DEDICATED TO THE
DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATION OF
OFFSITE MEP SYSTEMS NOV/DEC 2023 ISSUE ONE
PLUG AND PLAY OPTIONS STREAMLINING CRITICAL BUILDING SERVICES P04
P06
P14
APEX MODULAR SYSTEMS Providing modular wiring and mechanical sub-assemblies for the offsite sector
NG BAILEY Using MEP to deliver a safer, better, faster and greener future
VOLUMETRIC™ Kew Bridge Rise sees the latest in bathroom and MEP pod technology
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BUILDING ESSENTIALS
CONTENTS
Welcome to our special magazine section highlighting some recent projects and businesses operating within the mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) space inside the offsite sector. All of whom let us know some of the reasons why this unheralded aspect of premanufacture should be grabbing more headlines. Whilst offsite construction conjures up images of homes, schools, hospitals and all sorts of differing building typologies, the role of MEP services often get overlooked. These services are all-important parts of the buildings where we live, work and spend valuable time in. These building services are critical parts of everyday usage – we all use the bathroom and WC – and we all want to be in warm and energy efficient surroundings. The factory manufacture of these products and the way in which specifiers and engineers view them means that a renewed focus is required on the world of pipes, wiring and water systems. Over the next few pages, we hear from several key businesses operating in the sector that offer up plenty of advice and a range of ways where prefabricated MEP systems and units can be installed. These lead to improved productivity and efficiency and critically can go a long way to prevent all kinds of installation errors that inevitably arise when done using traditional site-based habits.
OVERLEAF…
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APEX MODULAR SYSTEMS The opportunity to participate in the Seismic project proved the catalyst that would lead to the launch of a new M&E provider – Apex Modular Systems (AMS) – and a string of exciting new contracts.
NG BAILEY Scott Moran, Operations Manager for NG Bailey Offsite Manufacture, outlines how an ‘offsite first’ approach could help build a safer, better, faster and greener future for MEP.
CONTAINERISED & READY TO CONNECT IDS, part of M Group Services’ Water Division, was appointed to design and build a containerised process treatment plant by its client IXOM and used offsite manufacture to do it.
ENSURING PLUMBING QUALITY AT EVERY STAGE Offsite modular construction is playing a key role in shaping the industry’s future, but it requires a specific approach to design and material choices. This is especially true for heating and plumbing systems. Paul Whittall, Business Development Manager for MMC at Uponor, explains more.
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IDEAL DRAINAGE SOLUTIONS
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RISING POWER WITH VOLUMETRIC™
Martyn Rowlands, Managing Director at Pipekit, is seeing demand for prefabricated drainage systems grow and is busy scaling up the business to cope.
Due for overall completion in 2026, Kew Bridge Rise is a major residential development on the site of a former Citroen garage in Brentford, West London and will feature the latest in bathroom and MEP pod technology.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | WWW.MEPMAGAZINE.CO.UK
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TOTALLY WIRED FOR OFFSITE
The opportunity to participate in the Seismic project proved the catalyst that would lead to the launch of a new M&E provider – Apex Modular Systems (AMS) – and a string of exciting new contracts. Wiring Solutions (AWS) has proved to be a fertile environment in which to pioneer and perfect new products and solutions.
THE APEX MODULAR WIRING SYSTEM IS A UNIVERSAL SOLUTION SUITABLE FOR ALL BUILDING TYPES, COMPRISING PRE-WIRED AND PLUGGABLE DISTRIBUTION BOARDS, MASTER DISTRIBUTION BOXES (MDB’S) INTERCONNECTING CIRCUIT CABLES AND PRE-WIRED AND PLUGGABLE WIRING ACCESSORIES AND SECOND FIX (SECONDARY) DEVICES.
1 The Seismic development project, a two storey, six module volumetric building manufactured jointly by Algeco and McAvoy, was designed to showcase innovation within the offsite manufacturing sector. This was the driver behind the creation of specialist offsite M&E services provider AMS. A collaboration between industry innovators, the building included the installation of the Apex Modular Wiring system, separately at the Algeco and McAvoy facilities, coming together seamlessly when the six units were erected at the BRE site in Watford. Encouraged by the opportunity this created, AMS was formed to provide both mechanical and electrical services for the offsite building sector in a progressive and innovative way.
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From the outset, the primary aim of AMS has been to provide a more efficient method of installing M&E services into offsite facilities - with a view to improving efficiency and driving productivity. Demand within the construction sector (for offsite manufactured buildings) has never been stronger, prompting manufacturers to look for new ways to streamline their process to yield more output. Working closely with a number of key manufacturers within the offsite sector, AMS have invested time in understanding their products and processes, which has informed the development of solutions which drive efficiencies. Additionally, the synergy between AMS and its colleagues at Apex
Offsite manufactured mechanical components comprise of standard solutions common to most building types and tailored solutions for specific applications. AMS, in collaboration with AWS and their clients, have developed mechanical riser modules for use within multi story buildings seen within single living accommodation (SLA) blocks and prison cell blocks, as well as horizontal corridor modules carrying the M&E services. Pre-manufactured mechanical sub-assemblies (MSAs) are used for toilet and wash hand basin installations, as well as a host of other plumbing applications. To support their activity, AMS have partnered M&E consultant CAD21, a specialist design house offering comprehensive MEP design services. Its in-house design team is fully equipped with the skills to take designs from concept to detail design stage and beyond – and get it right first time. Both AMS and CAD21 recognise the impact MEP has on other disciplines, and the importance of setting an MEP strategy that responds to project aspirations and constraints early on.
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2 As a result of working together on the Seismic building, AMS and Tata Steel have collaborated further to provide an enhanced offering to the market, by combining the attributes and benefits of the Tata Steel ‘Trimawall System’ and the Apex Modular Wiring system. Similarly, AMS are now providing complete building management systems via the Atamate ‘atbos’ (Atamate Building Operating System) software platform that connects both sensors and hardware to their cloud software, which together provides a totally integrated system. Real-time monitoring and control capabilities empowers owners, operators, and facility managers, to optimise energy consumption, HVAC systems, lighting, natural ventilation, and door entry systems remotely.
3 and latterly their site-borne activity. Gaining a better understanding of the client’s products and process has allowed us to develop and tailor our solutions for maximum benefit, both within the factory and on-site.”
BY INTEGRATING MULTIPLE SYSTEMS WITHIN THE AMS SCOPE OF SUPPLY, THEY CAN PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE MEP AND CONTROLS SOLUTION TO ALL BUILDING TYPES ACROSS DIFFERING SECTORS. “Working collaboratively with likeminded and innovative companies,” says Mike Lewis, AWS Business Development Director. “Has allowed AMS to provide a more comprehensive and beneficial solution to clients, who then derive significant benefits, both during their manufacturing process,
AMS are operating across and delivering projects in key sectors within the offsite manufacturing sector, including healthcare, education, Ministry of Justice (MOJ), Ministry of Defence (MOD) residential and retail. Within the hire market, the benefits of utilising pre-manufactured components for mechanical and electrical services, has the ongoing, and significant benefit of reusability. The reuse of system components provides significant and sustained commercial benefit throughout the lifetime of the building, as well as providing wider sustainability and environmental benefits. The value of AMS’s services will be increasingly recognised as more and more clients adopt an innovative
4 approach to delivering M&E services. Whilst the principal driver is efficiency to aid productivity, a host of cascade benefits result from the adoption of Pre-Manufactured Value (PMV) within the buildings where they are deployed, including carbon reduction, health and safety, waste and programme certainty. Paul Charlton the newly appointed Operations Director at AMS, said: “We’ve been blown away by the response we’ve had from the market to our proposals and the receptiveness of clients to explore new ideas and to adopt new ways of working. To be working within a growing sector, which is willing to embrace change to meet the challenges increased demand is placing upon the supply chain, is extremely exciting and rewarding.” For more information visit: www.apexwiringsolutions.co.uk Images: 01-04 AMS provide both mechanical and electrical services for the offsite building sector in a progressive and innovative way
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CONSISTENCY IS KEY
Scott Moran, Operations Manager for NG Bailey Offsite Manufacture, outlines how an ‘offsite first’ approach could help build a safer, better, faster and greener future for MEP.
1 Despite Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) long being touted as the silver bullet that will transform the industry, it is still relatively underutilised, with MMC accounting for less than 5% of the total construction market in the UK. At NG Bailey we have been championing the use of offsite manufacture for decades and it is an integral way of how we approach every project in our business. Through this and our specialised offsite manufacturing facility in Bradford, the largest of its kind in the UK, we deliver projects in a way that is significantly more efficient than traditional construction methods. As part of this we are working towards achieving World Class Manufacturing Status in our offsite manufacturing facilities, helping us to build on our ‘offsite first’ approach and lead the way in delivering an industry that works more greenly, safely and efficiently.
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2 Delivering safer MEP solutions One of the well-known benefits of MMC is that it transfers many of the hours spent on construction sites to a more controlled factory environment. In MEP this is especially beneficial, allowing us to construct complex mechanical and electrical engineering components within a factory setting, greatly reducing the risks of working on-site, as well as reducing time spent working at height and manual handling. This has been transformative in our business, allowing us to achieve an industry leading Accident Frequency Rate of 0.02, one of the lowest in our sector, and 12 years RIDDOR-free in our offsite manufacturing facilities. However, we never take our eyes off safety. We continue to champion a ‘Safety First & Foremost’ culture within our business, both in our factory and onsite, through initiatives such as our ‘Don’t Walk By’ (DWB) system, which encourages our colleagues to record and act on potential safety issues.
Better quality and performance An MMC approach also offers the opportunity for improved consistency and precision of output, which is imperative in all areas of construction, but particularly MEP. We have championed this through the creation of a standard product solution for most applications, which ensures our customer’s requirements are delivered more efficiently and with a higher level of quality. These standard products consist of a pre-designed proven ‘kit of parts’ solution, which means that designs are already developed in most parts, leading to more efficient delivery and increased standardisation across projects. This could be revolutionary if adopted more widely across the MEP sector, allowing for a ‘plug and play’ solution with increased performance that can be installed more efficiently. As part of our aim to continually focus on improvement and innovation, we are helping the wider industry to adopt MMC techniques by driving research
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and development into improved techniques that can increase efficiency of delivering solutions. This includes partnering with the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) as part of the Construction Innovation Hub, which is currently developing solutions for projects such as the New Hospitals Programme and the Department for Education. Having a common MMC language across the industry is also something we are championing. We are a key part of the BESA Offsite Group, driving specialist knowledge across a wide range of high-level specialist projects. To ensure that the solutions are manufactured as efficiently as possible, we have also invested extensively in training techniques. These include 6S, Kaizen, and production automation that enables us to be at the forefront of world class manufacturing.
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Faster project delivery As well as increased quality and performance, MMC also has benefits for improving the speed of delivery for MEP projects, both in the manufacturing and the installation process. This is most vital in settings where speed of delivery is crucial, such as hospital and healthcare settings, where reducing disruption and down time is key. When it comes to delivering multiple large-scale facilities quickly and efficiently, there are a multitude of benefits in creating a kit of parts that can be manufactured offsite and slotted together. For a project at Chesterfield Hospital where we had to work on a live hospital site, our use of a kit of parts solution ensured that we were able to refurbish their existing surgical department while ensuring adjacent theatres could still function. This approach minimised disruption and ensured patience care was maintained throughout. We have also been championing increased efficiencies in our factory as part of our journey towards World Class Manufacturing status. This includes embracing a digital factory future through implementing digital solutions that utilise NFC, RFID and 2D barcoding technologies. Handheld portable devices are used to track the component parts through goods in, kitting, assembly, dispatch and, in the future, receipt of the product at the
4 customer’s premise. This will make our processes easier, more efficient, and more auditable.
36,000km of vehicle movements, which alone saved six tonnes of carbon from entering the atmosphere.
Delivering for a greener future Most vitally, MMC offers an opportunity for a greener future for the built environment, which currently accounts for 39% of global carbon emissions. With an increasing number of companies setting science-based targets to reach net zero, putting in place practical solutions that can reduce emissions throughout the construction process is vital.
As a company that has set its own 1.5 degree near term and net zero commitment target, putting in place methods of construction that can directly reduce emissions is vital to reaching our goals, as well as helping us to support our customers on their own journeys. Embracing an 'offsite first' approach offers the MEP industry a clear path to a safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly future for the construction industry.
MMC and offsite manufacturing reduces labour hours on-site, which reduces vehicle movements, with less people travelling to site and decreased deliveries. At The Forge, where we delivered a kit of parts solution for the first net zero office building in the UK. The removal of over 25,000 on-site labour hours delivered substantial carbon benefits by avoiding over
For more information visit: www.ngbailey.com Images: 01. Scott Moran, Operations Manager, NG Bailey Offsite Manufacture 02-04. An offsite approach offers the opportunity for improved quality and precision of output
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | WWW.MEPMAGAZINE.CO.UK
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CASE STUDY
CONTAINERISED & READY TO CONNECT
2 1 IDS, part of M Group Services’ Water Division, was appointed to design and build a containerised process treatment plant by its client IXOM and used offsite manufacture to do it. By adopting offsite manufacture IDS established a plug-and-play solution complete with a full operating system, including all component parts of the process to allow efficient set up. The plant is based on a tried and tested treatment process that has been used to treat raw water before transferring to further treatment and eventual potable water storage, distribution, and use. This follows a similar arrangement where ID used skid type solutions for on-site installation and hook up. IXOM Process PIDS was appointed by its client to build and test the first MIEX (Magnetic Ion Exchange) MICo mini plant in the world. The unit was tested and shipped to Rathlin Island where it was successfully installed and commissioned for Northern Ireland Water. The scope of the works included: detailed design of the manufacturing detail, LCP design, build and test, process skid and tank assembly, mechanical build and electrical fit out and factory testing. These units are ion exchange resin units with a brine regeneration system for organics loading removal as part of potable water pre-treatment process.
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Subsequent to the offsite manufacture of the individual skid and being delivered to site for hook-up, testing, and commissioning, IDS has been engaged to design and build a containerised pilot plant solution. This container includes entire MIEX pilot, including the contactors, regeneration skid, and HMI/PLC will be installed inside a 40ft high cube shipping container. The shipping container is customised and fitted with the Pilot Plant Control Panel with HMI (Human Machine Interface)/ PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), Regeneration Skid which comprises four separate vessels (Loaded Resin Transfer Tank, Regeneration Tank, Brine Tank and Salt Saturator). Due to limited space inside the shipping container, two identical contactors will be used side by side. There is space left between the regeneration skid and the contactors to allow for site connections to the pilot. The two contactors will be located side by side facing each other to equalize flow. As the unit is intended to move between sites, a shipping container has been selected to house the subassemblies. Future units for permanent installation could again be installed in containers or in kiosks, using offsite manufacturing techniques. The complete assembly has a big impact on the volume of chemicals the client must use in the treatment process.
The water becomes more potable as the system cleans the raw water by removing organic load, reducing costs of chemical supply, deliveries, storage, and pumping. There is an increase in the offsite approach across the water and wastewater treatment utilities sectors, with standard designs reducing engineering time on projects, getting services to site quicker and completing projects to shorter overall programmes. These repeated design solutions provide consistency of approach, giving operators a familiarity with equipment over several sites meaning training is reduced, and spares holding can be strategic and more cost effective. The reduced time on-site enhances health and safety performance by reducing the programme and number of operatives on-site. Importantly, quality of build can be checked in the factory before delivery, ensuring the equipment will function when installed and commissioned in a reduced timescale. Also, using a containerised solution, transport of the unit is via a single delivery thereby reducing repeated transport costs and lowering any projects overall carbon footprint. For more information visit: www.idsystemsuk.co.uk Images: 01-02. The containerised offsite solution brings a raft of project benefits to the wastewater sector. Courtesy ID Systems
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ENSURING PLUMBING QUALITY AT EVERY STAGE
Offsite modular construction is playing a key role in shaping the industry’s future, but it requires a specific approach to design and material choices. This is especially true for heating and plumbing systems. Paul Whittall, Business Development Manager for MMC at Uponor, explains more. ongoing support and guidance throughout the project is just as important, especially if the scheme is complex or large in scale.
1 While it might sound simple, choosing the right products must be the starting point, as it can make a real difference to the speed, simplicity, safety and even cost of construction. Multilayer composite (MLC) pipe, which combines the benefits of a metal and plastic pipe, with a stable aluminium core and flexible polyethylene outer case, is ideal for offsite construction for several reasons. MLC pipe in general, is lighter than traditional metal pipe, offers longer pipe runs and requires fewer joints and fittings, as it can be bent rather than cut to achieve changes in direction. It also typically does not require specialist trades for installation and eliminates the need for hot works, ensuring a lower risk installation and helping to improve health and safety. However, looking carefully at the features of the specific product is important – as with any specification choice – the devil is in the detail and not all MLC pipes will perform in the same way. For example, our Uponor Uni Pipe PLUS has up to a 40% narrower bending radius compared to conventional multilayer composite pipes. This means it can offer greater versatility and can reduce the number of fittings required by up to 15% due to improved bendability.
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2 The choice of product is not the only consideration when selecting a system. The support offered by the supplier can also make a significant difference and contractors should look for partners that offer more than simply supplying the specified product alongside necessary technical details. Leading manufacturers will take time to fully understand the requirements of the project so they can provide a more comprehensive and consultative service. At Uponor, we have been working on offsite construction projects for more than 10 years and as a result know how important it is to have dedicated and specialist account managers who work with the client throughout the project. However, to realise the full the benefits of a partnership-based approach, it is important to bring the system manufacturers into the project as early in the process as possible. This will allow design recommendations to be implemented more easily and cost effectively with less wasted time. It is always recommended that those installing the system are familiar with the products and informed about the correct installation process. This can help to improve productivity and efficiency as well as prevent installation errors that could present issues at the commissioning stage. Furthermore,
An example of how our approach has worked in practice is the Ten Degrees development – currently the largest modular apartment building in the world. Completed in 2021, the buildto-rent development consists of two towers of 38 and 44 storeys and a total of 1,500 modules. Following the specification of the Uponor multi-layer pipe system, we developed a threeyear partnership with the manufacturer of the modules. We supplied over 120,000m of MLC pipework and 2,250 manifolds used to supply the hot and cold water to each apartment. Our team also provided full support throughout the project including bespoke training, translated into different languages for all the production employees, as well as advice and checks on installation processes. The manufacture of the modules was completed in just 24 weeks and with a 100% reliability rate from the Uponor products. Offsite construction has the potential to help solve many of the issues facing the industry, but to maximise the benefits of this approach it requires a close working relationship between the contractor and leading product manufacturers that can offer the required support. For more information visit: www.uponor.com/en-gb Images: 01-02. It is always recommended that those installing the system are familiar with the products and the correct installation process
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IDEAL DRAINAGE SOLUTIONS
Martyn Rowlands, Managing Director at Pipekit, is seeing demand for prefabricated drainage systems grow and is busy scaling up the business to cope. including 100% pressure testing, with the test record embedded into the QA report for each stack. The whole process takes place in a controlled factory environment from cutting, welding, testing, and packing without the inclement conditions found on construction sites to maximise quality assurances.
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2 Pipekit is investing in and expanding its dedicated prefabrication service following significant market demand, specifically in the tall building and refurbishment market sectors. According to Barbour ABI, in the last 12 months there have been 204 10-storey plus projects undertaken in the UK with a total value of £12.3billion and despite the economic uncertainties and tougher safety and sustainability outlooks, the tall building market remains buoyant for the foreseeable future. City planners and developers, up and down the country, continue to look for ways to make the most of urban space and therefore contractors will increasingly be looking for ways to meet the challenges of catering for the tall building market, as well as the refurbishment of large multi occupancy buildings. Offsite prefabricated drainage can significantly help contractors change their way of working for the better and navigate some of the complex issues surrounding the design and installation of effective drainage systems in taller structures.
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3 Traditional on-site methods using loose piping products, has an over-reliance on skilled site-based labour, specialist tooling and storage requirements on-site, which can escalate costs quickly. Prefabricated drainage can offer contractors an effective solution to address the skilled worker shortages, at the same time as drive overall costs down and improve the speed, quality, and reliability of the installations. The biggest value for offsite prefabricated drainage is the enhanced level of quality and control it can offer contractors. When using Pipekit’s prefabrication service, contractors can benefit from utilising a high-quality offsite service that minimises the risks and costs before the product even arrives on-site. The team will work with the contractor to develop a set of standard stack designs and then manufacture, test and deliver to site. Typically, the service will deliver a level or storey of the building at a time and according to the project’s timings. It also undertakes a 14-point quality control check,
Pipekit’s prefabricated drainage stacks utilise Geberit’s HDPE product, a relatively lightweight material (particularly compared to cast iron drainage), which ensures ease of lifting and working in confined spaces. The prefabricated nature of the stack designs is also easier and faster to install, compared with traditional methods, which is particularly prevalent for the complexities of managing the build and fit out of tall buildings. Using a prefabricated drainage service can cost more up front but the overall project cost savings brought by this offsite method are significant. Plus, when you factor in the ability to increase the reliability of installations, offsite drainage solutions offer an economic, sustainable, and safe option for tall newbuilds or the refurbishment of large multi-occupancy buildings. Pipekit can fabricate bespoke stacks up to 315mm in diameter, using Geberit HDPE, Silent db20 and Solvent drainage fittings and Pipekit is currently fabricating drainage for two prestigious tall building projects in Birmingham. For more information visit: www.pipekit.co.uk
Images: 01-03. Prefabrication in the factory provides products that are easier and faster to install, compared with traditional methods
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PRODUCT:
MECHANICAL ELECTRICAL & PLUMBING
MODUL AR INNOVATION ENERGY EFFICIENT MEP PODS | A CENTRAL HUB FOR HEATING, VENTILATION, WATER MANAGEMENT, COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRICAL SERVICES For detailed and up to date information, to attend a factory tour or arrange a meeting please contact our team today.
T: +44 1743 290020
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Designed, engineered and manufactured by our multi award-winning offsite experts, VOLUMETRIC’s MEP Pods arrive on site fully assembled, rigorously tested and certified, ready for simple ‘plug and play’ installation.
CASE STUDY
RISING POWER WITH VOLUMETRIC™ 2023 WINNER
1 Due for overall completion in 2026, Kew Bridge Rise is a major residential development on the site of a former Citroen garage in Brentford, West London and will feature the latest in bathroom and MEP pod technology. This ambitious project saw ground broken in 2022 and is set to bring over 400 high-quality, sustainable homes to the area. The project team behind the development selected VOLUMETRIC™ to provide the design, engineering, manufacture and installation of bathroom and MEP pods from VOLUMETRIC™’s new range. Kew Bridge Rise is a collaboration between Hill Partnerships and housing association L&Q and forms a key element of the ongoing regeneration plans throughout the area. With a proven track-record of designing and manufacturing award-winning offsite solutions, the VOLUMETRIC™ team worked collaboratively with suppliers and the client to achieve the precise, bespoke specifications required for the brief.
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Speed, efficiency and value were integral aims for VOLUMETRIC™, who fast-tracked the range of bathroom and MEP pods following extensive research and development. The pods supplied by VOLUMETRIC™ provide a single source solution to the specification, procurement and installation of MEP services to the site. The first delivery of pods was made in spring 2023, following the installation of full-sized display pods at the development site earlier in the year. Super-efficient and offering outstanding quality, the pods combine precision engineering with advanced digital technology – reducing standard installation times by up to 90% and offering 94% pre-manufactured value (PMV). Prior to delivery, VOLUMETRIC™’s expert team worked with the client to provide highly accurate design plans and BIM modelling using the latest Revit digital technologies, supported by 3D printing software and augmented and virtual reality prototyping. This allowed the design team to achieve a truly bespoke
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finish that met the project’s exact requirements. VOLUMETRIC™ then manufactured the pods using a DfMA approach in their advanced factory facilities using a lean, mass standardised and process-driven approach. The bathroom pods produced for Kew Bridge Rise were ergonomically designed for maximum spatial efficiency. Using the unique Slimwall™ technology and integrated underfloor heating solution, the pods were customised with finishings specially selected by the client, including showers, taps, sinks and bath fittings. Environmentally friendly and energyefficient, the pods use controlled flow showers and dual-flush cisterns to mitigate water waste. The technical team at VOLUMETRIC™ completed rigorous testing of all plumbing runs prior to dispatch to negate the chance of leaks or remedial works following on-site commissioning and reducing the expense and time spent on snagging activity.
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Trevor Richards, Operations Director at VOLUMETRIC™, explained the approach to the project:
“OUR AWARD-WINNING RANGE OF BATHROOM AND MEP PODS FIT PERFECTLY WITH THE CLIENT REQUIREMENT FOR TECHNOLOGY THAT IS BOTH FAST AND EFFICIENT, BUT ALSO SUSTAINABLE – ENHANCING THE WHOLE BUILDING. OUR APPROACH WAS TO UTILISE THE INHOUSE SKILLS OF THE VOLUMETRIC™ ENGINEERING AND DESIGN TEAM, WORKING CLOSELY WITH OUR TRUSTED SUPPLIERS TO ENSURE EXACT SPECIFICATIONS WERE MET AND THE CLIENT EXPECTATIONS EXCEEDED.” The MEP pods, which will provide the mechanical and electrical services to Kew Bridge Rise, respond instantly to water, heating and digital communication requirements. The decision to use VOLUMETRIC™ MEP pods provided particular benefits to Hill Group and L&Q, removing the requirement for traditional MEP activity on-site and decomplicating the co-ordination of additional service providers. This allowed for a smooth and seamless delivery requiring minimal labour to install, with all the pod types being installed by the same team.
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The Kew Bridge Rise project is currently on schedule with plans to potentially speed up the delivery of the new homes. A topping out ceremony was recently held on 23 September, less than a year after the groundbreaking onsite. Trevor Richards added: “It is great to see the Kew Bridge Rise development progressing. VOLUMETRIC™ is proud to have supplied the bathroom and MEP pods for the project, which will bring much needed quality homes to West London.”
Kew Bridge Rise will comprise a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments, half of which will be available through shared ownership and affordable rent schemes. The first residents are expected to move in by autumn 2024. For more information visit: www.volumetric.co.uk Images: 01-05. Kew Bridge Rise, Brentford, West London
The VOLUMETRIC™ range recently took home the Best Use of MEP & Pod Technology at the annual Offsite Awards, recognised by the judges for being an energy-efficient solution that harnesses a data-driven approach to improve efficiency and speed up building times.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | WWW.MEPMAGAZINE.CO.UK
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3 a modern concrete reinforcement solution. “The construction industry, and concrete in particular, is one of the biggest emitters of CO2, and while the industry is on a journey towards net zero, there needs to be a solution to the sustainability challenge. Our customers can already see LCR is a major way to lower their carbon footprint. By utilising LCR they are reducing the amount of concrete and steel in areas of construction that depend on reinforced concrete.” LCR’s optimised digital design can support a 20-40% reduction in the use of concrete and steel in an integrated construction solution. LCR is designed to comply with all industry codes and regulations, and is proven to
Optimised Modular Assemblies: streamlining construction processes Unipart Construction Technologies’ optimisation, design for manufacture and assembly (DfMA), and advanced joining technologies are also applicable to other structural applications. Modular frames can be designed to support offsite manufacture and modern methods of construction (MMC). The technology can replace traditional fabricated/ rolled section frames and provides a range of benefits including automated design and analysis to facilitate bespoke solutions, faster manufacture and assembly, and laser cut tolerances of +/- 1mm. Concrete Moulds and Ancillary Tooling Solutions: boosting productivity, quality and speed Unipart Construction Technologies draws further on Unipart’s precision engineering and manufacturing solutions to provide a range of concrete moulds and ancillary tooling products that offer turnkey solutions for our customers including: moulds, assembly tooling and lifting solutions. Unipart Construction Technologies is providing structural components to a number of major UK construction projects with residential and commercial applications. For more information visit: www.linkedin.com/company/unipartconstruction-technologies Dave Allen, General Manager; dave.allen@unipart.com Michael Starr, Commercial Manager; michael.starr@unipart.com Images: 01-03. UCT is combining optimised digital design with advanced manufacturing techniques
WWW.OFFSITEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 2024 If you are interested in learning more about offsite construction and the associated manufacturing processes then the following industry events may be of interest: 19 & 20 March
Modular Matters
Coventry Building Society Arena
www.modularmatters.co.uk
With a wider and more diverse programme than ever, Modular Matters brings together volumetric modular innovators and change-leaders to separate the facts from fiction and determine the actions needed to make radical transformative change. 16 April
Structural Timber Conference
Birmingham
www.structuraltimberconference.co.uk
Celebrating the success and leading the conversations shaping the future of timber. In a world of increasing focus on circularity and sustainability, the 2024 conference asks ‘what’s important right now?’ for the structural timber sector. 14 May
Focus on Framing
FOCUS ON
FRAMING
22 & 23 May
Birmingham
www.focusonframing.co.uk
In partnership with the Light Steel Frame Association (LSFA), this seminar offers a deep dive look at the systems and technological advances improving design platforms, building safety and sustainability performance. MMC Ireland National Conference
The Lyrath Estate, Kilkenny
www.radarbookingsystem.co.uk/mmcireland-national-conference-2024
One of the latest and most well-received additions to the offsite industry calendar, MMC Ireland National Conference offers fresh perspective and insight into the trends, technologies and engineering innovation driving the Irish offsite construction market. 25 June
Tall Building Conference
Central London
www.tallbuildingsconference.co.uk
Bringing together highly influential experts from across the sector, Tall Buildings Conference 2024 will focus on the progress of building safety, structural performance and the design advances bringing iconic high-rise builds to the UK skyline. 25 June Tall Buildings Awards
17 & 18 September 2020 Tall Buildings Awards
Tall Buildings Awards 2020
17 September 2020
Tall Buildings Awards
2024 Tall Buildings Awards 2020
Tall Buildings Awards 2020
02 October
Tall Building Awards
Co-located with Tall Buildings Conference
www.tallbuildingsawards.co.uk
Recognising extraordinary contributions in the advancement of the superstructures that are shaping our urban landscapes, the Tall Buildings Awards celebrate architectural ingenuity, engineering prowess and the innovations that are transforming the digital design and construction arena. ENTRY DEADLINE: 15.03.24 Offsite Expo
Coventry Building Society Arena
www.offsite-expo.co.uk
OFFSITE EXPO brings together those who are driving change in the construction sector – the event will play host to the leading UK and international offsite manufacturers and component suppliers over two days in September 2024. Offsite Awards 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Co-located with Offsite Expo
www.offsiteawards.co.uk
Recognising the iconic projects from across the offsite sector, the Offsite Awards showcase the people and businesses pioneering the new technology, building methods, systems and designs raising the standards of safety, sustainability, social and financial value in construction. ENTRY DEADLINE: 31.05.24 Structural Timber Awards 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
National Conference Centre, Birmingham
www.structuraltimberawards.co.uk
Now in its tenth year, the Structural Timber Awards promises to be bigger, better and more inspiring than ever. The 2024 awards will reward the companies instigating change, delivering outstanding projects and raising awareness of the efficiency, reliability and sustainability of structural timber. ENTRY DEADLINE: 21.06.24 05 & 06 November
C O N F E R E N C E
05 November
Innovate Conference
Birmingham
Website Coming Soon
Innovate will bring together those with the insight to evaluate transformative innovations and explore how they can be used in a real-world context to radically advance how buildings are designed, developed and delivered. Innovate Awards
Co-located with Innovate Conference
Website Coming Soon
Rewarding all those designing and developing the future of construction technology. This exciting inaugural event will throw the spotlight on the booming Industry 4.0 and the world of digital tools, smart construction and sophisticated new ways transforming the built environment. ENTRY DEADLINE: 12.07.24 04 December
Construction Productivity Conference
Central London
www.constructionproductivity.co.uk
Bringing together a host of industry leaders to discuss strategy, opportunity, and the future of productivity in the built environment. Delegates will have the opportunity to learn about new practices from those at the forefront of construction productivity.
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WWW.OFFSITEMAGAZINE.CO.UK | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023
TRAILBLAZERS IN LIGHT STEEL SOLUTIONS Frameclad are keen and fiercely competitive. From standard infill systems to vast light steel frame developments – every project gets the same exceptional quality as standard and unrivalled customer service.
A Winning Combination
AGILE Cost estimates in 10 days and detailed designs within one week
ADAPTABLE Can do attitude with the ability to tackle any job large or small
ADDED VALUE A 12-strong in-house team delivers design and engineering services
ADVANCED Produces one of the largest ranges of steel sections available in the UK today
ASSURED Fire test data provides confidence to construction and public sector clients
Call in the ‘A’ Team Tel: 01384 401 114 Email: enquiries@frameclad.com Visit: www.frameclad.com