Launched in February 2024, ABeam is a precast concrete beam system which uses a specially designed mechanical joint to allow foundation ground beams to be installed in just a few hours.

Efficiency and time savings are key benefits of the ABeam system, with a number of high-profile housebuilders Bellway Homes, Dawn Homes, AS Homes and Cala endorsing the ABeam system.

The system has received NHBC Accepts certification and the UKCA mark for its production facility based at the Akela Group headquarters at Thornliebank near Glasgow.

At Bellway Homes’ Braehead site, Akela Ground Engineering completed installation of ground beams for nine blocks of terraced homes in just 12 hours. In total, ABeam was able to lay foundations for 23 plots in just ten days, compared to traditional ground beam methods which can take up to 28 days to complete.

Since the first beams were laid on site in June 2024, over 200 plots have already been delivered across Glasgow and Scotland’s central belt.

Will Payne, managing director at Akela Ground Engineering, said: “After launching in February we have seen a huge amount of interest in ABeam as developers continue to seek innovative and efficient ways to build more new homes. Since the first beams were delivered to sites in June we have been working closely with a number of well-known housebuilders and have delivered over 200 plots in less than six months.

“The time savings and wider efficiencies speak for themselves and we’re committed to playing our part to combat the growing housing emergencies we’re seeing in our towns and cities. As our ABeam system is fully precast at our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, we don’t have to worry about cold and wet weather conditions causing delays. Our purpose-built facility uses ground source heat pumps and underfloor heating to assist in curing, further enhancing the quality and sustainability of the beams. Once cast and set, our beams can simply be delivered to a site and installed quickly using our mechanical joint.”

Andy Borland, construction director at Bellway Homes, said: “Akela’s ABeam system has meant we were able to release plots to our wider teams a lot faster compared to other precast ground systems we have previously used. Our bricklayers were working on multiple plots within three days, rather than taking over a week and relying on the weather.

“We also didn’t need to install any crane platforms as Akela used the same excavated plant for the entire installation process, saving us money on preparatory works that other precast ground beams systems require.”

Keiron Sexton, commercial director at AS Homes, added: “Akela’s ABeam precast foundation system has been a game changer for our projects at Carntyne and Newmains in Glasgow. The speed and simplicity of installation allowed us to stay ahead of schedule, particularly with ABeam not being weather-dependent. The system’s efficiency meant significant cost savings, as there was no need for a crane platform.

“It’s been an incredibly smooth process from start to finish. Akela’s expertise in ground engineering has been instrumental in the success of these sites, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration on future projects.”