MASTER of modular building, Yorkon, has won a major industry accolade for its part in a pioneering housing project - the first multi-storey residential scheme in the UK to be pre-built in a factory.

The Duke of Kent presented the firm, part of the Portakabin Group, with the innovation award, from the Steel Construction Institute and the British Constructional Steelwork Association, for its work on the nationally-acclaimed Murray Grove scheme in London.

It is only the second time the award, made to Yorkon and Murray Grove, has been presented since its introduction in 1996.

Yorkon manufactured 30 fully-fitted apartments at its 60-acre production site in Huntington, and these were delivered to the London site as 74-steel framed room modules.

They were lifted into place by crane in just a few days, with all fixtures and fittings, including carpets, kitchens, bathrooms, plumbing and heating, in place.

This modular method cut the usual development time in half and minimised disruption to the neighbouring community.

Keith Blanshard, director and general manager of Yorkon, said: "We are delighted that our ground-breaking work has been recognised with this award.

"Our aim with Murray Grove was to combine the highest standards of contemporary architecture with the benefits of advanced manufacturing techniques."

The Yorkon building system has been used by organisations including hotels, schools, fast-food restaurants, hospitals, supermarkets and airports for more than two decades.

The Structural Steel Design Award is the third award for innovation presented to Yorkon in the past six months.

The firm was granted Millennium Product status for its room module design used at Murray Grove, designed by Cartwright Pickard Architects for the Peabody Trust, and received a commendation in the Station Innovation category of the 2000 Rail Business Awards for a Railtrack project in Leeds.