The UK's Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and the British Army have celebrated the ground-breaking for the second Single Living Accommodation (SLA) block at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS).  

Two SLA blocks are being delivered at the RMAS, with the first block already under construction. 

Being delivered by the DIO, the latest project is part of the army's overarching SLA Programme. 

This programme is aimed at providing modular accommodation across the army's estate and enhancing the living standards for armed forces personnel. 

The DIO said it is implementing innovative solutions to improve the defence estate. 

DIO Major Programmes and Projects senior project manager Neil Hague said: “The ground-breaking for the Single Living Accommodation at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst means we will now begin the work of building a quality infrastructure that will add to the pace and volume of defence infrastructure delivery.” 

The first SLA block, designated for Senior Non-Commissioned Officers, will feature 53 bed spaces.  

The second block, intended for Other Ranks (Junior Block), will provide 45 rooms.  

The latest development is also a part of carbon-efficient construction.  

Both blocks are being constructed using modular methods of construction (MMC). 

These accommodations will have photovoltaic panels, air-source heat pumps for heating and hot water, and a smart building management system.  

Currently, the Junior Block is progressing through its on-site foundation and service phase while the handover to the new occupants is scheduled for early 2025. 

Modular building specialist Reds10 has won the contract for the construction of the latest project. 

Reds10 chairperson Paul Ruddick said: “These state-of-the-art buildings draw on the successes of our work together at Imjin Barracks, where the Single Living Accommodation is one of the most advanced buildings in Europe for smart building control.”