CASE STUDY 13
existing four-storey residential block in a gated development.
Utilising offsite modular construction and specialised airspace development techniques, the team carried out the physical installation process over a single weekend – with the majority of the construction process taking place at an offsite facility. Additionally, important upgrade works to the existing homes were delivered, including improvements to the communal stairwells and a reinforced and improved roof.
GETTING STARTED
When the team first found the site, Corben Mews was reportedly already “sought-after,” being in a popular area. According to the developer, however,
the focus on local regeneration meant that demand for homes was under increased strain, and with a lack of ground-level land on which to develop on, “the solution soon became clear – the airspace.” Click Above purchased the airspace above the existing Corben Mews building with planning permission already in place. The team were however required to make a number of “small planning adjust- ments” to allow for aspects of the modular construction used. “In effect,” explains Moubarak, “we were our own client handling every aspect of the build from acquisition, through the establishment of our own facility, build and installation, and the eventual completion and delivery.” In terms of sale, “the appeal of the area
is clear,” Moubarak notes – he lists a new underground station at Nine Elms which is due to open in 2021 as part of the Northern Line extension, and Apple’s plans to move into the redeveloped Battersea Power Station around the same time, as just a few of the area’s draws. While Click Above were the designer
and main contractor of the project, in order to be able to develop in this way, it was necessary to partner with some key players, including Evolusion Innovation (Module Designer); Michael Barclay Partnership (Structural Engineers), and H+H Fire Consultants.
MODULAR INNOVATIONS
As discussed, the penthouses at Corben Mews were built offsite using the “very latest modular innovations.” This allowed the structure to be especially lightweight – being approxi- mately a third lighter than a traditional timber frame building – due to a combi- nation of the main steel structure and the fibreboard external lining. Moubarak says that the additions being built in a factory environment “ensures
quality assurance is tested not only to withstand the demands of a traditional build, but also the stress of transportation and craning onto foundations.” As such, each component was inspected at every phase and approved by third- party inspectors, complying with precise certifications and building regulations. Work on the site itself was focused on stripping back the existing roof finishes, the installation of the relevant support structure in preparation for the installation, loading the modules on site and then preparing the weather finishes between the existing structure and the new elements.
COST BENEFITS
“From a developer’s perspective,” Anthony explains, “the modular approach means that there are noticeable time and cost benefits.”
“Simply put,” he says, “ offsite construc- tion results in at least half, and often 60 per cent, time savings compared to a traditional build.” This reportedly directly impacts wider
costs as well, with the template-based design allowing the team to be accurate with expenditure and avoid unplanned material or labour costs, while avoiding waste. This predictability also avoids any “unprofessional renegotiations” mid-way through a project, and with less time on site and a building that is quickly market- ready, Anthony believes that constructing a home in this way “can easily equate to a cost per square metre saving in the region of £200.”
He adds: “Time and cost savings don’t however impact negatively on standards – far from it. A factory environment ensures quality assurance is tested not only to withstand the demands of a traditional build, but also the stress of transportation and craning onto foundations.”
LOGISTICS
Developing in airspace and utilising modern methods of construction did however mean that special consideration needed to be paid to the logistics. Road closures, over-sailing during
the crane lift, specialist structural surveys of the existing building and preparation of the roof to be developed on – all were vital steps, and meant that it was a concept that required dedicated specialists. The developer found it reassuring however that the existing tenants at Corben Mews were all surprised at “just how easily the extension” was delivered.
According to Anthony, one resident commented: “The build caused minimal impact to the residents and was much less
“SIMPLY PUT, OFF-SITE CONSTRUCTION RESULTS IN AT LEAST HALF, AND OFTEN 60 PER CENT, TIME SAVINGS COMPARED TO A TRADITIONAL BUILD”
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Corben Mews’ rooftop view
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