Modular containers on Mount Snowdon
Reparations to Mount Snowdon pipeline works supported by temporary units provided by Algeco.
Contents |
[edit] Brief
Snowdon or Yr Wyddfa, is the highest mountain in Wales, at an elevation of 1,085 metres above sea level, and the highest point in the British Isles outside the Scottish Highlands. Located in Snowdonia National Park in Gwynedd, the mountain is also home to the Cwm Dyli hydro-electric power station, owned by RWE Renewables.
The concrete structures supporting the pipeline that runs down the side of Mount Snowdon feeding the power station are relatively old, and so needed to be replaced. Jennings Building & Civil Engineering Ltd were appointed by RWE to carry out the maintenance.
[edit] Solution
Due to the particularly dangerous location of the project, Jennings needed to ensure that their employees’ safety and welfare was of top priority. They selected Algeco to provide modular accommodation to the site, due to our reputation for health and safety, reliability and high quality products.
The mountainous location of the site meant that any accommodation would need to be transported by helicopter, so Algeco needed to select a lightweight solution that met the weight restrictions (1200kg).
Algeco’s storage containers were under this weight, and the company’s Deeside depot changed them all into small canteens (added a sink, worktop, electrics and lighting). However, due to the weight restrictions, the sink and worktops couldn’t be fitted until the storage containers were on the mountain as the furniture would have made the containers too heavy.
[edit] Results
Algeco provided Jennings Building & Civil Works with 7 storage containers, on hire for 50 weeks, which were dotted up and down Mount Snowdon to provide the workers with relief from the cold, and a space to recharge and take a break.
The replacement of the pipe support structures will limit the amount of unplanned maintenance and disruptions for the Cwm Dyli hydro-electric power station.
[edit] Comment
Phil Boyes, Agent for Jennings Building & Civil Works, said: “We are really impressed that Algeco managed to find a solution lightweight enough to be transported by helicopter, but also meet our high expectations for health and safety on such an unpredictable site”.
“The site accommodation that Algeco has provided will ensure our employees have a safe place to recoup during their working day.”
Mark Fyfe, Infrastructure Business Development Manager at Algeco, said: “This was a first for Algeco. Having our units flown in by helicopter to a mountainous area is not something that we have done before, but when our customers come to us with a bespoke project, we will always do our very best to find a solution to fit their needs.
“We are pleased that Jennings Building & Civil Engineering are satisfied with our solution and we look forward to working with them again in the future.”
This article was supplied via Press Release as "Algeco supports reparations to Mount Snowdon pipeline works" along with images dated February 16, 2023.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Construction problems avoided by using a modular approach.
- Design for deconstruction.
- Factory-made housing.
- Flat pack.
- Modular buildings in the educational sector.
- Modular classrooms: The Friars Primary School extension.
- Off-site construction.
- Plug and play skyscrapers.
- Pod.
- Temporary and interim buildings.
- Temporary demountable structures.
- Temporary flood defences.
- Temporary services on construction sites.
- Temporary structures.
- Temporary use.
- Temporary works.
- Volumetric modular construction.
- Volumetric unit.
Featured articles and news
The BPF urges Chancellor for additional BSR resources
To remove barriers and bottlenecks which delay projects.
Flexibility over requirements to boost apprentice numbers
English, maths and minimumun duration requirements reduced for a 10,000 gain.
A long term view on European heating markets
BSRIA HVAC 2032 Study.
Humidity resilience strategies for home design
Frequency of extreme humidity events is increasing.
National Apprenticeship Week 2025
Skills for life : 10-16 February
Update on the future of Grenfell Tower
Deputy Prime Minister decides for it be carefully taken down to the ground.
Ending decades of frustration, misinformation and distrust.
Essential tools in managing historically significant landscapes.
Classroom electrician courses a 'waste of money'
Say experts from the Electrical Contractors’ Association.
Wellbeing in Buildings TG 10/2025
BSRIA topic guide updates.
With brief background and WELL v2™.
From studies, to books to a new project, with founder Emma Walshaw.
Types of drawings for building design
Still one of the most popular articles the A-Z of drawings.
Who, or What Does the Building Safety Act Apply To?
From compliance to competence in brief.
The remarkable story of a Highland architect.
Commissioning Responsibilities Framework BG 88/2025
BSRIA guidance on establishing clear roles and responsibilities for commissioning tasks.
An architectural movement to love or hate.