modular
The University of Essex goes modular
T
HE University of Essex training centre site is a prime example of modern building techniques
improving efficiency through off-site construction, early design integration, co-ordination and engagement. With a student population of 10,500, the
3-storey modular teaching centre includes 20 classrooms, fully fitted WCs on each of the three floors, leisure facilities and circulation space for the students. Spanning 2,000 sqm, the £2.9m build involved the use of Western Building Systems’ modular construction methods and off-site production processes. Other key features within the new
training centre included glazed screens, full M&E, Upvc A-rated windows and aluminium doors, the latter of which were manufactured by Western. An unusual element of the project
included the inclusion of a lift at either end of the building which went above and beyond current standards to provide a designated lift for fire-fighting purposes. John McBride of ADP Architects, the
firm commissioned by Western Building Systems to help design the building, said: “The university outlined specific requirements such as the mix of classrooms, square footage, ceiling height and other education specific elements like electronic whiteboards, wi-fi and breakout spaces. “It was important to the university that there was continuity with the rest of the
campus so we matched internal screens and doors with those already in place in surrounding buildings “The site previously contained a pre-
fabricated student accommodation office which meant that central services like power and water were already in place. This was a distinct advantage when it came to preparing the site for installation.” The project involved the construction of
72 steel-frame modular units which were produced at Western’s Mountjoy Road plant in Tyrone before being transported to Essex for installation. According to John McBride: “The main
advantage of modular construction is the speed of construction when compared to traditional building methods. By constructing the modular steel frames off-site, downtime, for example, due to weather is dramatically reduced – a real benefit when operating in the UK and Ireland. “Designing a 3-storey modular build
was particularly satisfying from a professional point of view, as modular builds are often limited to two storeys. While the modules dictate design to an extent, it’s possible, with the right design and planning, to create unique and interesting looking buildings, through the choice of cladding and roofing materials. For the university, we were able to introduce some interesting aesthetic features by adding canopies to either end of the building in order to guide the flow
of students towards the two main entrance points.” Early design integration was
fundamental to ensuring value for the University. Commenting on the importance of early co-ordination and engagement, Declan McCloskey, Operations Director at Western Building Systems, said: “Forward planning is important for any project when it comes to ensuring critical milestones are achieved on time and on budget. This is especially true with modular builds like the University of Essex training centre where smooth installation required constant communication between the off- site manufacturing plant in Tyrone and the site in Essex where sub-structures and site services were carried out. “The benefits to modular builds are
compelling. On average, they reduce the build programme by up to 50% through off-site construction capabilities – up to 80% of construction can take place off site. Beyond the obvious cost and time savings, off-site production causes minimal disruption on site, reducing on- site health and safety risks associated with traditional builds.”
www.westernbuild.com highereducationestates 19
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