EDITOR’S COMMENT & CONTENTS Prefabrication – the future of construction?


A


lthough off-site construction, or prefabrication, has been around for decades, the process has gained popularity in recent years.


The concept involves construction of a building or some equipment off-site in a controlled environment and then transporting the finished product for assembly at its final destination.


A range of building components or equipment can


be prefabricated and the process a host of advantages.


Some of these include time savings and cost savings of up to 20 per cent; quality control as components are built in a controlled environment; less waste; no on-site accidents; flexibility in design; and of course reduced disruption as the majority of the work is completed off-site.


For the second time this year, BSEE is running a feature this modular method of construction.


Starting on page 15 Sherwin-Williams examines how intumescent coatings can play a key role in fire safety of modular buildings by preventing structural damage that could have life saving implications. On page 16, Baxi Packaged Solutions looks at how an NHS Trust has turned to a prefabricated plant room solution to minimise disruption and keep building operation running efficiently. And on page 18, Smart Construction looks at the opportunities for AI and digital technology in off-site construction. Offering businesses a clever way to save time and money, it’s not hard to see why many consider this to be the future of construction. Other features include Air conditioning, Cooling


& Ventilation; Heating & Hot Water; Domestic & Residential Living; and Building Management Systems.


Heather Ramsden, Editor From the Editor 6


A visitor walking through a data centre corridor


10 24


BSEE


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ISSN 1042-310


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Aquatech qp BSEE Oct22.qxp_Layout 1 20/9/22 11:28 Page 1 THIS MONTH


4 News & Appointments Industry news, appointments and quotes


6 Air Conditioning, Cooling & Ventilation Achieving sustainability in data centres


8 Heating & Hot Water The plant room of the future


10 FOCUS: Domestic & Residential Living Water efficiency in residential new builds


12 Industry Comment The advantages of air pressure testing in plumbing systems


14 Renewables Building a plan to reduce emissions and become more sustainable


15 Off-site Construction & Prefabrication The role of intumescent coatings in fire safety of modular buildings


Read the latest at: www.bsee.co.uk


16 Off-site Construction & Prefabrication Pioneering with prefabricated heating solutions


18 Off-site Construction & Prefabrication AI and digital technology in modular construction


20 Building Management Systems Net Zero: Where we’re going


22 Building Management Systems Wireless sensor technology in sustainable buildings


24 Building Management Systems Glowing for gold in Glasgow


28 Installation News 29 In Focus


A brand you can trust for Water Booster Sets and Pressurisation Units


T 0333 577 5121 E sales@aqpm.co.uk www.aquatechpressmain.co.uk BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER JULY 2023 3


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