structural elements
Why more modern buildings are built off-site
Here, David Jupp, business development manager at Elliott, discusses how off-site construction is helping to meet the ever more stringent performance requirements of modern buildings
I
nnovation within off-site construction means that it is now possible to offer clients greater flexibility in the design of buildings than ever before. The off-site sector has been able
to do this by introducing modern hybrid systems that offer all the advantages of conventionally built structures, but with the speed and quality of modern methods of construction.
Designs for the future Technical developments mean that off-site buildings now offer the same design flexibility as conventional systems. By choosing an off-site system, there is the benefit that units can be supplied fully serviced – with watertight exterior cladding – ready to be craned into position. This increased level of design flexibility allows architects and
specifiers to identify a solution exactly suited to their client’s need. Projects in certain sectors, for example, retail, which require shorter lead times, lend themselves perfectly to these benefits. Larger projects such as a sports hall, hospital or care home
benefit from an off-site system based on a steel frame. These provide the internal clear spans of up to 15m, while still offering all the benefits of off-site. In all these cases, the key to choosing an off-site system is
identifying one that is indistinguishable from a conventionally- built structure. And that means giving you the flexibility to incorporate features such internal stairs and full height glazed walls, which are very popular in educational, retail and com- mercial buildings as they maximise levels of natural daylight.
Off-site benefits There are several significant advantages in using an off-site system, such as their lightweight nature. This means the build- ing requires fewer foundation materials, which tend to have
high embodied energy content and therefore results in a devel- opment with a smaller carbon footprint. With some projects, we find that specifiers and clients are
looking for the off-site system to create a seamless link with an existing, conventionally-built structure. This means having to create a visual match externally, along with ensuring that inter- nal floor heights and ‘feel’ are the same. The ability to specify concrete floors on latest off-site systems helps, as does the ability to set the height to suit existing floors, avoiding any unnecessary steps or slopes. Exterior finishes are an important part of any off-site build-
ing and help to establish the character and context within local surroundings. The options should be the same as those for any other type of building system, ranging from brick and timber cladding to lightweight aggregate panels that provide variety and interest in colour and texture. A key consideration is whether to match the aesthetics of
adjacent buildings. Externally, conjoined buildings can be matched by re-rendering – making the off-site extension indis- tinguishable from the existing structure. Some hybrid off-site systems also provide the opportunity to replicate the predom- inant architectural features in the immediate surroundings, or to go for contrast, for example, aluminium cladding or glass feature walls. It is not just the exterior of the building where innovation in
off-site systems is being made. Effective interior planning is essential to establish a functional and pleasant environment. With the current requirements for value for money, high per-
formance buildings, off-site construction is rising to the chal- lenge to meet modern user needs. Innovation within the sector means designers are no longer restricted and modern methods are therefore helping create the buildings of the future.
enq.164
‘Exterior finishes are an important part of any off-site building and help to establish the character and context within local surroundings’
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