Case studies

The challenge: Rethinking construction for a sustainable future

With 39% of global greenhouse gas emissions coming from the construction and building sector, the industry is facing mounting pressure to become more sustainable. Traditional building materials contribute significantly to environmental damage, and there is an urgent need for affordable, energy-efficient, and sustainable housing solutions.

Vector Homes, a Manchester-based start-up, set out to disrupt the industry by developing modular smart homes using recycled materials. Their goal? To minimise energy consumption both during construction and throughout a building’s lifespan—without compromising on affordability or durability.

To achieve this, Vector Homes turned to the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC), where cutting-edge nanomaterial-enhanced construction materials were waiting to be explored.

A collaboration for change

As a Bridging the Gap (BtG) partner, Vector Homes worked alongside GEIC experts to develop graphene-enhanced sustainable building materials—materials designed to be stronger, lighter, and more energy-efficient.

The collaboration focused on:

✅ Enhancing the construction process using graphene-enhanced materials.

✅ Testing and developing new nanomaterial-based solutions.

✅ Utilising GEIC’s state-of-the-art lab facilities to refine formulations.

✅ Reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.

From lab to real-world application

The partnership progressed in two key phases:

🔹 Phase 1: Development of graphene-enhanced high-density polyethylene (HDPE) using the GEIC’s twin screw extruder, improving material performance.

🔹 Phase 2: Advancing research and development, and creating a prototype house built with these enhanced recycled materials—completed in early 2023.

Vector Homes also expanded their collaboration with GEIC to explore graphene-enhanced flame-retardant (FR) polymer films, improving safety and durability.

Driving innovation and investment

The BtG initiative didn’t just accelerate product development—it opened doors for investment. Thanks to the project’s success, Vector Homes secured £2.03M in additional funding, helping launch their first sustainable homes.

In recognition of the collaboration’s impact, Vector Homes committed to investing £200,000 annually in research and development, working closely with GEIC’s composite applications team to improve:

🏡 UV resistance and weathering durability.

🌡️ Thermal insulation for energy-efficient homes.

🔬 Material performance for long-term sustainability.

A blueprint for sustainable construction

Vector Homes’ graphene-enhanced approach is set to redefine the construction industry, delivering high-performance, energy-efficient housing at scale. The key benefits include:

💰 30%+ reduction in construction and lifetime costs.

🚀 60%+ faster build times.

🌍 60%+ decrease in greenhouse gas emissions.

📉 80%+ reduction in the construction trade gap.