Three high-tech £600,000 ‘super-homes’ with AI security and heating are set to be DEMOLISHED after building standards declared them unsafe

  • The £600,000 Cambridge homes are set to be demolished as they are unsafe 
  • Three homes had steel frames that failed to meet the building standard, according to inspectors
  • A part of a 14-home development called “Cityglades” on Ditton Walk.
  • All 11 other houses were unaffected due to steel frame problems 










Three high-tech £600,000 ‘super-homes’ which have AI security and heating are set to be demolished after building standards declared them unsafe. 

Artificial intelligence was used to manage heating, lighting, and security in the chic, modern, and upmarket Cambridge houses. 

The inspectors found that the steel frames of partially built homes in small developments called “Cityglades” had not met building standards, and declared them unsafe.  

The demolition of three separate homes is underway soon and the new contractor will rebuild them.  

Inspectors said steel frames on the partially-built homes which were in a small development called 'Cityglade' failed building standards and they deemed them unsafe. Pictured: One of the Cambridge homes set for demolition

The inspectors found that the steel frames of partially built homes in small developments called “Cityglade” had failed to meet building standards, and declared them unsafe. Pictured is one of the Cambridge houses that will be destroyed

Prospective buyers face delays for months, even though their original contractors deny that they were responsible for the destruction of their buildings.

David Lewis, the chief executive officer of This Land, a county-owned homebuilder, stated that homebuyers were informed they needed to rebuild their homes. 

Lewis stated that a number of problems related to three steel frame homes were discovered during construction.

“This Land Limited” has conducted inquiries into these issues and even commissioned independent chartered surveys.

This Land Limited concluded after conducting these inspections that the steel frames did not conform to its quality standards. They will therefore need to be replaced.

“The contractor responsible for designing and building the steel frames of three homes has been terminated. Legal proceedings are now underway.

Prospective buyers are now facing months of delays- though the original contractors strongly dispute the condemnation of their building work. Pictured: The fenced building site where 3 of 14 new-builds are to be knocked down

Prospective buyers now face months of delays – even though original contractors strongly disagree with the condemnation. Pictured is the fenced area where three of fourteen new-builds will be removed

They were all part of a development by the county council that included 14 homes with three-, four- and two-bedroom properties.  

In a brochure, Cityglades homes were described as “truly unique” in which they boast artificial intelligence for controlling heating, lighting, and security.  

The other eleven homes were not affected by issues with the steel frames.

Lewis did not share in the costs of rebuilding and stated that This Land is looking for another contractor to do the work ‘in due time’.   

The homes were part of a county council-led development consisting of 14 houses which had two, three and four-bed properties. Pictured: One of the riverside homes up close

These homes formed part of an urban development led by the county council. It consisted of 14 houses with two, three, and four beds. Close-up of one riverside home 

Hadham Construction contractors, who built and installed the steel frames of three homes, deny any wrongdoing. 

A spokesperson for the firm, which was established in 2013, claimed that it was owed £250,000 for the work and said that it will challenge Cambridgeshire County Council in pending legal proceedings.

According to them, “There have been 2 independent investigations of the structure of these 3 houses. Both of those investigations have found that the houses can be completed by HCL at the standard required to get full warranties.

“Multiple approaches were made to This Land Ltd, but we have not received a response to any company or solicitor letters.

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