Modular Volumetric Construction

detailed description of volumetric construction

1. MODULAR VOLUMETRIC CONSTRUCTION June 2009

2. The purpose of this document is to review the feasibility of using modular construction techniques for hotel, housing and worker accommodation developments. We have highlighted the advantages and disadvantages of a modular method of construction. We believe that a volumetric modular construction has the potential to be one of the key solutions to rapidly construct hotel, housing and worker accommodation developments. One big advantage is that the developer can be given a clear fixed construction budget for the majority of the building due to the modular factory process. Other advantages are speed of construction, environmental impact and quality control. Executive summary

3. Modular Construction - what is it? Factory production of a fitted out room. Pre-engineered building units. Delivered to site as modular units and assembled on site to form a building. It may comprise highly serviced rooms such as plant, bathrooms or kitchens or bedrooms, lounges, stairwells. It is a self supporting structure

4. Benefits include: Short construction time/programme High early return on capital investment Significant cash flow advantages over traditional build Reduced need for skilled workforce on site Less waste High quality control Reliable delivery timescale Price certainty Sustainable - can be relocated or recycled Light weight gives foundation savings Modular Construction - why use it?

5. Modular construction - when to use it? Short programming required Repetitive building type Skill shortage on site Certainty of delivery High quality Future relocation Weather conditions have limited effect Security issues Price certainty

6. Architectural aspects Rectangular or A high degree of repetition is required High quality factory finished rooms Fully serviced rooms "ready to plug in" via risers and corridor distribution routes 90 minutes fire rating available with double boards Outstanding sound attenuation Low rise or high rise projects Thermal insulation easily upgraded Maximum standard room width is variable Cladding choices Variety of building shapes - usually rectilinear but could be jutted out or with balconies Roofing – Variety of methods and products

7. Rooms must have repetition and preferably be rectangular For transportation, room sizes are flexible Rooms wider than 5m may need to be subdivided into smaller width units Modules are lifted into place via a 4 or 6 point lifting frame Sequence of design, fit out and delivery to site to suit installation sequence to avoid double handling. Logistical requirements

8. Hot dip galvanised coated G275 g/m² steel Minimum 100 year design life expected for most buildings A design life over 200 years can be achieved with additional insulation In all cases normal building maintenance is required to fabric and cladding Durability and design life of Modular units

9. Acoustic performance This Modular building system can be super insulated with higher than usual building regulation requirements for both thermal and acoustic insulation. In addition to this, the system incorporates a method of separating each individual module acoustically which means that noise cannot be transmitted easily through the structure.

10. The benefits of using the modular system for overseas construction The ability to “template” all designs and specifications for generic types of buildings Fast-track set-up and operation of assembly plants. Consistency of quality and build Cost benefits of design and specification consistency Reduction in design cost Plants can be utilised for other purposes

11. Following the building design freeze the modules are fabricated in jigs made from galvanised LGS cages They have a design life in excess of 100 years Module fabrication

12. Following delivery of the modules to the fit-out plant assembly is commenced The modules are fitted out in accordance with the building system standard processes Kitchens and bathrooms are installed along with plumbing and electrical systems Doors, windows and flooring are also installed to client’s requirements Module fit out

13. Module fit out

14. Following assembly, the modules are delivered to site Modules are lifted into position and connected together All modules are waterproof and weatherproof immediately System design satisfies Building Regulations progressive collapse requirements Module placement

15. Once installed, the modules are plugged and plumbed in Module services connection

16. Following placement of the modules : The cladding and roofing go on simultaneously Cladding could also be fitted in the factory reducing on site programme. Balconies can be fitted External works are completed Services are commissioned Module cladding and roofing

17. Modular construction - summary Volumetric systems Standard size units Load bearing three dimensional frames Prefabricated and fitted out under factory conditions Each module self-contained Ideal for re-locatable applications Identical units, e.g. Villas, apartment units or hotel rooms Room sized units may serve as main structural components of an entire building

18. Modular construction - summary Light gauge steel frames provide: Inherent rigidity Can be built to strict tolerances Advantages over timber frame systems Dimensional stability Durability Modular systems are super-insulated Walls and floors typically give 53dB reduction for sound Typical u-values achieved for external walls are 0.21 W/m2k

19. Building type: Modular student accommodation Located in the heart of Nottingham, this modular project consists of a 6-storey, 300 bedroom, student accommodation building, and the smaller 70 flats 4-storey Belgrave Suite . . Chaucer Street

20. Student accommodation Located on the tight site in central Manchester is the 600 bedroom a hall of residence for the Royal Northern College of Music, comprising single and double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and kitchens for each flat and common rooms. The nine-storey block was totally prefabricated off-site using the light gauge modular system. Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester

21. This site was extremely confined, with the proposed construction filling the entire 12m wide by 100m long North Pole Road, London

22. North Pole Road, London - key worker housing

23. This site lies directly between a mainline railway and a busy road and thus required high levels of sound insulation, this was easily provided with the modular framing solution. Offering very good acoustic performance both against external noise and also the transmittal of sound between units internally. Rodney Road, Twickenham - social & private housing

24. Rodney Road, Twickenham - social & private housing

25. Rodney Road, Twickenham - social & private housing

26. RNCM, Manchester

27. Wilmslow, Manchester

28. Wilmslow, Manchester

29. South Chase, Harlow - social & private housing

30. South Chase, Harlow - social & private housing Traditionally clad to resembles traditional housing

31. Modular & Volumetric Ltd Image House 72 Madison Ave Birmingham, B36 8EQ, UK. Tel: [phone] [email protected]