19/06-08   -   Press releases

How to get 10,000m2 and beyond built in just weeks

Portakabin, the UK’s leading modular building supplier, is taking the hassle out of time consuming large-scale building projects, with the provision of buildings up to 10,000m2 and beyond, in a matter of weeks.

Breckland Council, for example, procured 2,700m2 of two-storey office space which was delivered in less than 16 weeks and when Southampton University needed to hire two large-scale interim buildings, Portakabin supplied over 2,000m2 of office space across two-storeys, in just four weeks.

The 1,800m2 Portakabin buildings, used by the UK Ministry of Defence for the provision of worldwide satellite communications services to the UK Armed Forces, were also completed within 30 weeks and included a stylish barrel roof, large picture windows for increased natural light and a barrelled canopy.

Simon Robinson, Major Projects Manager at Portakabin says: “Portakabin delivered the entire building fully-fitted out and ready to move straight into. Its high-tech appearance was achieved using a range of external design finishes. Inside, the working area is light, airy and spacious with ergonomically designed furniture. These interior features are proven to increase the productivity and motivation levels of occupants."

The design had to cater for high security access systems, environmental requirements and a range of other specialist IT measures. The MoD project is envisaged to run for at least 15 years. At the end of the contract, the building can be relocated and used again elsewhere.

Paul Burridge, Design and Delivery Manager, responsible for the building project at Serco said: “The quality of the building really set Portakabin apart from the rest of the organisations we met with… It is 200% better than the buildings the majority of staff were in previously."

Time and budget overruns are a major concern for any building project – incurring financial costs, disrupting planning and operations, as well as damaging reputations. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has reported that only 63% of traditional building projects are completed on time and only 49% to the agreed contract sum.

However, Portakabin has a proven track record in delivering 99.6%* of state-of-the-art facilities on time and on budget, many of which are striking, large modular solutions which can be delivered in just weeks.

With off-site construction now well established, modular building methods offer a viable and quality alternative to bricks and mortar. The technologically advanced and versatile buildings delivered by Portakabin can give the scope and scale to design accommodation of unlimited potential.

Each modular development can be customised to meet precise requirements. An unrivalled selection of design features, architectural structures and aesthetic finishes means buildings can be created that are distinctive and memorable. From modern fascias and creative colours, to contemporary glazing and canopies, Portakabin modular buildings offer the potential to develop high-performance and striking solutions for both new large-scale developments and expansion projects.

Simon Robinson continues: “Not everyone is aware that when you need to procure larger buildings to provide expansive accommodation, there is an alternative to traditional build. Whether you need 200m2 or 10,000m2 - customers are amazed by the outstanding quality and design potential of our buildings. With modular construction, you can envisage and create accommodation to meet your specific needs and it can be delivered in less than half the time it takes to build using traditional methods."

All large modular solutions from Portakabin offer virtually unlimited space with the versatility to overcome various on-site restrictions, providing robust permanent developments or fully relocatable structures.

Modular construction offers complete flexibility with numerous reconfiguration and expansion options available, thus future proofing any development. From head office facilities to entire schools, large modular buildings from Portakabin offer exceptional build quality and scope to meet the needs of every sector.

Of course, when you choose modular accommodation, there is no compromise on quality. All Portakabin buildings meet the necessary building regulations and legislative requirements. This includes Full British Board of Agrément (BBA) and Local Authority Building Control approval (LABC), Part L2 of the Building Regulations for England and Wales (2002), Part J in Scotland (2002) and the Disability Discrimination Act 2002.

In addition, every building designed by Portakabin has carbon emission rates, which will either meet or exceed the requirements of Building Regulations Part L2 2006. This results in exceptional energy efficiency performance for reduced energy consumption.

The unique Portakabin 20-year structural warranty and 5-year product warranty package on all buildings purchased, gives you complete peace of mind. Independent BBA certification confirms that the steel structure will provide you with a minimum life of 60 years. The external envelope and internal finishes of your building also give a design life of up to 60 years. This extensive certification of Portakabin buildings means you have the freedom to create the building you need – with complete peace of mind that it’s robust and built to last.

To find out how Portakabin can benefit your business call 0845 355 5359 or log on at www.portanews.co.uk

Porta and Portakabin are all trade marks.

*Based on Portakabin order analysis January 2004 – April 2007