A company that would like to introduce modular homes to Bermuda as an affordable housing alternative is in discussions with Bermuda Land and Development Corporation regarding land allocation at Southside for a three bedroom model home designed for public viewing.

The development follows the company ? Design Source ? working since last year on introducing the modular 'Q2' homes to the Island as a cost effective model to bring home ownership to a larger group of the population.

In a statement, the company said: "Using assembled materials, floors and walls are framed with cold rolled steel and laid within a structural steel framework which supports a concrete floor. Like block walls and stone roofs, structural steel offers a solid, safe frame, but at much less cost. Pre-cast concrete walls are joined to form a continuous foundation to protect the interior, and insulation is built into the foundation walls to provide a moisture barrier to outside elements."

The homes are manufactured in the US by Deluxe Homes for shipment to Bermuda.

Design Source principal Paul James said: "Traditional construction has become so expensive. Our vision is to offer Q2 homes that will maintain the traditional look of Bermuda homes, with pastel colourings and slate roofs, but at much less expense to the home buyer."

Design Source plans to offer three different modular designs to home buyers. Local contractors are scheduled to excavate and install the 1088 square foot three bedroom model, to be erected in Southside for public viewing. In the future a 640 square foot two bedroom unit and a 320 square foot studio model will also be available.

On the pricing front, studio units are to be priced at $80,000.

Mr. James said the units, which feature a "Zen-like" feel, contain energy efficient refrigerators and stoves.

In addition, each home will come with a man-made water tank, also provided by Design Source. Made of fibreglass reinforced plastic, the tanks perform better and cost less than steel and concrete tanks. They are environmentally friendly as they do not corrode and, furthermore, because the tanks are not connected to the living space, mould, mildew and lost water are no longer issues.

"Another benefit to Q2 homes is that they are very easy to remodel. A porch or room addition can be added down the road, for example. The process is very easy. These units are manufactured, but not mobile homes. They are permanent structures built off site and are arguably better engineered than a block home," Mr. James said.

Yesterday, Design Source said it anticipated that the show home will be ready in December 2004.