MODULAR BUILD


Rakesh Sandhu


A four-bedded hospital ward constructed for North Devon District Hospital in Barnstaple.


expertise, ensuring the safe and precise placement of the modules within the limited space available. Wernick Buildings has earned a


distinguished reputation for delivering modular solutions in the healthcare sector, particularly in live clinical settings. With its in-house teams overseeing the design, manufacture, and installation processes, clients benefit from a streamlined and seamless experience, with a single point of contact throughout the project. The flexible modular systems provided by Wernick offer numerous advantages, including cost efficiency, shorter and more reliable construction schedules, and improved quality and sustainability.


A sustainable solution With the UK construction sector still aiming to be carbon neutral by 2030, modular construction methods offer a perfect sustainable solution. Much of the manufacturing process involved for a project such as Kingston Hospital happens in a factory-controlled environment, which guarantees the optimum use of building materials, greatly reducing waste to the point that almost nothing goes to landfill. In addition, the enhanced quality achieved through factory manufacture results in improved building performance, lower running costs, and reduced carbon emissions. Less time at the construction site also means there is much less vehicle movement during the build programme, greatly reducing emissions and onsite waste. In addition, green and innovative technologies are fully compatible with modular buildings. Sustainable extras such as PV panels, rainwater harvesting, battery integration, and solar or biomass energy, can be added to the design of the


110 Health Estate Journal October 2023


building. Many of these elements together mean an offsite build project can easily achieve EPC ‘+’ and a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating. In 2018, NHS Improvement (NHSI)


contacted the Modular and Portable Building Association (MPBA) due to a growing frustration with non-HTM- compliant healthcare solutions being offered across the modular buildings sector. After many discussions over a 12-month period, the modular building industry was invited by NHSI to attend numerous meetings to discuss possible solutions, and to explore the possibility of modular building systems being deployed within healthcare settings. This resulted in standardised designs which could be used in hospital areas such as wards and operating theatres. The appeal of offsite construction methods to NHS Trusts lies in their ability to significantly reduce build times, enabling healthcare facilities to become operational in a matter of months, rather than years. This accelerated timeline minimises disruption to the hospital’s operations, and mitigates associated health and safety risks. Modular specialists are now delivering buildings which are designed to meet compliance requirements for hospital wards and clinical spaces, simplifying the construction process through the utilisation of pre- approved designs.


Pressures on the NHS We are all aware that the NHS is under huge pressure at the moment, particularly with hospitals struggling to find room for patients. RAAC concrete issues are also likely to increase these problems. This has accelerated the adoption of modular solutions with an urgency for quick and cost-effective solutions becoming more


Rakesh Sandhu is currently Sales director at Wernick Buildings, having before this worked for Portakabin – two companies with decades of experience in the manufacture and design of modular buildings for the healthcare sector. Taking a hands- on approach, he has worked with clients to deliver multiple schemes across both the public and private sectors. With experience in project management, design, and commercial delivery, he takes pride in the energy and innovation he brings to all projects to bring a conceptual idea to life. His adeptness in managing multiple stakeholders and asking the right questions has seen him successful in delivering multi-million- pound healthcare projects.


apparent. Modular construction methods offer a solution, as buildings are designed to be flexible and able to cater to a range of needs. New buildings can be delivered in quick timeframes, and spaces are designed to be adaptable and easily reconfigured for future needs. By partnering with NHS Trusts and Clinical Commissioning Groups, modular building specialists like Wernick have been able to gain critical insight into the long-term needs and challenges of the healthcare sector. Such discussions have allowed us to develop bespoke building systems that meet all the specific needs and requirements of the sector. Beyond incorporating standard NHS specifications, modular construction affords clients the opportunity to create bespoke building designs tailored to their specific needs and preferences. This flexibility, combined with the expertise and collaborative approach of Wernick Buildings, ensures that the outcome of the Kingston Hospital clinics not only meets, but in fact exceeds, the expectations of the healthcare client, reflecting Wernick’s commitment to innovation, efficiency, and delivering high-quality healthcare infrastructure.


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