Algeco UK OSS has shared behind-the-scenes images of its latest 75-bedroom Single Living Accommodation (SLA) complex at the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Stafford. The company has delivered a full turnkey solution, acting as Principal Contractor to the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and the British Army. Modern Methods of Construction (MMC)
New Rush Hall School in Ilford is adding an additional space with its third modular building supplied by GCS Cabins. The building, which will provide a gym and music suite, will be installed in May to elevate learning and lead the way in addressing SEMH student needs. New Rush Hall School provides
Algeco UK, a subsidiary of Modulaire Group, Europe and Asia-Pacific’s leading business services company specialising in modular services and infrastructure, has today published its latest global sustainability report for 2023. It shows that the company is on track to achieve its 2025 goals, with a significant 30.7% reduction of Scope 1 and 2 market-based emissions since 2020. In the 2023 ESGS report, “Modular Solutions for
With the recent focus on the modular housebuilding industry, Richard Hipkiss, Development Director of the Modular and Portable Building Association (MPBA), considers why the outlook in mature commercial markets is on a different trajectory. Vast investment is required to set up advanced manufacturing facilities and production lines work best when
The volumetric modular sector is at a critical tipping point. The industry faces unprecedented challenges following a year of fluctuating demand in the housing sector – combined with increased scrutiny from the market and media. But while there are many obstacles to overcome, those operating in the modular industry are
Peacehaven’s most ambitious housing development to date – Chalk Way – launched on 19 September 2023. The project, spearheaded by modular housing company Boutique Modern in partnership with social housing provider Stonewater, comprises 40 affordable and energy-efficient modern homes, which have now been rented to delighted local families. The launch
Golding Homes’ Somerfield Terrace development in Maidstone has seen the arrival of its cutting-edge, factory built “fully modular” homes. The houses were manufactured in three parts by leading fully modular developer TopHat at their Derbyshire factory, fully fitted with kitchens and bathrooms, then transported to Maidstone, lifted into position by
O’Keefe is carrying out the second phase of groundworks and infrastructure works for a new residential development by modular off-site specialist TopHat. Although located on the site of the historic Kitchener Barracks in Kent, the apartments themselves are precision-engineered at TopHat’ s factory in Derbyshire and delivered to site ready
Work on a new outpatient facility at King’s College Hospital in London is now complete. The facility is the UK’s largest modular off-site construction project within NHS healthcare to date and has been successfully procured via a bespoke, structured finance agreement. King’s College Hospital serves more than 700,000 patients across
As the industry looks to address the gender imbalance, Jackie Maginnis was certainly ahead of her time not only as a high-profile woman in construction but also in promoting the benefits of advanced building technologies. With a long and illustrious career, more recently in the modular and portable building industry,
Algeco UK OSS has shared behind-the-scenes images of its latest 75-bedroom Single Living Accommodation (SLA) complex at the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Stafford. The company has delivered a full turnkey solution, acting as Principal Contractor to the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and the British Army. Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) refers to offsite and onsite techniques, which could include mass production and factory assembly as alternatives to traditional building methods. These are a fast way of delivering new buildings focused on the efficiency of materials and human resources. Modular buildings devised utilising MMC have the potential to deliver significant improvements in productivity and quality for both the construction industry and the end user. They also minimise the work required on-site, which can have added benefits and appeal for those in sectors such as Defence. The solution provided to MOD Stafford is a CTM Leve1 (Category 1) Pre-Manufacturing 3D primary structural system that will be used to house members of the army. The three-storey building, known as Beacon Barracks, is set to offer high-quality accommodation with integral communal areas, as well as a brick slip façade and sustainable features including solar PV and heat pumps. The modules for the barracks were manufactured in Carnaby in East Yorkshire and delivered to the site with a Pre-Manufactured Value (PMV) of around 80%. MOD Stafford was designed by AHR Architects, supporting the Algeco UK OSS team on the construction stage and architectural design through its Leeds offices. A full site inspection has now been carried out with strong feedback received by attendees and participants, particularly regarding the overall quality and feel compared to comparative schemes. Volumetric Air tests are carried out on all completed projects and the SLA Block at MOD Stafford has achieved a rating of 1.18. Lee Kenton of Build Energy commented that 1.18 is “exemplary for the size of the building” and “far exceeded” the Passivhaus gold standard of 0.60, with an air change rate of 0.48. The new barracks at MOD Stafford is part of an £800M investment into SLA by the Army over the next decade. This investment into modern infrastructure is set to provide military personnel with the fit-for-purpose accommodation facilities they deserve, as well as contribute to ambitions to become Carbon Net Zero by 2050. Brigadier Pete Quaite, Head of Army Infrastructure Plans, said, “I visited the Single Living Accommodation under construction at Beacon Barracks at the start of this year. To see the finished block just two months later shows the impressive pace of progress being achieved through our modular design and build programme. This new SLA is another excellent example of how ongoing Army investment is improving the quality of life for our people, providing them with modern, spacious and well-designed accommodation.” Wayne Yeomans, Algeco UK OSS Sales and Marketing Director said, “This is modular and offsite construction at its best. I must applaud the Algeco UK team as well as our supply chain partners, including AHR Architects, for making this possible. Working with architects means we have incorporated innovative features into the design, such as solar PV orientation to maximise the amount of electricity produced and optimising the number of overall modules required. “We were selected as the modular building partner by the MOD because of our track record in supplying high quality accommodation on a diverse range of other publicly funded projects, along with our willingness to collaborate with project partners and deliver excellent value for money. “The quality of these solutions is proven by results, like the industry-leading scores achieved in our recent volumetric air test, which is not an easy achievement. We have learnt so much from this project and we are proud this will also help inform the Defence Infrastructure Organisation’s future Programmatic Design approach.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New Rush Hall School in Ilford is adding an additional space with its third modular building supplied by GCS Cabins. The building, which will provide a gym and music suite, will be installed in May to elevate learning and lead the way in addressing SEMH student needs. New Rush Hall School provides specialised support for pupils aged 5 to 16 who have social, emotional, or mental health (SEMH) difficulties. Staff take pride in providing a personalised, inclusive, and inspiring education to all 80 pupils. A quality learning environment plays a significant part in student education. Mr Walters, Executive Headteacher said: “We have used GCS Cabins for two modular buildings and are in the process of commissioning a third. We needed additional space to provide therapy rooms and break-out spaces for our pupils in order to enhance their wellbeing. The spaces created by GCS Cabins have enabled us to do that.” New Rush Hall School has been choosing modular classrooms from GCS Cabins for the past four years. The first building was a simple, open-plan, communal break area. The second building included a number of bespoke customisations, which allowed for the creation of a library, five individual 1-1 learning spaces and finally accessible toilets. The third building, which is currently being constructed off-site, will be 108m2 and house a gym and music suite. The gym will have various machines, a boxing ring, punch bags that are removable from ceiling hooks, a toilet and two showers. The recording studio with a microphone area will be fully soundproofed. Mr Walters added: “The third modular building, which is currently in progress, will provide us with a Creative and Fitness Hub, which will incorporate a gym, boxing facilities and a recording studio. This latest hub will provide additional opportunities for our pupils to access facilities that they would not normally have. These spaces will encourage creativity, develop talents, and have a positive impact on our pupils’ fitness and mental health, which will be of huge benefit.” The addition of a modular gym and music suite is designed to encourage more students to participate in extracurricular activities. A study by Public Health England found that participation in extracurricular activities has a positive effect on student attainment. Physical activity has also been linked to improved classroom behaviour across the whole school. Modular classrooms are a great option for schools as they are completely customisable and adaptable. Each school building can be refurbished to provide a dynamic, inclusive space that meets the specific needs of your students and teachers. Mr Walter continued: “GCS Cabins have been involved with the design and production from the start of this Hub and the previous hubs. Their expertise and knowledge has been of great value and has helped us to design spaces that are fit for purpose. They have been flexible and supportive and enabled us to fulfill our vision. Their communication is excellent, and they have gone above and beyond in terms of trying to meet our needs whilst remaining hugely competitive and cost-effective.” All projects are full turnkey packages, including all groundworks and connection of services. New Rush Hall School’s latest building will be completed in May with a turnaround of only 12 weeks from the point of order to completion. GCS Cabins is experienced in creating inspiring learning spaces that help schools support their students’ achievements Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Algeco UK, a subsidiary of Modulaire Group, Europe and Asia-Pacific’s leading business services company specialising in modular services and infrastructure, has today published its latest global sustainability report for 2023. It shows that the company is on track to achieve its 2025 goals, with a significant 30.7% reduction of Scope 1 and 2 market-based emissions since 2020. In the 2023 ESGS report, “Modular Solutions for a circular economy”, the Group outlines the ways in which it is taking action on climate change. The report shares Modulaire Group’s ESGS purpose, strategy, commitments and progress against targets. Inder Poonaji (Group ESG & Sustainability Director) said, “Our sustainable circular business model – Loops within Loops – continues to deliver great results for our business and our customers. We are using innovative design solutions to produce modular units that can stay in service longer, going round and round again. It uses less materials and produces less waste. Today, our Group is producing over 30% less carbon emissions, using 55% less water and sending 75% less waste to landfill, all since 2020. We’re proud of our performance and our products.” Keith Dorling, Managing Director of Algeco UK, emphasised, “Our UK operations have taken significant steps to decrease carbon emissions in line with our group’s reduction targets. These actions encompass various aspects of our operations, including the electrification of forklifts and company cars, installation of on-site solar PVs, procurement of renewable electricity, development of low-emission service centres with implementation of energy efficiency measures, while also offering low-emission product options to support our customers’ emission reduction objectives. We also prioritise internal awareness training and sustainability campaigns. Our commitment to enhancing operations and providing emission-reducing solutions for our customers reflects our dedication. I’m proud of the collaborative effort and initiatives undertaken at all levels of our organisation to achieve these positive outcomes. Algeco UK’s key ESGS performance highlights achieved in 2023: Download the Modulaire Group 2023 ESGS report: Modular Solutions for a circular economy. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
With the recent focus on the modular housebuilding industry, Richard Hipkiss, Development Director of the Modular and Portable Building Association (MPBA), considers why the outlook in mature commercial markets is on a different trajectory. Vast investment is required to set up advanced manufacturing facilities and production lines work best when demand is steady, and utilisation is high. But as we all know, construction is an unpredictable business – particularly in the housing sector, as we are currently witnessing. The underlying challenges of the housing shortage are much more complex and political than simply finding a quicker way to build. Manufacturing facilities require a substantial investment of time and money to set up and need a constant throughput of work to provide a return on that investment. The stop start nature of residential construction is not conducive to keeping a factory running at capacity all the time. This is why so many of our members operate in sectors such as healthcare and education where modular approaches have been successfully used for decades. Leading modular manufacturers strive to develop long-term strategic relationships by developing skills and sector specialisms. A healthier pipeline of future work allows modular players to optimise their products and develop their production capabilities. For innovative construction methods to become a preferred alternative that can truly compete with traditional methods, strategic alignment between modular producers and construction clients, particularly in the public sector – are mutually beneficial. The benefits of volumetric modular buildings come from the industrialisation of key construction tasks. MPBA members aim to standardise, streamline and automate major parts of the value chain. To get that right, modular companies need best-in-class manufacturing capabilities, including sophisticated digital design platforms and lean, efficient production lines. Investment in digital technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), 3D printing and real-time data analytics – is happening at pace. It is standard practice for Building Information Modelling (BIM) to be embedded into the design and advanced manufacturing processes involved in modular construction. Increasing technological advancements coupled with the advantages provided by modular construction such as vastly reducing building schedules and cost without impacting on quality, together with sustainability gains such as reduction in construction carbon and material waste – are contributing to demand in the commercial sector. Evidencing Value Pre-Manufactured Value (PMV) is another driving force in the specification of volumetric technology in public projects – particularly in the healthcare and education sectors. PMV is a core metric for measuring the level of MMC in a project and is central to the UK government’s procurement programmes. To secure a contract, suppliers are required to show that pre-manufacturing will account for at least 70% of their construction cost, which plays to the strength of a volumetric modular approach. Traceability and Accountability Since 2016 the BIM mandate has required UK public sector construction projects to use BIM technology. This has helped speed up the pace of adoption during the design and construction phases. It has been predicted that government intervention around the ‘golden thread’ will accelerate things further. Central to the concept is guaranteeing the traceability and availability of project data and all decisions relating to the design, construction, safety performance and maintenance of the building. The ‘thread’ involves the information handed over at the completion of a project which must be right from the start of client ownership and then must remain accurate throughout the building’s lifecycle. With traditional construction often key information such as product specification and maintenance details are not complete or accurate at the point of client handover which means the golden thread required for optimal running and safety cannot be achieved. As an established method of sharing building lifecycle data across design, construction and operation – BIM is also regarded as integral to achieving a golden thread. Accurate and Reliable Information With volumetric modular construction all data can be validated and coordinated as part of a structured process, which helps provide accurate and reliable information for clients at the point of handover. It also means it is easier to identify what products and material specifications were used on previous projects should any legislation changes occur. With its powerful combination of controlled deliverables and customisable outputs, modular construction provides cost and time efficiencies together with the repeatable quality and safety – meeting the key drivers and stringent protocols demanded by the commercial sector. About MPBA The MPBA plays a key role in the connecting of sectors in the modular and portable building industry. The association collaborates with specialist technical advisors to enhance innovation in the design and manufacture of modular buildings. These can be designed and manufactured from timber or steel in any size and shape to meet individual client needs while ensuring full compliance with Building Regulations. To discover how modular technology can benefit construction projects go to: www.mpba.biz Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The volumetric modular sector is at a critical tipping point. The industry faces unprecedented challenges following a year of fluctuating demand in the housing sector – combined with increased scrutiny from the market and media. But while there are many obstacles to overcome, those operating in the modular industry are still pushing game-changing technology and evolving to meet future demands. Taking place on 19 – 20 March 2024 at the Coventry Building Society Arena – Modular Matters aims to separate the fact from the fiction, tackling the big conversations and facing the positive and negative impacts of the last year. With Housing Minister Lee Rowley making the keynote presentation, this event offers a massive opportunity to find out first-hand about the ‘state of the MMC nation.’ Strategic Thinking It is not all doom and gloom, and despite a tough year volumetric modular technology remains at the forefront of innovation, capable of redefining how we think about construction, with the ability to not only improve structures but create sustainable spaces that support a circular economy. With game-changing industry leaders presenting success stories and demonstrating proven techniques for overcoming the current status quo – Modular Matters takes a frank and candid look at the commercial and financial barriers to growth, to determine the roadmap to stable and viable long-term business models. Influence the Narrative With a brand-new venue, the 2024 event will provide a more interactive and engaging platform that encourages active delegate participation through facilitated engagement and discussion. Lifting the bonnet to get to the detail, taking lessons from global benchmarks and client-led conversations. The conference will invite industry innovators, change-leaders, influencers and modernisers to have their say. Modular Matters will determine the actions needed to make radical transformative change in the market and develop a viable and sustainable modular supply chain. Modular Matters offers a platform for all voices in the industry to have their say on: Why Attend? Raising the bar, building on the successes of previous events, while diversifying and expanding the programme and exhibition to attract a wider audience – Modular Matters presents an opportunity to join the conversation and connect with key players in the sector as well as suppliers, manufacturers, architects and decision makers from local authorities and the public sector. Modular Matters 2024 invites delegates to deep dive into the current state of the modular market, tackling the recent changes and increased media attention following the withdrawal of multiple players from the sector. With an objective to influence, inform and investigate – Modular Matters will address roadblocks, identify solutions, analyse successes and separate the myths from the facts. Keynote speaker, Housing Minister Lee Rowley will be joined by presenters from Homes England, TopHat, Crown Commercial Services, Tide/Vision, Platform Housing Group, HLM Architects, Cartwright Pickard, Fulcro Engineering Services, Beattie Passive, Portakabin, Algeco, McAvoy, Elements Europe, Lighthouse, MTX, TG Escapes, Kope, So Modular, Mishcon de Reya and Reds 10. For the full speaker line up and to book your place, go to: www.modularmatters.co.uk
Peacehaven’s most ambitious housing development to date – Chalk Way – launched on 19 September 2023. The project, spearheaded by modular housing company Boutique Modern in partnership with social housing provider Stonewater, comprises 40 affordable and energy-efficient modern homes, which have now been rented to delighted local families. The launch of the terraced and detached houses, all with a garden, open-plan living room and kitchen, bathroom and parking, marks a progressive new era in environmentally advanced affordable housing. Boutique Modern, which is located in neighbouring Newhaven, is on a mission to shake up the housing industry. The government’s ambition to build 300,000 homes annually is not being met – we’re currently delivering just over 200,000 a year[1]. Many consider the 300,000 target woefully inadequate as it is. This deficit in housing supply has driven up property prices, exacerbating problems in the rental market, as well as aggravating homelessness and overcrowding. But it doesn’t need to be this way. By changing mindsets and thinking beyond traditional construction and property development methods, Boutique Modern believes the UK can create sustainable, energy efficient and affordable housing stock for all. On a property mission Boutique Modern is a primary contractor and modular manufacturer deeply committed to addressing the affordable housing crisis in the South of England. Its mission involves collaborating with local authorities and housing associations to provide top-tier, genuinely sustainable, affordable and social housing. With a decade of experience in modular housing production, the company – the UK’s first certified B Corp modular construction firm – is all about embracing innovation and ensuring that all its endeavours have a positive impact on the planet. At the core of Boutique Modern’s ethos lies the belief that everyone deserves access to high-quality, affordable homes. Its greater purpose is to deliver homes that are sustainable, cost-effective, architecturally appealing and, most importantly, bring joy to their inhabitants. And it recognises the significance of crafting homes that cater to local needs and contribute positively to each person, as well as the community and its surroundings. Dick Shone, managing director at Boutique Modern, said: “Modular housing schemes have the potential to unlock land that’s deemed inappropriate for traditional construction methods, and develop it into great places for people to live. “Chalk Way already looks like part of the established urban landscape of Peacehaven and is a great example of how low-impact modular housing can make an architectural statement as well as improving communities and people’s lives without hurting the planet.” Modular versus traditional Modern methods of construction, such as modular housing, are usually sourced hundreds of miles away from development sites. Boutique Modern’s Newhaven location means it can work across the whole of the South of England, buoying the local economy while working to alleviate regional housing shortages with minimal environmental impact. The Chalk Way development in Peacehaven proves it’s possible to run a socially aware business that invests in and looks after its workforce, and that focuses on making environmental advances, including measuring waste and carbon emissions, while creating quality homes that improve tenants’ lives. In an era where traditional construction methods still dominate the building industry, it’s important to consider whether they are genuinely suited to the task of constructing a sustainable, resilient infrastructure. From budget overruns stemming from labour shortages and inefficient material handling to environmental consequences that exceed legal limits, there is a compelling argument against depending on outdated approaches when undertaking new construction projects or renovating existing structures. Modular homes can take as little as a week to construct at the factory and then just three to four weeks to build on site, causing minimal disruption to neighbours. Energy efficient measures including solar panels can be installed with far greater ease than with traditional builds and retro-fits. The electric-powered homes at Chalk Way have already been rated highly for their energy efficiency, with high performing EPC certificates, and appraised for their minimal carbon emissions over the building’s life cycle. A vision of the future Boutique Modern is truly committed to enhancing communities, for example by working with local schools to create sensory gardens for children with additional needs – a project undertaken during the Chalk Way development. Shone added: “There are so many reasons why we need to embrace modular construction. We can outpace sluggish traditional methods. Streamlined production processes slash costs, while minimised material waste and shorter timelines help the bottom line. Modular construction champions sustainability. It’s a greener choice, generating less waste and boasting a smaller carbon footprint than traditional methods. Plus, these homes can be custom-designed with energy-efficient features, supporting sustainability and cutting long-term operating costs. “It’s been fantastic to collaborate with Stonewater on this project, a company which has similar ambitions to us regarding sustainability and social value.” Boutique Modern’s modular system is also a powerhouse of scalability. It’s equally adept at tackling small-scale projects or orchestrating grand housing developments. The modular world is also abuzz with innovation. Continual advancements in construction techniques, materials and technology propel these homes towards efficiency and excellence, setting the bar higher with each stride. For more information, visit: https://boutiquemodern.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Golding Homes’ Somerfield Terrace development in Maidstone has seen the arrival of its cutting-edge, factory built “fully modular” homes. The houses were manufactured in three parts by leading fully modular developer TopHat at their Derbyshire factory, fully fitted with kitchens and bathrooms, then transported to Maidstone, lifted into position by crane and bolted together to create new homes. The six four-bedroom houses will be available for shared ownership and market rent customers in 2024.Modern methods of construction – and fully modular in particular – are a more efficient and sustainable way of building homes, with lower carbon emissions to build and more energy efficient to run. The Somerfield Terrace site dates back to 1850 and was formerly a private and military hospital. The site includes four blocks of Grade II listed semi-detached villas which have been converted, with some of the original features being preserved. Once complete, the development will consist of 73 homes – including flats and houses – for market rent, shared ownership, social rent and discount market sale. Executive Director of Development at Golding Homes, Tom Casey, said: “Somerfield Terrace is an exciting development with both Grade II listed buildings and ultra-modern homes side by side, bringing a unique housing offer to the county town. “Using modern methods of construction is part of our commitment to providing homes that are both sustainable and affordable. This is the first time we’ve used modular homes at one of our developments in Maidstone, so seeing them arrive here on site is a significant milestone that we’re really proud of.”Jordan Rosenhaus, CEO and Founder of TopHat said: “We are delighted to see our beautifully designed, precision engineered new homes arrive on site in Maidstone. “There’s increasing awareness of the benefits of modern factory-built homes – from the lower carbon to build and run, through to quicker, quieter building sites – so it’s great to work with Golding Homes and to be bringing this to life in Maidstone.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
O’Keefe is carrying out the second phase of groundworks and infrastructure works for a new residential development by modular off-site specialist TopHat. Although located on the site of the historic Kitchener Barracks in Kent, the apartments themselves are precision-engineered at TopHat’ s factory in Derbyshire and delivered to site ready for installation. The project is part of a larger scheme that will see TopHat deliver almost 300 new homes over three phases on the 4.8-acre Kitchener Barracks site. O’Keefe is the groundworks contractor on the current second phase, which started with enabling works in January 2022 followed by the main works package in March 2022. The company was principal contractor on the first phase of the scheme, completed in early 2021. The site knowledge gained by the team on that phase has assisted greatly when dealing with the construction element of the phase two works. “We have worked with TopHat previously on other schemes so there is a positive relationship between TopHat and O’Keefe,” says O’Keefe project manager Daniel Gough. The Kitchener Barracks project involves the construction of three four-storey blocks of modular apartments which will comprise 96 one- and two-bedroom homes. On this phase, some 240 modular sections were assembled on site and cassette corridor sections were then installed at the upper levels between the rows of apartments. O’Keefe’s role includes part-construction of foundations, drainage and services for the modular apartments, plus access roads and external finishings. Although the apartment modules are manufactured off-site, they still require foundations and services to be built in-situ. The foundations are mass concrete strip footings bedded a minimum 200mm into the underlying chalk strata. One of the biggest challenges for O’Keefe has been to ensure the on-site works perfectly align with the factory-built modules. Working to exacting tolerances, O’Keefe has formed upstands to receive the prefabricated modular units. “Co-ordination is vital when off site manufacturing and site build foundations are carried out,” says Daniel Gough. “It is essential that precise as-built surveys are carried out to ensure that the position and levels are within the specified tolerance and any drainage pipes are located correctly.” O’Keefe formed the drainage connections prior to the modular sections being installed. Service entries were taken into the plantrooms situated in the two stair cores and then distributed to the modular units. Reinforced concrete upstands and slabs were constructed within the two cores and the end escape stairs and a reinforced concrete in-situ lift core constructed to each of the cores, with a steel framework installed prior to installation of the modules. O’Keefe’s contract has also involved construction of a reinforced concrete (RC) frame extension off the back of the existing Khartoum Building, dating from the 1930s. The RC frame comprises a lower ground floor/basement level for parking, including electrical vehicle charging bays, with a ground level transfer slab above. This forms part extension for housing apartments and part outdoor terrace. A particular challenge here was the interface between the existing Khartoum Building and the new RC frame. “The existing building was originally cut to demolish the western side some years ago – this was carried out and surveyed in a method to assist with best coordinating the design of the new RC frame with the remaining building elements,” explains Daniel. “The complex design has been a continuous, coordinated process assisted by O’Keefe, the consultant engineers, architects and TopHat, to ensure that further survey work was carried out to slabs, roofs, cavities and foundations for the structural frame to have its final design. “Underpinning was carried out on the building in the early stages of the project and then the installation and cutting back completed after the concrete had cured. “TopHat and O’Keefe have worked together throughout the RC frame element of the works to monitor progress and provide live survey data to the consultant engineers and architects to assist with overcoming any issues encountered during the RC frame build,” says Daniel. Andrew Shepherd, managing director of TopHat Solutions said: “TopHat have worked closely with O’Keefe on this complex and ground breaking project. It was essential that we had a partner that was able to address a number of different challenges from foundations for an innovative modular project through to a concrete frame that would tie into an existing heritage building. This ongoing relationship has been formed on a process of innovation and continuous improvement, which underpins our joint approach to future projects.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Work on a new outpatient facility at King’s College Hospital in London is now complete. The facility is the UK’s largest modular off-site construction project within NHS healthcare to date and has been successfully procured via a bespoke, structured finance agreement. King’s College Hospital serves more than 700,000 patients across four London boroughs and was facing severe capacity constraints due to a lack of available space and urgent upgrades required to its current facilities. Procured via a tailored finance solution, specialist modular building provider Premier Modular handed over the new outpatient consultation and procedure facility within nine months, with the modules being installed on-site on an existing car park at the hospital in just 23 days. Jane Tabiner Managing Director at SAF Solutions: “This was a fantastic project to be involved in and SAF has played a pivotal role in helping make the UK’s largest modular off-site construction project within the NHS a reality. This is a fantastic achievement for both SAF Solutions and Premier Modular. “Collaboration and partnership were central to the successful delivery of this project. We worked closely with the team at Kings College Hospital to understand the Trust’s financial needs and designed a bespoke solution that fits the bill. We’re proud of our work on this project and our part in further supporting the NHS and their patients.” The large-scale facility has been built onto one of the Trust’s existing car park, assisting in reducing waiting times while improving the patient experience for urgent care services, all without disrupting the current day to day activity of the hospital. The use of existing hospital estate to house the facility also allows the trust to redevelop other areas of the site. With a wealth of experience in developing bespoke funding solutions within healthcare and modular construction, SAF created a funding structure that was tailored to suit both the Trust’s significant investment and the construction agreements already in place with Premier Modular. The finance solution can be adapted to align with the evolving needs of the Trust and its patients and also takes the initial building and development elements of the project into account, amalgamating costs into a single, monthly fee. The new facility provides 48 purpose-designed consultation rooms and eight procedure rooms for a range of services, including dermatology, rheumatology, respiratory, neurosciences, pain management, and urology as well as other aspects of surgery and therapies. Set to provide much-needed additional capacity for the Trust and its patients, this new facility is a fantastic example of the positive role finance solutions can play in supporting investment in brand-new, modular, industry-leading healthcare facilities whilst effectively utilising budgets available within an NHS Trust. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As the industry looks to address the gender imbalance, Jackie Maginnis was certainly ahead of her time not only as a high-profile woman in construction but also in promoting the benefits of advanced building technologies. With a long and illustrious career, more recently in the modular and portable building industry, for over 50 years she has been involved in construction related businesses. Starting her working life at SGB (Scaffolding Great Britain) in the Plant Hire Division, later transferring to SGB Rovacabin (the hire division now part of Wernick Group), Jackie held various positions from Northern Regional Manager to National Operations Manager and everything in between. It was her work involving the product design and development of modular buildings that caught the attention of the Modular and Portable Building Association (MPBA) and in 2005 she was invited to join and take up the position of Chief Executive – a role she still holds today. With a mission to develop a wider understanding of what can be achieved using volumetric modular construction, Jackie gives credit to the public sector. “As an early adopter of modern methods of construction (MMC), councils and local authorities were using volumetric modular technology across all sectors in the 70’s and 80’s particularly to cope with a rapid increase in the need for education buildings as a result of the post war baby boom. This was very much the development ground for MMC – backed by thinking way ahead of its time.” “We cannot yet claim to be ‘mainstream’, but we have seen a dramatic uptake in volumetric modular technology which is now considered as category one in the MMC Frameworks,” said Jackie. “The support for government projects, particularly in healthcare and education, has come from lobbying over the years from the MPBA and our members, to get specification and procurement changes in place. In the wake of more backing from Westminster, we have witnessed an increase in investment and modular construction frameworks across all public sector projects.” Jackie states that as the industry association, the MPBA has a mission to educate and dispel misconceptions and highlights an example. “A few years ago, there was a mistaken belief that a volumetric approach stifles design capabilities. But then new architects came to the fore that not only embraced modern methods of construction but proved without doubt the design potential of modular technology.” Jackie agrees that we have since moved on and most understand the predictability, productivity, quality and safety gains achieved in volumetric manufactured buildings. But when asked if she had any frustrations, Jackie said: “As ever ‘the devil is in the detail’ and there is still an element of confusion particularly in some areas of government and wider trade bodies which is naturally causing some disconcert within the MPBA fraternity. “This is predominately driven by a lack of understanding of the different requirements between the modular commercial and residential sectors. Policy is being dictated by the perceived growth in residential markets and then applied to the mature commercial sector – the pitfalls surrounding this approach are obvious. Then there are the global markets, particularly in the US and EU where construction methods are totally different and we cannot apply the same protocols as the UK, which is a world leader in not only volumetric modular technology but building standards. “The term ‘modern methods of construction’ was reintroduced in 2019 by Communities and Local Government following a specific commitment made in the 2017 white paper fix our broken housing. The MMC Framework that followed as a result was specifically written for large scale housing projects but has been continually implemented across the wider non-domestic sectors where modular construction techniques have matured over several years. There are significant differences in the supply chain, design factors, risk profiles and significantly, terminology used. The MPBA has released a Non-domestic Guide to Modern Methods of Construction Categories to raise awareness.” “Modular construction quite rightly has to conform to Building Regulations, so for example, combustible materials have been banned for use on the external walls of new buildings of at least 18 metres containing one or more dwellings since 2018. To our dismay a brochure promoting a trade body in the building safety arena, has an image of a timber module being craned onto about the tenth storey. Clearly not a UK development, but this lack of attention to detail, particularly by those who are involved in setting the standards, is disappointing to say the least.” After all these years in the industry, Jackie is still totally committed and fiercely passionate about representing the MPBA and its members. But when asked ‘what’s next’ Jackie said: “We need to ensure policy decisions are evidence based for the good of not only the modular industry and the wider construction sector but most importantly to ensure the best outcomes for building owners and occupiers. There is still much work to be done, so I intend to continue on my mission to promote modular for some time to come!” MPBAThe MPBA plays a key role in the connecting of sectors in the modular and portable building industry. The association collaborates with specialist technical advisors to enhance innovation in the design and manufacture of volumetric modular buildings. These can be designed and manufactured from timber or steel in any size and shape to meet individual client needs while ensuring full compliance with building regulations. To discover how volumetric modular technology can benefit construction projects visit: www.mpba.biz Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
