the project utilised 1,500 off-site manufactured modules, reducing carbon emissions by 40% compared to traditional methods. The offsite approach sped up the process. From site excavation to completion took just 26 months – 43% faster than traditional construction methods. Offsite construction also enhanced energy efficiency through better airtightness and thermal performance.
Located near East Croydon station, Ten Degrees includes one to three-bedroom apartments with open-plan layouts, floor-to-ceiling windows, and Juliette balconies. It also features shared spaces, such as a rooftop lounge, gym, co-working facilities, and a café, all of which combine to foster community interaction.
The towers feature a striking geometric facade inspired by local mid-century architecture, clad in bottle-green glazed terracotta tiles. While the 38-storey tower showcases pointed terracotta formations, the 44-storey tower presents a minimalist zigzag design.
Ten Degrees marks a key milestone in Croydon’s regeneration, forming part of a broader plan to deliver 10,000 new homes across 21 sites. This achievement cements modular construction’s role in addressing urban housing challenges with sustainability and efficiency.
Modular Benefits
There are a number of advantages which make modular construction a faster, greener, and more skills-focused alternative to traditional building methods. These include:
Speed: Modular homes are usually completed faster than traditional construction projects, often arriving on-site 95% finished with pre-installed kitchens, bathrooms, plumbing, and wiring. Final touches, such as flooring, painting etc, are completed by around just 50 workers in about a week per level.
Sustainability: Factory-built homes are twice as energy-efficient compared to traditional homes, benefiting from airtight modules. Precise digital designs can reduce material waste by around 80% and minimise site traffic, cutting carbon emissions by 50%.
Skills Development: Modular production lines promote specialised training for apprentices, enabling seamless collaboration among trades and achieving high-quality results.
Guy Jackson has been working on modular developments for over ten years. He shares an overview into volumetric construction in this article. If you are looking for help and support with your modular projects, get in touch with us today.
