Willmott Dixon has supported the Southern Construction Framework (SCF), a leading construction procurement framework delivered by the public sector for the public sector, to deliver a unique art project, ready for life on Mars.

Working with the SCF and fellow framework members, the project has delivered a full-scale ‘Martian’ house, a two-storey gold inflatable house in the heart of Bristol, designed to showcase the possibilities for human life on Mars.

A team led by world experts in extreme architecture, Hugh Broughton Architects, working in partnership with design studio Pearce+, developed the design. They created a lightweight prototype building which could be easily transported to Mars whilst withstanding its inhospitable conditions. Willmott Dixon alongside BAM, Galliford Try, ISG, Kier, Morgan Sindall, Robert McAlpine and Wates all donated time, expertise and resources worth an estimated £170,000 to bring the art project to life.

In a move that underlines its commitment to promote collaboration, the SCF response has been led by Emma Bull, SCF Senior Framework Manager.

Emma said:

“It’s fair to say we’re very proud of the Martian House project, and I’m on Cloud Nine seeing the building form over the last few weeks after over a year of development and coordination.

“Collaboration is at the heart of everything SCF does, so we’re all delighted to have played a role in creating the extraordinary Martian House by bringing together leading contractors.

“The way the companies in SCF’s supply chain have collaborated is also extraordinary and for nine separate bodies to come together on an artistic project appears to be unprecedented.

“Working together and throwing their weight behind the Martian House project, speaks volumes about our partners’ commitment to unite in support of communities where they work and make a positive difference to public spaces.”

Guy Dawes, National Account Manager and SCF lead at Willmott Dixon said

“We are proud to support the SCF and play our part in bringing this stunning piece of art to life.

“The project promotes everything that’s great about the SCF; collaboration, innovation and making a difference in the communities we serve. Through our 15 year service with the SCF, we have delivered more than £600m worth of projects to public sector customers, creating essential housing and school places, and spaces and places for people to enjoy. This project has been an opportunity to invest in the community and we are proud to have played our part”.

The house opened on 17th August 2022 with a three-month programme of workshops, talks and events for all ages including a live panel discussion with the design team.