A COLOURFUL fibreglass box that could solve current housing issues in Worcestershire has been showcased by a Stourport-on-Severn builder.

Thomas Vale has become the first in the UK to present the innovative 'Spacebox' accommodation as an answer to the Government's challenge to produce a £60,000 house.

At the moment the blocks are used as student accommodation in some parts of Holland, but Thomas Vale said they could be created in different shapes and sizes to be used for normal houses in the UK.

"We are delighted to be the first company in the UK to be able to showcase Spacebox," said Tony Hyde, managing director for Thomas Vale.

"Because 'Spacebox' is a prefabricated component it reduces energy consumption and maintenance, making it extremely eco-friendly.

"The simple nature of its assembly and placement, and the possibility to integrate components also makes it extremely cost-effective."

It is not known how much the boxes, which include a bedroom, bathroom, dining room, and kitchen will cost in the UK, or even if Thomas Vale will put them into production.

But there has already been a high level of interest in the innovation, which was inspired by experience in the yacht-building industry.

"Spacebox is well suited to a number of different purposes including student accommodation, temporary police custody quarters at football matches, and construction site offices," added Mr Hyde.

"It is currently being used at Utrecht University in Holland for student accommodation, and could be used for the same thing here. However, in the long-term, it is hoped that it can be developed to provide a solution to the Government's challenge for £60,000 houses in Worcestershire and beyond."

The Spacebox was among several innovations presented by Thomas Vale at its 'Emerging Innovations' seminar. This brought togetherclients of the regional construction industry and showcased innovative products.