Designing Buildings - User contributions [en]

Why modular is the right choice for end-users as well as architects

2018-01-30T14:35:33Z

Elite Systems: Created page with "Thanks to the increased focus on modular buildings within the industry, more and more people understand the [http://www.elitesystemsgb.co.uk/why-choose-modular/ benefits of off-s..."

Thanks to the increased focus on modular buildings within the industry, more and more people understand the [http://www.elitesystemsgb.co.uk/why-choose-modular/ benefits of off-site construction].

Whether the project requires a short-term or permanent solution, many people now recognise that modular construction is a cost-effective solutions that requires a fraction of the time of a traditional build.

However, the experience of the end users is often missing from the discussion – which means that many people still harbour misconceptions about modular buildings.

== BUILT-IN QUALITY ==

The standard of modern off-site construction is incredibly high: all modular buildings must adhere to the same building regulations as those built using traditional construction methods.

In fact, off-site construction methods allow for increased quality control checks throughout the build process. Nothing leaves the factory floor without being subjected to multiple quality inspections, and manufacturers test all modules before delivering them to site.

The need to adhere to building regulations also means that off-site construction has strict rules about carbon consumption.

The environmental benefits go beyond reduced waste and use of sustainable materials. Modular buildings are well-insulated and therefore easier to heat in winter and cool in summer, leading to reduced energy usage once in use.

There is the option to fit energy-efficient components such as solar panels to reduce both the carbon footprint of the building and its running costs. So the environmental benefits extend to those operating the building – not just those specifying it.

The high-quality insulation and robustness of the building means that exterior noise is kept to a minimum: ideal for teachers, health professionals or office workers who require a quiet environment.

And while some may still think of modular buildings as identical, off-the-shelf square boxes, the reality is very different. Bespoke manufacturers can develop a solution that complements the existing architecture surrounding a project, or tie in with a specific theme so that the [http://www.elitesystemsgb.co.uk/project/trinity-farm-distribution-centre/ modular element blends seamlessly] with the rest of the development.

== SPEED IS OF THE ESSENCE ==

One of the main reasons to specify off-site construction rather than traditional is the reduced time on-site. Buildings are fabricated in the factory, with on-site installation typically taking just a few short weeks. This translates into improved on-site safety and reduced costs, but also benefits those whose work is based in and around the new building.

For education buildings, schools can avoid the disruption and safety implications of a live building site by selecting off-site construction. That way, the installation of the completed building can be completed during the summer break, so teachers and students return to a brand new building at the start of the new school year.

So when considering the benefits of modular buildings, specifiers can be confident that it’s the right option for everyone – from the architect to the end user.

[[Category:Education]] [[Category:Regulations]] [[Category:Sustainability]] [[Category:Construction_techniques]]

Modular construction from the groundworks up

2018-01-30T14:30:40Z

Elite Systems: Created page with "The term off-site construction quite rightly conjures images of buildings being put together on the factory floor, with just a short process to [http://www.elitesystemsgb.co.uk/w..."

The term off-site construction quite rightly conjures images of buildings being put together on the factory floor, with just a short process to [http://www.elitesystemsgb.co.uk/what-is-modular/ install at the site]. This is one of the major advantages of off-site construction, improving on site health and safety and reducing disruption.

In fact, the work that takes place on-site is equally important. Much like traditional build, modular construction requires appropriate foundations to ensure that the structure stands the test of time.

Careful preparation is required on-site to ensure that the modular building can be installed within the desired timeframe, so it’s important to research the nature of the ground on-site and design the foundations to best suit the building being commissioned. Commissioning a ground investigation before putting the project out to tender will help to avoid delays later in the process.

== THE METHOD FOR MODULAR ==

With traditional construction, perimeter walls and interiors load-bearing walls need deep foundations to support the load of the structure, requiring deep excavation. Modular buildings require a different approach to groundworks as the foundation load is distributed across the whole of the site.

Different sites have different requirements, and it’s important to establish the appropriate method early in the process to avoid delays in installation.

A ground survey will flag up any issues with the site, such as a significant layer of clay or soil on the surface that will require more excavation. Once this is established, the modular building manufacturer would instruct a structural engineer to advise on the best response, allowing us to engineer the correct solution from the beginning.

== WHAT ARE THE FOUNDATION OPTIONS? ==

For simple sites with no complications, all that is required for a modular building is a shallow excavation topped with a layer of concrete, with flags or blocks on top. This should take no more than two weeks to achieve, and is the ideal scenario for projects where a quick installation is necessary. In some cases, a single concrete pad isn’t appropriate, and in that case we would use five or six long trenches with pads on top.

Where there is a layer of soil, clay or other unsuitable material on the surface, we advise excavating to around 18 inches deep, then laying a concrete raft and positioning pads on top – all of which will be completed within around three weeks. This approach minimises excavation and spreads the finished building’s load across the full footplate of the site.

However, even sites which require more complex groundworks can be made suitable for modular buildings. Elite Systems has completed projects where there was a five metre deep layer of soil, a problem which was circumvented by installing piled foundations: steel tubes driven into the ground and topped with steel plates, providing a firm foundation.

== TURNKEY SOLUTION CAN UNLOCK PROJECTS ==

While groundworks for modular construction are simpler than in traditional buildings, issues may still arise if the land is lower quality than expected, or if the architect appointed to the project is unfamiliar with off-site construction methods.

Off-site construction companies are always willing to work with architects and main contractors to find the right solution for the client, but there are advantages to appointing a company which offers a [http://www.elitesystemsgb.co.uk/turnkey/ turnkey solution].

Appointing a company which offers architectural services, groundworks, construction and installation can save specifiers valuable time and money. When managing the process from [http://www.elitesystemsgb.co.uk/blog/the-process-of-modular-construction-from-design-to-decor/ design to décor] they can collate prices – including groundworks – and present the final cost to the client, allowing them to control costs.

[[Category:Regulations]] [[Category:Sustainability]] [[Category:Construction_techniques]] [[Category:Design]] [[Category:Roles_/_services]]

The process of modular construction from design to completion

2018-01-30T14:25:16Z

Elite Systems: Created page with "Even though off-site construction is a simpler process than traditional building, there are still definite advantages to using a company which can support every step of the proce..."

Even though off-site construction is a simpler process than traditional building, there are still definite advantages to using a company which can support every step of the process. That’s why Elite Systems offers a turnkey service offering expert guidance from the first meeting to the last lick of paint.

== DEVISING THE CONCEPT AND DESIGN ==

The first step in any project is deciding what the customer wants. When choosing off-site construction, several factors can influence this decision. How many rooms are required? And how high will the structure go – single storey or multiple floors? Whereabouts will the building be located?

At Elite, we take the time to discuss those questions with our customers and run through the options in an initial design meeting so that they can be certain that they have covered all the angles. From there, we are able to put together the plans and provide a quotation.

We strive to keep customers informed throughout the process, and [https://www.elitesystemsgb.co.uk/blog/building-the-case-for-bim-and-modular-construction/ our use of BIM] allows customers to see what the finished product will look like before manufacturing begins. The added advantage of this approach is that the final cost will not differ from the initial quote, helping customers to plan and control their expenditure.

== MANAGING THE PLANNING PROCESS ==

A question we are asked repeatedly is whether or not planning permission and building regulations still apply to modular buildings. The answer is ‘yes’: that’s why we offer an in-house service covering both building regulations compliance and planning approval.

Our experience in securing planning permission means that there is no back and forth between the property owner and the local authority. We will liaise with the council’s planning officer and manage the full process, including submitting the plans in the correct format and assisting with the [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/environmental-impact-assessment Environmental Impact Assessment].

From there, the next step is the [http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/2214/contents/made building regulations application], which covers the functionality and structural performance of the building to ensure that it complies fully with Building Regulations 2010. The regulations look at the robustness and safety of the finished building as well as taking account of fire safety, drainage, potential for contamination, ventilation and more. At Elite, we ensure that all of our structures achieve or exceed the standards required by the current regulations and manage the full process of securing approval from the relevant building control department.

== CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION RUN CONCURRENTLY ==

Once planning permission is secured from the local authority, [https://www.elitesystemsgb.co.uk/blog/modular-construction-from-the-groundworks-up/ groundworks] can begin on-site. Elite’s team of skilled tradespeople will dig foundations, liaise with utilities providers to ensure that all connections are in place so that the final structure can be easily dropped into place.

The construction works begin at the same time in our specialist factory, where the building is assembled by a highly-qualified team of modular building specialists, ready to be installed on-site. The final step in the process is dropping the finished building into place and connecting all utilities. Exterior cladding (which starts in the factory) is finished off on-site, as is plastering and painting – both of which is undertaken by Elite’s tradespeople.

== HOW LONG IS THE MODULAR CONSTRUCTION PROCESS? ==

Using a company that can manage the design and construction process from start to finish is the most efficient way to ensure that a project is completed in a timely manner.

After the initial discussion, we can generate plans and a quotation within a week, which puts the customer in an excellent position going into the planning process. This is where delays can occur: securing planning permission and building regulations approval can take anything from six weeks to three months depending on the local authority, so taking advantage of an experienced team which is well-versed in the process is worthwhile. At Elite, we can turn around the planning application within two weeks, so delays are kept to a minimum.

The rest of the process is simple: the groundworks will run alongside the factory build, so within four to six weeks the structure will be ready to installed. As the time on site should take just a couple of weeks, the whole process takes no more than three or four months from – design to décor.

[[Category:Education]] [[Category:Regulations]] [[Category:Construction_management]] [[Category:Construction_techniques]] [[Category:Design]]