MODULAR BUILD
The high-quality interior of the new 72-bed clinical / ward building at Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth, constructed by Wernick Buildings using modular build techniques.
Need for minimal disruption Queen Alexandra Hospital required an emergency facility, delivered on time, with minimal disruption to hospital activities. Programme reliability and speed are fundamental benefits of modular construction, which makes it ideally suited to healthcare environments. Recognising this as a remedy to the pandemic backlog, central Government has shown a preference for modular healthcare buildings. Since the announcement of extra Government funding to address additional needs arising as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Wernick has developed relationships with a number of NHS Trusts to supply them with badly needed operating theatres and ward space.
Manufacturing a building in a factory setting, while other associated projected work takes place on site, cuts construction programme times by around 60 per cent. Modules are taken to site by lorry and craned into position, a process which can take just one or two days. As a result, the number of vehicle movements and site personnel required for each project can be reduced by as much as 90 per cent compared with a ‘traditional’ build. Among the key benefits are lower noise pollution and less disturbance to patients, as well as fewer carbon emissions and less diesel fumes from power generators and construction vehicles. Sites with tight access points or a small footprint also benefit from decreased movements on site. Where required, modules arrive with interior fixtures and fittings already in situ, further reducing the time required for construction work at the location.
Manufactured to ISO standards Modules are constructed to strict standards – our modules are manufactured to ISO 9001 and 14001 quality standards, in a dedicated facility, using a building system which fits the client’s budget and aesthetic. These systems are carefully designed to minimise material waste
70 Health Estate Journal June 2022
during the construction phase, and any waste produced is fully recycled, all without compromising the performance of the building for its intended use. The look of the building was an important consideration on this project for the Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust – which specified external cladding to match the buildings already on site. The result is a building indistinguishable from the hospital’s ‘bricks and mortar’ buildings. A link to the main rehabilitation building, provided using an additional module, further creates the illusion of a building that has always been there. There is no end to the aesthetic
possibilities of modular buildings, whether you require a structure that blends into the landscape, or one which catches the eye. Wernick’s in-house design team has the expertise to bring architectural flair to any project. Our online case studies are a great place to see what is achievable. Modular providers will also work with architectural firms for building design, with early engagement the key ingredient for a successful project.
Flexibility and lower carbon emissions We work with many clients, like Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, who require a permanent building solution to suit changing requirements. Modular construction provides flexibility, as buildings can be expanded or relocated as needs dictate. Future-proofing your building allows for additional modules to be added later, either alongside, linked to, or on top of, the existing building. Again, this is ideally achieved with early engagement with a modular building supplier. You can expect a typical design life for a modular building of 50 years+, and your building, with normal general maintenance, will provide all the comfort that you would expect from a ‘permanent’ building. Once the building reaches the end of its lifecycle, it can be repurposed for other uses – this is a building method which provides an end-to-end reduction in carbon emissions. Wernick supplies high-quality, bespoke modular buildings suitable for a multitude of applications – from university lecture
A link to the main rehabilitation building at the Queen Alexandra Hospital, provided using an additional module, further creates the illusion of a building that has always been there.
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