The Moho (short for modular housing) apartments on Ellesmere Street is an Urban Splash development designed by the Liverpool architectural practice of Shed KM and completed in 2006.  The Shed KM website describes the project as, "an experiment in modular construction, studio living and precise detail".  The building is composed of prefabricated "living pods" built by the off-site construction specialists Yorkton.  Each pod is, "designed around a central bathroom and kitchen area, with the living space and bedrooms either side.  A large timber decked balcony allows for private outdoor space in addition to the resident’s communal garden."  Moho also features a convenience store, two bar/restaurants and offices on the ground floor. 

The project began with the construction of two floors of underground car park.  While this was going on the pods were being constructed in York.  Once the car park was completed the pods were brought to Manchester on lorries.  The first one was scheduled to arrive at 8:30 a.m. and would be craned into place and the next lorry would arrive an hour and a half later.  Six units a day were added to the building.

The building design won awards for Best Innovative Technology in the National Homebuilder Design, Best Major Housing Development in the Building Awards and Best Starter Home in the MEN Residential Property Awards. It has also won the awards for Best Housing Project and the Architecture Grand Prix at the Roses Design Awards.  It also won a Royal Institute of British Architects Award in 2006.

Visit the "Manchester View" Homepage