________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
the build process happening offsite, using precision manufacturing in a factory setting, the teams required to install the modules onsite are often small, and the process is efficient without compromising on safety, compliance or quality.
Strict security measures also limit the amount of traffic and people, entering and exiting sites, meaning that the installation process is not inhibited by delays due to robust vetting processes or significant administration burdens. Having modules delivered prefabricated, drastically reduces the number of vehicles and labour needed to bring materials and equipment onto sites, allowing the temporary ancillary facilities to be installed quickly ahead of the project commencing.
As well as streamlining operational admin, a quicker installation also reduces the chance of delays and can expediate project timelines. With modular facilities able to be installed in a matter of weeks, site workers can hit the ground running with the high-quality welfare and office facilities they require.
Of course, the benefits of modular extend to both temporary and permanent facilities. Whether it is ancillary buildings supporting a larger construction programme, or permanent facilities requiring intense fitout, such as labs or office spaces, the security and speed benefits of offsite are there to be harnessed.
Despite the speed of installation, construction companies can be confident that offsite manufacturing – both temporary and permanent- doesn’ t compromise on quality or functionality. Building munitions and energetics factories can take years to complete, and having top of the range facilities will further support employees and enable them to perform for the programme duration. Although the Construction( Design and Management) Regulations 2015( CDM 2015) lays out the basic requirements for staff facilities- including access to safe drinking water, lockers for personal items and designated rest or eating areas – supporting staff will be key to realising the potential of government’ s investment in the sector.
Ensuring staff needs are met, and exceeded, will be pivotal to keeping projects on track and encouraging people into this field of work. Modular office spaces onsite are often used by building, engineering and design teams, and can be constructed to promote a host of wellbeing and productivity benefits. Natural lighting through windows to improve occupants’ wellbeing, wide corridors to maximise flow of movement and high ceilings to give a sense of space, as well as temperature-controlled environments with satisfactory ventilation and acoustic properties, will all support the internal environment and its impact on productivity and staff performance.
The effects of the physical environment on an individual’ s mental health are well documented, with light, spaciousness and access to nature commonly cited as enablers of good wellbeing. Ensuring workspaces stand up to employee comfort and wellbeing expectations will help to improve an organisation’ s culture and employee mindsets, as well as helping retain top talent, which is increasingly vital due to the skills shortage plaguing the construction and engineering sectors.
As well as quality, offsite manufacturing can support sustainability goals too. Rental modules have a 40 + year lifespan, and their durability and flexibility mean they can be adapted and recycled until the end of their life. Lean manufacturing processes also prioritise operational efficiency by producing less waste from the start, as components are made to exact specifications, resulting in fewer offcuts or waste parts.
Whether short or long term, rental or permanent, modular solutions can be modified for different purposes, for example, they can be repurposed to be
20