Prefabricated Buildings Are Increasingly Popular Within Construction

Posted by Thurston Group on 19th October 2022 -

Construction is a key growth area for prefabricated buildings. In fact, it’s a sector that has been reaping the benefits of volumetric modular construction for decades.

There are clear benefits to the kind of factory-constructed, pre-engineered units of modular buildings for sites that often needed to expand and contract, move around and be generally flexible throughout the duration of the wider project.

Prefab buildings are the best choice

Way back in the 1990s, the Egan Report (Rethinking Construction) detailed the efficiency, usefulness and predictability of offsite modular construction for the sector. The report specifically advised that modular buildings would improve all aspects of the project performance metrics.

The theory at the time suggested that construction companies using modular buildings on site would benefit from:

• Improved performance.
• Higher quality construction.
• Superior health and safety.
• Reduction in project duration.

And this theory is backed up by research and on-site evidence since then.

Temporary or permanent solutions can be provided with prefab buildings

While some continue to think of offsite modular production as only relevant for temporary structures, this is absolutely not the case.

Misunderstandings abound regarding modular construction, but within the construction sector itself, there is widespread appreciation of its benefits. Modular construction methods in 2022 are of an exceptionally high standard.

At Thurston, we control the entire process in our own factories. This allows us to ensure that there are no delays throughout the project and that we can provide the kinds of modular buildings that fulfil the needs of every client.

Within construction, this can be anything from extra office buildings, facilities for staff to take breaks and structures that can be temporary or on a permanent basis.

Challenges within construction sector

Challenges do remain for construction sites incorporating modular buildings, such as any logistical or site constraints. However, Thurston has factored all of these kinds of scenarios into its project cycle, so that the transition on to construction sites is able to be as smooth and unobtrusive as possible.

Modular construction offers the flexibility, efficiency and cost benefits that are extremely attractive to the construction sector.

However, surprisingly the vast majority of modular buildings used within the construction sector are temporary accommodation, such as project offices or staff welfare facilities.

5 ways modular buildings are used within construction

At Thurston Group, we regularly work with top contractors across the UK to provide all kinds of temporary modular buildings. Our turnkey solution makes it as easy as possible for the client, and the buildings are fully ready for use as soon as they are installed on site.

Some of the most common uses of modular buildings within construction are:

1. Offices.

2. Canteens.

3. Toilets and showers.

4. Changing rooms.

5. Storage.

The modular buildings can be designed according to the construction site’s specific needs, making them one of the most flexible methods. Furthermore, we ensure that modular buildings are energy efficient (as well as cost efficient), which is becoming more and more important to the construction sector in terms of carbon management.

As well as the versatility of modular buildings, construction companies benefit from their relatively low operating and maintenance costs, the fact that all necessary fittings and fixtures are included right from the start and each building is delivered to the site ready for occupation and already functional.

Maximising limited footprint on construction sites

Construction sites always have to consider the space they have available on site for the kinds of buildings they need. No project can be completed without the kinds of welfare facilities that modular buildings can provide, but often the footprint available is limited.

This is where we are able to flex our designs to include multi-storey units, which are delivered on site complete with all the necessary steps and landings for full access.

Thurston has a wide range of options for construction clients, ranging from a single, standalone gatehouse building to Anti-vandal portable buildings or complete modular buildings on multiple levels.

Offering additional Vandal resistant and specialist blast resistant modular buildings are ideal solutions for technical and remote sites. Leveraging all of the benefits of modular construction, and ensure longevity while installed in COMAH sites.

Case study: Blast resistant welfare building complex for Esso Petroleum

Having delivered a modular welfare block for Esso Petroleum, the bespoke Ultrablast design was for a Staff welfare block at Esso Petroleum’s Purfleet Fuels Terminal. This meant a range of very specific requirements for safety reasons, as well as a complex design incorporating a number of functional internal rooms.

These blast units were manufactured on site by Thurston, after liaison with an external civil contractor. This resulted in a complex that is blast resistant and incorporates an office administration areas, welfare space and reception.

Fully air conditioned, the complex also includes meeting rooms, an open plan office space, three small offices and a kitchenette. As the client’s site was fully operational at the time of construction, it was important to ensure that the majority of the building works took place off-site, with the building arriving 90% complete.

We delivered the entire project within budget and to the highest possible standard, resulting in on-site buildings that are modern, well designed, fully equipped and can withstand up to 10mba blast resistance.

To find out more about the modular building options available for construction sites, click here.