Modular Site Accommodation

A look at how the humble site cabin has changed over time, what’s possible now, and what the future might hold

Over the last decade, the rail industry has seen unprecedented growth, coupled with improved performance. Record numbers of passengers are now using the UK’s rail network, with 1.5 billion passenger journeys completed every year.

That growth looks set to continue, with major new investment projects either already underway or planned, including Thameslink, Intercity Express Programme, Crossrail, the Edinburgh to Glasgow Improvements Programme (EGIP), and of course HS2.

Extensive investment in infrastructure requires large numbers of staff working in a variety of roles, from construction and engineering to HR and project management.

Historically, workers would have been accommodated in simple site cabins. Today, these basic shelters have been transformed into sophisticated, modular buildings, which can be designed to almost any layout and specification.

Timber-constructed site cabins date back to the 1950s, when Algeco started designing cabins for use by rail construction workers in the post-war boom. These early versions consisted of little more than four walls and a ceiling. The following decade saw the introduction of stackable, steel-constructed cabins, and by the mid-90s, they had the first integrated welfare facilities.

Since then, site accommodation has changed from single cabins to multi-storey, modular designs that support vast numbers of staff and perform many different functions.

Single module cabins do still play an important role on many sites, but these days, flexible layouts are much more common, with several modules linked together to create large, comfortable, openplan areas that enable collaborative working.

The focus today is on providing sustainable accommodation that allows for effective site management whilst also delivering on staff welfare, and meeting people’s changing needs.

Limitless options

Modular site accommodation for construction projects in the rail sector can now be designed to almost any specification, with limitless options when it comes to size and configuration. Huge, hotel-like site villages can be created, using connected and stacked units.

Meeting rooms, offices, shower blocks, kitchens, storage and welfare areas can be incorporated as required. Internal walls can be added, moved or removed altogether to create individual offices or open plan workspaces.

Any number of systems can be added, from high-level communications/IT networks to ‘smart’ technology which monitors energy consumption.

Our 360° turnkey solutions can be customised to include anything from airconditioning and furniture, to ramps, steps and white goods. We can even supply the kettle – you just bring the tea and biscuits! These kinds of solutions mean that the site accommodation is ready to use as part of a ‘plug ‘n play’ approach.

Changing needs

Modular site accommodation has evolved in response to the changing needs of the rail industry. Civil and construction companies who work in the rail sector are focusing on staff wellbeing more than ever before, and as a result, site accommodation has developed accordingly.

Facilities such as breakout areas, faith rooms, separate male/female bathrooms, kitchens and drying rooms (all comfortably air-conditioned) are commonly found in today’s site buildings.

There are also options for covered viewing platforms and full-length window panels, providing full views of the site. These are useful on large project where there are regular site meetings.

It goes without saying that fire protection equipment and security features come as standard. These safety and security elements, combined with enhanced facilities that meet the needs of a diverse workforce, are attracting new skilled workers who otherwise may not have considered a career in the industry. The provision of attractive, high quality and thoughtfully-designed workspaces is playing a part in combatting the skills shortage and widening the talent pool.

Sustainable features

Today’s modular site buildings are wellinsulated, energy-efficient and designed with sustainability in mind. For example, Algeco UK Modular Hire’s modular units are typically 97 per cent recyclable and made with 48 per cent recycled material, and the steel used is manufactured using 60-70 per cent recycled material.

The sustainable features of the site buildings make them very popular, Andy Brind, Senior Key Accounts Director at Algeco said: ‘The rail industry is committed to reducing carbon emissions, and construction companies are always seeking ways to work more sustainably. Our buildings offer options such as double glazing, climate control, watersaving features and energy-efficient lighting. Smart technology enables you to measure, manage and reduce energy usage, and we also offer EV charger hire for electric vehicles.

‘Our site accommodation fits perfectly within our circular economy ethos. All our modular buildings are re-used after the project has been completed, reducing waste and extending the life of the products to over 20 years.’

Safe working environments

The global pandemic saw an increase in the use of modular site accommodation within the industry. Andy comments: ‘Covid-19 created an urgent need for flexible working environments. Our modular buildings enabled people to work together safely and collaboratively. Crucially, they allow for layout changes even after the building is complete, which is key at a time when working practices and regulations can change overnight.’

Clearly, site accommodation has changed beyond recognition since its humble origins. But what might the future hold? Andy asserts: ‘Just like any other sector, the rail industry is experiencing economic challenges and supply chain disruption, so contractors need to adapt and stay lean. Modular site accommodation for hire can be increased and decreased according to shifting requirements, helping to boost productivity and increase efficiency. It can even be moved to different sites to support peripatetic teams.

‘The focus on sustainability is here to stay, so we’ll no doubt see much more innovation in this area. In short, modular site accommodation will carry on evolving along with the needs of the rail industry –and in particular – the people it’s designed to accommodate.’

It’s astonishing to see how site accommodation has progressed, even during the last ten years. Thanks to its innate ability to evolve, it will continue playing an important role on rail construction sites for years to come.