Modular Construction Q & A

8/7/2019 Modular Construction Q & A

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Modular Construction Q & A

Adrian Day, Managing Director of Terrapin answers a series of questions which relate

to modern usage ofmodular building methods:

Q1. With the new Part L being introduced last October, and some traditionalbuild housing etc being given a year reprieve, arguably much new housingwill be able to learn from the advances made by modular construction, forwhich all new projects have had to adhere to Part L since October. Pleasecomment on the advantages that may have been demonstrated already.

Modular housing is leading the way in terms of delivering high performance, not justbecause of having to meet the updated Part L requirements, but also because allbuildings are required to meet strict quality control standards due to being produced

in factory controlled conditions. Advances in modular building means that manysystems are sufficiently dynamic to be able to incorporate emerging technologieswithout too much of an issue. Systems like Hybred have the ability to incorporatedynamic insulation, such as Energyflo. This is a clever way to capture leaking heat andfeed it back into a building, which it does by making the insulation layer air permeableand then de-pressurising the house, so that air is drawn inwards, heating it up as itpasses through the walls or roof, in a simple but effective way.

The issue with Part L regulation changes is the price and volume of the newtechnologies available on the market. Solar photovoltaics are now widely beingaccepted on many new builds and the price is starting to come down. Once there is

more volume available of new technologies, they can be embraced by all.

Innovation in offsite construction also means that sustainable technologies can beincorporated, for example, rainwater harvesting, solar photovoltaics or a green roof,all of which greatly enhance the sustainability of a building. It is also possible throughmodular building solutions to achieve A rated energy performance, through the useof innovative cladding methods to optimise insulation levels and reduce heat loads.

Many specifiers are looking to include low embodied carbon building products for newhomes that contain a high level of recycled materials and again these can easily beintegrated within an offsite build.

Q2. Air-tightness is a key plank of performance in new buildings to meetenergy standards. Could you comment on the strengths of modularconstruction in terms of this need?

It very much depends on the design of the building. Generally modular buildingsshould perform better, as they are made with large format boards and panels. TheStructural Insulated Panels (SIPs) that we use to create our Hybred system aremanufactured to the length of the module and are therefore very efficient in terms ofair tightness.
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Q3. Are architects beginning to move away from distrust and arguably somesnobbery towards modular housing to embrace its benefits. What haveproviders been doing to facilitate more architectural possibilities withinmodular?

Architects and offsite companies are working more closely together than ever beforeto come up with innovative solutions to meeting the performance, cost efficiency andenvironmental requirements of the market. This collaboration means clients canbenefit from expertise in designing high quality affordable buildings with all theadvantages of offsite construction.

It means customers can take advantage of all the benefits of modern methods ofconstruction, with units that can be purpose-designed to suit bespoke needs at amore affordable cost. Offsite building offers all the flexibility of a traditional build, butwith a much more efficient system, where the build schedules are quicker, buildingperformance is guaranteed and the whole project has a much lower carbon footprint.

As a company, we work with a number of architects to embrace the technologythrough CPD presentations. The beauty of systems like Hybred is that architects stillhave a large amount of design freedom, whilst being able to take advantage of floorto ceiling glazing, balconies, internal atria and a range external and internal finishes.

Q4. Have bathroom pods been a case of unfulfilled potential in the UK, arethere sectors where they could still be used, and are little used, to providekey construction benefits?

Bathroom pods are an accepted concept within the traditional built environment and

most contractors and architects are aware of the benefits. The pod concept hastraditionally being linked to bathrooms, but pods are simply componentised buildings,which are applicable to almost all build types and can therefore be used for creatingbedrooms, hotel rooms, kitchens and classrooms. The benefit is that they have manycore components, which can be replicated with the external envelope, helping thecustomer to benefit from economies of scale and quicker build schedules.

Q5. Please give examples of product suppliers working together in amodular way, and perhaps in a way not seen before (such as innovations inSIPS panels), to provide systems which answer the needs of current energyefficiency requirements.

We work with the following companies to enhance the performance of our modularbuildings:

Energyflo - one of leading pioneers of dynamic insulation. This system helps todeliver lower U- values without changes to current wall thicknesses or cost.

Innovare manufacturer of offsite structural insulated panels for the constructionindustry.

Protan - manufacturers of ply membranes suitable for modular use. This involves

roll-out PV, which is light in weight, as well as very flexible.

Sheueco - manufacturers of structure framing.
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Q6. What are the embodied energy benefits of modular construction? Cansystems be accredited by BRE, (given that single products are oftenextracted from specifications in the Green Guide in lieu of nominal ratings ofthose products often).

As a company, Terrapin is a solutions provider, rather than a supplier of products.This means that design is not restricted and we can incorporate a wide range ofdifferent products and technologies. Embodied energy needs to be taken into accountwhen specifying building products, for example, cold rolled steel contains a high levelof embodied energy. A major benefit with modular building is that the core componentscan be recycled and used again. For some customers, once the exterior of the buildingbecomes worn or damaged, it can simply be replaced, making the whole building lastlonger. For buildings on a long term lease, once this period comes to an end, we canrecycle and reuse components, wherever possible.

Q7. Is the building industry still overcomplicating certain aspects ofconstruction, due to traditionalist tendencies, when modular could offers

ways round current problems, and more flexibility than is often realised?

Yes, standardisation is key and this does not mean it restricts design. If everyoneworked from the same standards which do not restrict design then the buildingprocess could be simplified.

Q8. Please provide any examples of outstanding modular-built projects youhave recently before aware of in the UK, on design/aesthetics particularly.

Chase Farm Hospital is a member of the Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust

and situated in North Enfield. The 1586 sq m single storey building, built by Terrapin,provides living quarters for 26 patients with 24 single bedrooms and one twinbedroom with en-suite shower and toilet. Ancillary rooms provided within the buildinclude a treatment room, large dining room and day room which can be opened uponto a large external paved seating area.

A rotunda with a mechanical ventilation system protrudes through the roof directlyabove a large welcoming beech circular reception desk which is positioned to enablestaff to observe the full length of the corridors, main entrance and outside seatingarea.

The double height ceilings reveal the enclosed steel framed structure and are flooded

with natural light by the high windows. The internal fittings in patient areas have amodern, comfortable, domestic look and, together with treatment areas, containsafety compliant furniture. The project also includes an adequate parking facility andpleasant external areas for patients, fully enclosed with timber fencing.

The striking design was achieved as a result of a wide range of inputs from experts innew hospital environments and by assessing recent reviews. Oliver Treacy, Director ofMental Health at Chase Farm says, I have been very impressed with the outcome ofthis contract and with Terrapins abilities. The design of the building reflects a 21stcentury image and shows what can be achieved when working within coalitions. Analtogether successful partnership.
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Q10. Is there still a greater need for modular projects to fufil shorttimescales using fast-track method, due to the recession, or has thisdiminished somewhat?

There is a major concern that when the economy does bounce back and buildingresumes to its pre-recession levels, there will not be enough tradespeople left to meetindustry needs.

Modular systems can address these concerns, as external tradespersons are notrequired on site. Modular can also deliver buildings to short timescales if long termvolume is foreseen. Speed is not the only benefit of offsite construction. This methodalso offers quality and performance assurance, peace of mind, reduced risk for theend client are all factors that should be taken into consideration.

For more information about Terrapin, visit www.terrapin-ltd.co.uk or call on 01908

270900
http://www.terrapin-ltd.co.uk/http://www.terrapin-ltd.co.uk/

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Modular Construction Q & A