On a Mission to Promote Modular

As the industry looks to address the gender imbalance, Jackie Maginnis was certainly ahead of her time not only as a high-profile woman in construction but also in promoting the benefits of advanced building technologies. With a long and illustrious career, more recently in the modular and portable building industry, for over 50 years she has been involved in construction related businesses.

Starting her working life at SGB (Scaffolding Great Britain) in the Plant Hire Division, later transferring to SGB Rovacabin (the hire division now part of Wernick Group), Jackie held various positions from Northern Regional Manager to National Operations Manager and everything in between. It was her work involving the product design and development of modular buildings that caught the attention of the Modular and Portable Building Association (MPBA) and in 2005 she was invited to join and take up the position of Chief Executive – a role she still holds today.

With a mission to develop a wider understanding of what can be achieved using volumetric modular construction, Jackie gives credit to the public sector.

“As an early adopter of modern methods of construction (MMC), councils and local authorities were using volumetric modular technology across all sectors in the 70’s and 80’s particularly to cope with a rapid increase in the need for education buildings as a result of the post war baby boom. This was very much the development ground for MMC – backed by thinking way ahead of its time.”

“We cannot yet claim to be ‘mainstream’, but we have seen a dramatic uptake in volumetric modular technology which is now considered as category one in the MMC Frameworks,” said Jackie. “The support for government projects, particularly in healthcare and education, has come from lobbying over the years from the MPBA and our members, to get specification and procurement changes in place. In the wake of more backing from Westminster, we have witnessed an increase in investment and modular construction frameworks across all public sector projects.”

Jackie states that as the industry association, the MPBA has a mission to educate and dispel misconceptions and highlights an example.

“A few years ago, there was a mistaken belief that a volumetric approach stifles design capabilities. But then new architects came to the fore that not only embraced modern methods of construction but proved without doubt the design potential of modular technology.”

Jackie agrees that we have since moved on and most understand the predictability, productivity, quality and safety gains achieved in volumetric manufactured buildings. But when asked if she had any frustrations, Jackie said:

“As ever ‘the devil is in the detail’ and there is still an element of confusion particularly in some areas of government and wider trade bodies which is naturally causing some disconcert within the MPBA fraternity.

“This is predominately driven by a lack of understanding of the different requirements between the modular commercial and residential sectors. Policy is being dictated by the perceived growth in residential markets and then applied to the mature commercial sector – the pitfalls surrounding this approach are obvious. Then there are the global markets, particularly in the US and EU where construction methods are totally different and we cannot apply the same protocols as the UK, which is a world leader in not only volumetric modular technology but building standards.

“The term ‘modern methods of construction’ was reintroduced in 2019 by Communities and Local Government following a specific commitment made in the 2017 white paper fix our broken housing. The MMC Framework that followed as a result was specifically written for large scale housing projects but has been continually implemented across the wider non-domestic sectors where modular construction techniques have matured over several years. There are significant differences in the supply chain, design factors, risk profiles and significantly, terminology used. The MPBA has released a Non-domestic Guide to Modern Methods of Construction Categories to raise awareness.”

“Modular construction quite rightly has to conform to Building Regulations, so for example, combustible materials have been banned for use on the external walls of new buildings of at least 18 metres containing one or more dwellings since 2018. To our dismay a brochure promoting a trade body in the building safety arena, has an image of a timber module being craned onto about the tenth storey. Clearly not a UK development, but this lack of attention to detail, particularly by those who are involved in setting the standards, is disappointing to say the least.”

After all these years in the industry, Jackie is still totally committed and fiercely passionate about representing the MPBA and its members. But when asked ‘what’s next’ Jackie said: “We need to ensure policy decisions are evidence based for the good of not only the modular industry and the wider construction sector but most importantly to ensure the best outcomes for building owners and occupiers. There is still much work to be done, so I intend to continue on my mission to promote modular for some time to come!”

MPBA
The MPBA plays a key role in the connecting of sectors in the modular and portable building industry. The association collaborates with specialist technical advisors to enhance innovation in the design and manufacture of volumetric modular buildings. These can be designed and manufactured from timber or steel in any size and shape to meet individual client needs while ensuring full compliance with building regulations.

To discover how volumetric modular technology can benefit construction projects visit: www.mpba.biz

 

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CHILE: Modular Prototype to Address Housing Crisis

Ignacio Rojas Hirigoyen develops modular building system to address housing crisis

Ignacio Rojas Hirigoyen Architects and The Andes House have designed a modular prototype that can be configured to construct low-cost housing.

The Industrialized Building System Prototype was designed by Ignacio Rojas Hirigoyen Architects and The Andes House and fabricated by Cromolux in Santiago, before being assembled in the nearby town of Casablanca, Chile.

“The prototype was conceived to give an answer to the urgent global dwelling crisis,” architect Ignacio Rojas Hirigoyen told Dezeen.

“We decided to build a house as a first prototype of the Building System but with these parts and pieces that work as a ‘LEGO,’ you can design and build any other typologies.”

Drawing on innovations by Walter Gropius and other Bauhaus designers, the prototype consists of a thick, layered recycled wood fiber panel framed by “wooden sub-modules that link together by a system of locks and wedges” to form building blocks for walls, floors and ceilings.

“All of this creates the modular coordination of steel and wood carpentry with no surplus material, and where every part has its own place and function,” Hirigoyen said, explaining that the layered assembly provides thermal and acoustic comfort for the home.

The panels are installed within a lightweight, anti-seismic, recycled steel structure measuring 5 metres by 18 metres (16 feet by 60 feet) to create an 80-square-metre (860-square-foot) house.

The exterior of the panels is layered with a vapor barrier and corrugated metal plates that allow the facade to ventilate.

A gabled metal roof – held off the box profile by angled webs forming a triangular truss – tops the house and displays the location’s accelerated desertification process.

“Under its wide eaves, air flow is achieved to deliver fresh air to the interior through the windows below them,” Hirigoyen explained.

“It also serves as a fog catcher by condensation, which allows water collection and provides support for solar panels for a 100 per cent off-grid electrical scheme.”

The prototype system can also function without a roof structure.

The house assembly is set off the ground by tripod foundations and is arranged with an inset, dogtrot-style porch accessed by a metal grating ramp.

The interior of the housing unit – consisting of two bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open living, dining and kitchen space – is finished with laminated wood boards.

In addition to the passive sustainable strategies, the project includes a wastewater treatment system.

The construction was efficient, requiring only four onsite crew members, a crane truck and a set of wrenches and screwdrivers.

Hirigoyen referenced the efficiency and standardization of prefabricated modules as a key component of the system’s application and flexibility – as well as the prototype’s ability to be used both horizontally and vertically.

“Our system allows solving other typologies such as buildings for collective housing, health, education and various types of equipment,” he said.

The studio is now working on the next version of the prototype with Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile Architecture School.

 

 

In a similar concept for a different terrain, Danish studio MAST is developing a modular prototype system for constructing floating buildings that will be presented at the UIS World Congress of Architects in July.

The system designed by Copenhagen-based MAST consists of modular containers that can be filled with various floatation elements, similar to how gabion cages are used in the construction industry.

Made from recycled reinforced plastic, these flat-pack modules could be easily transported around the world and assembled in different configurations to suit a range of building types.

Source: Dezeen

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GERMANY: SERIAL MODULAR CONSTRUCTION

SEMODU and HAUBNER GROUP want to join forces in modular construction

Most modern modular production plant in Europe planned

In view of the German government’s goal of building 400,000 apartments per year, the HAUBNER GROUP and SEMODU AG intend to build Europe’s most modern manufacturing plant for modular housing. The plan is to build a production facility of up to 40,000 square meters at the existing production site of the HAUBNER GROUP in Neumarkt in der Oberpfalz.

At this site a production line for series modules is to be built, which is oriented towards the production processes of the automotive industry. This is intended to create a technological platform to initiate the next industrialization phase of residential construction. The housing modules are to be characterized by a high degree of prefabrication and will be produced in a highly automated manner with the predominant use of robotics. Annually, up to 180,000 square meters of living space could thus be manufactured at the site.

“We are convinced that serial modular construction is a decisive factor in the fight against the housing shortage in Germany,” says Frank Talmon l’Armée, CEO of SEMODU AG. “With the planned manufacturing plant, we want to set standards in Germany when it comes to the production and provision of state-of-the-art living space.” By bundling competencies, he said, the disruptive potential can be leveraged and the expertise from the SEMODU methodology can be rolled out across the board.

Wolfgang Haubner, Managing Director of HAUBNER GROUP, says:

“We are planning a level of automation that should be unique for a manufacturing plant in Europe. Our app-based software for the transparent production process also provides customers with real-time transparency and traceability of the production steps.”

Production is to follow a clear and stringent mathematical logic for module sizes in order to be able to produce highly efficiently and economically, while at the same time delivering the most variable contemporary homes possible with high architectural standards. The preferred construction method will be the wood frame construction as well as the CLT construction, whereby the production in hybrid construction (wood and concrete) should also remain possible. In accordance with the philosophy of the two companies, the products will be built and later operated in a CO2-neutral manner.

The partners intend to involve the Bavarian state government as well as the government of the Upper Palatinate in the planning as soon as possible. During this year’s international real estate trade fair MIPIM in Cannes, talks with investors are also already planned.

SEMODU will contribute the experience gained from its own development and its manufacturing method, while HAUBNER will contribute its competence in production gained over decades.

 

Further information: www.haubner-group.de

Further information: www.semodu.com

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Modular solution reduces backlog at North Devon Hospital

In this interview, Marsh Pullen, Capital Contracts Manager for the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, explains the process of procuring a modular building from Wernick. This includes the benefits of the modular building method, the challenges of the project and the feedback from the end users.

 

“We required a new building to increase our elective bed capacity to assist with the backlog of elective surgical patients that the trust currently has.
A modular building was chosen primarily because of speed of deployment, but also because it complimented the space that we had on site and it minimized disruption and the build time on the actual hospital site.

 

 

 

 

 

Procurement

We went out to the marketplace using the modular building framework and we had a specification of our requirements. Wernick were able to offer a very competitive package and they were a clear winner.
We raised an order with Wernick Buildings and 20 week later we were delivered a fully compliant, completed building. One week after that we were treating patients in it.
We asked Wernick to deliver a compliant ward. What they actually delivered was above and beyond that because although it is compliant it also aligns with our standard specification for mechanical and electrical items which means that our users, clinical users, are familiar right out the box of how all of the systems work.

 

 

 

 

Challenges

We had some logistical challenges with the install which the Wernick build team were able to overcome. The ward is in a bit of a tight corner of the hospital. It also needed to marry in with the existing structure to allow patients to transit to and from the main building and it also had to be undertaken on the site of an acute care hospital which is at full capacity all of the time and the Wernick team were able to undertake the work with minimal disruption.
Wernick and the design team on the clinical side worked really, really well together. There was a lot of harmony. Whenever we had a problem it was overcome collectively – and that proactive attitude shows through on the outcome that we’ve got a successfully delivered ward within the timeframe.

 

Feedback

The feedback from the end users is great. Everybody that’s looked at it so far absolutely loves it. It’s a 21st century ward with all of the mod cons and all of the elements that it requires to treat the patients we need it to.
Our experience of working with the Wernick build team is very professional, they said they could deliver us a ward on time, on budget and they have, and that speaks volumes.
I can’t speak highly enough, really, they’ve delivered us a fantastic ward which I’d put up against any ward in the UK for quality, speed of delivery, and affordability.”

www.wernick.co.uk

 

 

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TG Escapes design Biophilic School concept using MMC

Young people in the UK today are facing a perfect storm. The 21st century has seen technology impact natural human interaction whilst the pandemic has compounded the problems associated with reduced socialisation and global warming is a growing source of anxiety. It is no wonder that the mental well-being of children and young people is falling under this huge strain which is representing a key challenge for schools, teachers and parents. As many as 10% of children aged five to 16 have a clinically diagnosable mental health problem [¹].   Currently, one third of people aged eight to 24 report an increase in mental health and wellbeing issues [²].

Exposure to Nature

Whilst it is clear that there is not a single, magic solution to the problem, it is well known that reconnection with nature can play a major role in enhancing a child’s development, mental resilience and capacity to thrive and learn. A study between Aarhus University in Denmark and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in the US, children who grow up in greener surroundings have up to 55% less risk of developing various mental disorders. Biophilia, or a love of the natural world, is programmed into our DNA and appropriate architectural design can serve to nurture our deep-rooted need to connect to nature.

Biophilic Design

Biophilic design in classrooms has been shown to boost children’s wellbeing both physically and mentally. Noisy, open plan classrooms can cause stress and fatigue which can be alleviated by exposure to nature resulting in improved cognitive ability and emotional wellbeing. Furthermore, adding sensory elements from the living natural environment can inspire curiosity, imagination and discovery whilst offering a significant boost to learning by way of increased attendance, improved behaviour and increased focus.
Improved Educational Outcomes
These benefits have been proven by a variety of scientific experiments. One study by A Sigman shows that children exposed to nature scored higher on concentration and self-discipline than control group students and performed better in core curricular subjects. Another study by Human Spaces found that by optimising exposure to daylight, attendance can increase by more than three and a half days a year, whilst test scores can improve by between 5 and 14% with speed of learning boosted by as much as 26%. A further study has shown that a timber classroom can reduce the heart rate of occupants by 8600 beats per day versus a traditional classroom, indicating stress relief.

A Biophilic School

Having practised the implementation of biophilic design principles for many years, TG Escapes wanted to design an entirely biophilic primary school that is sensitive to the environment, cost effective and practical to build using modern methods of construction.  They have designed a new single-entry nursery and primary concept school. Constructed almost entirely from timber, the school will have a low embodied carbon value; be highly sustainable and net-zero in its lifetime. Furthermore, it will be more affordable to build, maintain and run than traditionally constructed buildings. In addition, renewable energy generation will be built into the design at every opportunity.
The design comprises separate pavilions for various school functions, connected by covered walkways and canopies and arranged to envelop a central landscaped, terraced area with an outdoor class at its centre. This promotes an interaction and connection with nature. It encourages sociability and play, whilst maximising the opportunity for outdoor learning, exercise and fresh air in all weathers.

Cost and Carbon

The building will be cost effective to build and to operate and extremely eco-friendly. As TG Escapes are utilising an existing, panelised modular system, they are able to make a whole life carbon calculation. The total cost of the build, (excluding landscaping and services which will be site specific) will be £4m. Comparing this design to the EBDOG benchmark survey for primary, the scheme provides 7.31m2 per pupil (including circulation) versus the benchmark 5.69m2. The benchmark shows that an average cost of a net-zero school is around £2500 pm2. Their biophilic buildings come in at only £1,823 pm2 leaving plenty of headroom for external works.  The whole life carbon calculation exceeds the RIBA 2030 target for schools.

Biophilic Schools. Better for the Environment. Better for our Children

TG Escapes believe that our relationship with nature is a cornerstone foundation for robust mental health and a young mind’s capacity for learning. They are working with MTM Consulting to identify a suitable site to build a biophilic school that can help to provide a better future for our children and the world in which they live. They are also happy to work with education groups should they have a project to suit this biophilic approach.

For more information call 0800 917 7726

or CLICK HERE to email TG Escapes

or CLICK HERE to visit their website

 

 

1. LINK

2. LINK

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A CLEAR DIRECTION FOR HONG KONG’S BUILDING CAPACITY

Arcadis, the leading design and consultancy organization for natural and built assets, welcomes proposals set out in “The 2023-24 Budget”, to support people in need and sustain the impetus to economic recovery through high-quality development.

Responding, Francis Au, Greater China Growth Director said:

 

“Arcadis welcomes the Government budget measures, with clear direction and specific goals for the development of Northern Metropolis and Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands. We are pleased the HKSAR Government is supporting the extensive application of advanced technologies in Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) to improve certainty on budget, quality and delivery time of projects.”

 

Develop Northern Metropolis and Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands

The Northern Metropolis is an important base for promoting the development of livable spaces and supporting the Innovation and Technology industries, thereby facilitating high-quality economic co-operation between Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. In parallel, the Budget also outlined preliminary proposals on the scope of reclamation, land use, transport infrastructure networks and financial arrangements regarding the Kau Yi Chau artificial islands. Arcadis embraces the multi-pronged approach by HKSAR Government, which will compress major projects time by half, from more than 10 years in the previous plan. Hence, more land resources will be released for public and private developments to improve quality of life for Hong Kong citizens.

Application of Innovation and Technology in the Construction Industry

Arcadis has developed an advanced forecasting model to predict Hong Kong construction manpower in the coming five years. The model suggests there will be a shortage of around 40,000 skilled workers and 15,000 professionals, supervisors, and technicians. Enhancing training and recruitment while driving the adoption of advanced construction methods and new technologies should be prioritized to increase capacity. We are delighted the Government addressed these issues and planned HKD $75 million for conducting studies on establishing the Building Testing and Research Institute, constructing an advanced construction industry building, and strengthening the supply chain for Modular Integrated Construction (MiC).

Francis Au added:

 

“By capitalizing on both our local and global expertise, we see opportunities to devise new standards, conduct testing and provide accreditation and related products to align with those in the international and China markets.

“In addition, innovative ideas for implementing large-scale infrastructure projects can deliver benefits on time and on budget. We should consider partnerships between customers, consultants, contractors and suppliers, such as early contractor and supplier involvement, as well as revenue sharing mechanisms in procurement strategies.”

Source: Cision

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THE OFFSITE GUIDE, LAUNCH

The Offsite Guide – A Revolutionary One-Stop Resource for Modern Methods of Construction (MMC).

 

Launched in January 2023 The Offsite Guide is the first B2B marketplace in the UK and Europe for MMC – a platform for businesses to explore options for using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and interact with specialist manufacturers.

As a marketplace TOG facilitates engagement between key market participants and drives awareness of the many benefits of MMC including more efficient production, economies of scale and repeatability. In doing so it provides a central point of reference for product variety, availability, & pricing specification. Crucially, it provides a platform for direct communication between a wide range of providers and their potential customers in this fragmented market.

For TOG Partners, listing MMC case studies & solutions on the Offsite Guide marketplace is a cost-effective method for manufacturers to bring in targeted traffic. Partners listings can easily be found under various search categories that can subtlety hand off and complement other marketing channels in the marketeer’s toolbox. Listing as a partner will also assist the partner company’s own website SEO ranking in an effective and cost-efficient way.

The Offsite Guide – A Revolutionary One-Stop Resource for Modern Methods of Construction (MMC).

 

Launched in January 2023 The Offsite Guide is the first B2B marketplace in the UK and Europe for MMC – a platform for businesses to explore options for using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and interact with specialist manufacturers.

As a marketplace TOG facilitates engagement between key market participants and drives awareness of the many benefits of MMC including more efficient production, economies of scale and repeatability. In doing so it provides a central point of reference for product variety, availability, & pricing specification. Crucially, it provides a platform for direct communication between a wide range of providers and their potential customers in this fragmented market.

 

“At The Offsite Guide we attract and facilitate early interaction with customers, allowing manufacturers of commercial and domestic modular buildings and offsite solutions to showcase a range of their products & help educate potential customers. We provide a trusted platform not only for showcasing offsite construction, but also to facilitate initial dialogue and ongoing interaction between customers, manufacturers and MMC suppliers.” Ingrid Orbie – Director

THE OFFSITE GUIDE

 

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CANADA: Why Toronto must look to Prefab to Solve its Housing Crisis

Prefabrication and modular factory-built housing are on the rise in many parts of the world. In light of Toronto’s current housing supply crisis, we should be embracing these innovative ways of building.

We are in desperate need of new housing and building more prefab and modular units is one way to help tackle the growing problem. By moving in that direction, developers can significantly reduce construction costs, improve quality and productivity, reduce waste and make worksites safer.

Countries like Sweden and Japan are significantly more advanced that us on the modular and prefab front. They have adopted off-site construction to tackle their housing crisis with amazing results.

In Sweden, 84% of the country’s residential construction market share is prefabricated in the shop and then assembled on-site. The country is widely regarded as the global leader in off-site modular construction.

A country-wide, performance-based code has been adopted in Sweden that makes it easier for factories to build homes. The new rules mean the specs are the same for every municipality. They can choose whatever structural system makes sense for their operation, as long as it passes a code check.

Lindbäcks Bygg has invested in automation and cutting-edge technology and assembly line robotics to produce over 25,000 sq. ft of turnkey housing per week. Lumber company Derome also changed its business model to efficiently produce prefabricated building components.

In Japan, meanwhile, about 15% of the country’s new homes are now manufactured off-site. Poland, a recent arrival on the scene, now builds and ships units to hotel developments in other countries.

Sekisui Hiems, one of the largest prefabricated manufacturers in the world, operates many factories across the country, building 14,000 new homes each year — on assembly lines much like car manufacturing.

We must follow their lead.

If we emulate their approach and make use of modern manufacturing and building techniques that allow homes to be built faster and with fewer workers, it would help boost our housing supply.

I recently had the opportunity to learn more about some of the latest innovations in modular construction at the recent annual conference of the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat in Chicago.

One of the unique ventures highlighted was a 50-storey modular housing project built in the U.K. by Vision Modular Systems Ltd., which manufactures modules for the construction industry in a controlled assembly-line environment. In the factory, automated production lines transfer the modules through the manufacturing process where internal and some external finishes are applied before the units are shipped. The modules have structural steel frames and solid concrete floors.

High-rise buildings using Vision modules have a reinforced concrete core. The factory-built modules are lifted into place by cranes and seamed together.

One of the company’s projects, College Road in London, England, is comprised of 937 residential units over two towers, 35 and 50 storeys tall. Construction took 32 months.

There are other examples.

In New York City, for instance, the world’s tallest modular hotel, the citizenM Bowery, a 19-storey structure, was built a few years ago by a Dutch company. The building consists of 210 modules, stacked in 15 storeys on a three-storey concrete podium with an underground cellar. The steel-framed modules were shipped to the site in the Lower East Side of New York and then assembled in place.

With Ontario facing a dire shortage of housing, along with the prospect of many workers retiring in the next few years, it is imperative that we find new ways to build homes and condo towers quicker.

There are a myriad of reasons to look at prefab or modular construction.

Modular construction makes economic sense. According to conclusions by architects and engineers in a 2020 report by Dodge Data & Analytics, it has a positive impact on work schedules and budgets, results in improved safety performance, and reduces the waste that is generated by construction.

Panels and modules are built in a controlled factory setting and, when shipped to a site, can be erected and enclosed quickly, with little waste.

With the province setting the ambitious goal of producing 1.5 million homes over the next decade, we must look to new ways of building. Off-site construction certainly fits the bill.

Source: Storeys

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VBC LAUNCHES PROTOTYPE MODULAR HOTEL FOR FAIRFIELD BY MARRIOTT

 

Global modular building specialist, Volumetric Building Companies, has developed and launched the first modular prototype for a new hotel concept to help accelerate the expansion of the Fairfield by Marriott brand across Europe.

 

Fairfield by Marriott is Marriott International’s second largest brand based on the number of hotels, with over 1,200 properties worldwide.

The new 136 guestroom prototype modular hotel has been developed to reflect the principles of European architecture and design, and to deliver fast and adaptable construction using advanced offsite manufacturing technology.

Marriott estimates that the offsite solution will reduce the build programme by around eight months for earlier trading which will have a hugely beneficial impact on revenue and cashflow for developers and operators.

The modular approach to construction will allow the flexibility to adapt the design to specific site requirements and the needs of each local market. It will be financially competitive to build and operate, generating value for owners and providing consistent quality and service for hotel guests.

The Fairfield by Marriott hotel concept has been designed by Marriott for urban locations and secondary or tertiary cities across Europe, specifically targeting the more mature hotel markets in the UK, Ireland, France, and Germany.

Paul Thomas, Vice President for International Hotel Development at Marriott International, said, “We are extremely pleased with the partnership with VBC and are keen to build on our longstanding relationship. Following this collaboration, we have now launched the first approved modular hotel room in Europe for the fast-growing Fairfield brand. This is a very appealing offer for hotel investors, owners, and franchisees in terms of design, branding and pricing.”

“We think the time is right for expansion of this upper midscale, select service hotel brand across Europe and the prototype has already generated significant interest from developers. This is a highly efficient economic model which will deliver strong results for investors and hotel owners.”

Andy Smith, UK Director at VBC said, “This application of advanced modular technology will help to address some of the challenges facing developers – construction will be faster, acoustics are improved with less noise transmission between modules, and quality is more consistent.”

“Manufacturing the hotel rooms in a controlled factory environment means a reduced carbon footprint and less waste. And by maximising work offsite, developing constrained urban locations is also much easier – from airport sites to out-of-town business parks.”

“This design has been localised and developed specifically for the European market, with different room sizes, fixtures and fittings to the US Fairfield model. The prototype was very well received with real excitement when we showcased it in Gdansk in Poland and at an investor event in Munich.”

 

The prototype hotel room manufactured by VBC reflects the design philosophy of the Fairfield by Marriott brand and is furnished in a contemporary style with a Scandinavian aesthetic.

Each steel-framed module contains a fully furnished room, ensuite, hallway, and corridor section. The VBC system is suitable for hotels up to 20 storeys.

All the furniture and the ensuite for the hotel rooms would also be manufactured inhouse by VBC and installed offsite for a faster, more efficient, and seamless service, and a repeatable quality of finish.

There are two room layouts for the new European prototype hotel which are efficiently designed to deliver exactly what guests want, combined with operational efficiencies and maximum room count.

 

VBC has delivered three modular hotels in the UK for Marriott International to date and has wide-ranging and proven experience in the hospitality sector, manufacturing buildings for other major global brands in the UK, Europe and across the world, including Hilton, Accor, Intercontinental Hotels, Whitbread, and citizenM.

 

For further information, visit www.vbc.co/uk or email enquiries@vbc.co.

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Rail-based flow production of modular homes

 

 

 

By Derek Peter Clark, founder and co-owner of intra-logistics specialist LOSCYO GmbH, Bielefeld, Germany

An innovative solution for offsite construction puts the building units onto rail-based platforms. The system requires minimal power. The rails are installed flush with the floor and create no barriers on the shopfloor. This enables efficient factory-line production with determined cycle times.

 

 

 

The LOXrail intra-logistics system enables modular building units to be transported through all stages of offsite construction – Image courtesy of ilke Homes, UK

Modular or 3D volumetric construction has triggered a surge in innovation in the construction industry. Improving on conventional prefabrication, which is mostly limited to standardised wall and floor panels, modular construction raises the ratio of works that can be completed in factories to 70% to 90%, depending on the design and the degree of sophistication and individualisation. This makes it an efficient alternative to conventional construction methods, and particularly expedient in light of coinciding deficits in affordable housing, building materials and skilled workers. According to official numbers, 300,000 additional housing units per year will be needed by the mid-2020s. Modular construction provides a reliable way to reduce planning and building time, effort and costs. In addition to individual homes, it is also an attractive solution for housing associations, cooperatives, and municipal developers, allowing them to provide new, high-quality housing in larger quantities within a reasonable timeframe. There are already several big players that specialise exclusively in modular building, covering various sizes from single detached homes to entire blocks of flats, as well as larger buildings for the commercial or public sector such as schools, kindergartens and office blocks.

 

One-piece flow production of modular homes

As most works are shifted from construction sites to a factory, logistics become of uttermost importance to productivity and efficiency. Following the example of automotive production lines, the spatial separation of individual crafts and construction steps along a production line is most efficient. Thereby, the manufacturing cycle can be clearly structured to run smoothly without collisions and with reliable, transparent material logistics ensuring that the tools and resources for each craft are always on hand when needed. The high proportion of standardised, pre-produced components reduces the need for skilled workers. While the construction of a conventional prefabricated house with onsite assembly of wall and floor panels takes several months, modular homes are completed in a matter of days in such production lines, with transport to the destination and erection also taking only a few days. Moving entire building modules through a factory requires suitable means of transport. The LOXrail system from German manufacturer LOSYCO, originally developed for the manufacturing industries, provides a robust and highly efficient intra-logistics solution for offsite construction. LOXrail tracks and networks can be adapted to individual plant layouts and ergonomically integrated with existing handling solutions such as overhead cranes, lifting platforms, conveyors, automated manipulators or robots.

 

Low-power ergonomic transport solution

The intra-logistics specialists at LOSYCO have already realised rail-based production lines for modular construction companies in Europe, the UK, the US and Dubai. The low-height transport platforms provide full access from all sides. Workers can step onto them and complete all necessary jobs as they would on the shopfloor. The tracks are laid flush with the floor and thus pose no obstacle for workers, carts or pallet jacks. The hardened steel wheels and round rails are shaped for minimal rolling friction. Bulky and heavy loads can be transported with minimal power, or even pushed by hand. The transport platforms are designed to the particular requirements of the customer. LOSYCO has implemented LOXrail transport solutions for modular housing units measuring up to 40 m² and weighing more than 20 tons. The rails are available in CF53 precision steel or stainless steel with 25 mm or 40 mm diameters for payloads up to 60 tons. The manufacturer offers various customisation options: single tracks or networks including cross-connections between production lines and different ways to power the transport platforms.

 

Platforms for manual transport or featuring auxiliary drives are designed to individual requirements – image courtesy of MaxHaus, Germany

 

Streamlined production

The LOXrail system is an economic, low-maintenance and resilient transport solution that enables modular construction companies to fully utilise the potential of factory-line production. Offsite construction of 3D volumetric units means that almost all construction stages can be completed much more quickly, under repeatable, weather-independent conditions, reducing costs and saving resources and with continuous quality monitoring. Fully equipped modular homes manufactured in one-piece flow production eliminate the need for lengthy planning and elaborate design and coordination work at the construction site, while ensuring consistently high quality standards throughout all production phases. All jobs are seamlessly integrated in an efficient project schedule as almost the entire construction is carried out on the assembly line. Noise and pollution at the building site are also minimised – improving acceptance in the neighbourhoods. Compared to conventional construction methods, offsite construction is much more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. Modular construction of a typical semi-detached house, for example, can save around 20% more energy and 10% more CO2 per m² than required by the Building Regulations Guidance, Part L1A 2016. In addition, the use of modern construction and insulation materials has a positive effect on the building’s lifetime energy balance: heating costs can be reduced to as little as a third compared to existing solid buildings.

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