Unprecedented demand for new design tool for off-site construction

Since the launch of its new design tool to help architects and contractors work with off-site construction, award-winning modular building specialist and Portakabin subsidiary, Yorkon, has received over 1,200 requests for the guide.

This unprecedented interest is further evidence of the growing demand for off-site construction as a high quality, efficient and sustainable alternative to traditional site-based building methods. Demand is particularly strong from architects and contractors, as well as end users.

In response to the high level of interest in the new tool and following the success of its series of design workshops for architects, contractors and consultants, Yorkon has added three new workshops to its event programme which will take place on 2nd October 2008 at the RIBA in London.

Each session will demonstrate how to design buildings using a steel-framed modular system with practical advice on how to optimise the benefits of off-site construction.

To register for one of the design workshops, email contact@yorkon.com or call 0845 2000 123.

The recently updated design tool is available in interactive pdf format via the Yorkon website – www.yorkon.com. It is a comprehensive guide to steel-framed modular construction, including module sizes and options for staircases and lifts. For CAD users, there are easy-to-use files to help architects develop a building design for a specific project and produce fast and accurate project drawings.

In order to maximise the benefits of off-site construction, it is essential that specifiers develop a good understanding of the modular system and the process, and design for modular rather than site-based construction from the outset. The design guide tool and the series of workshops are Yorkon initiatives to help address this requirement.

Other new developments recently launched by Yorkon include a series of new design options for ‘greener’ modular buildings, which offer significant environmental benefits, such as the use of renewable sources of energy, reduced energy consumption and waste, lower carbon emissions, and greater recyclability.

The optional features include solar thermal heating, solar photovoltaics, passive ventilation, combined heat and power systems, ground source heat pumps, green roofs, biomass boilers, and rainwater harvesting.



For further PRESS information, please contact:

Joanne Bridges, Bridges Communications
PRO – Yorkon
Tel: 01489 570898, Fax: 01489 570888
Email: jbridges@bridgescommunications.co.uk

Editor’s Notes

1. The Yorkon approach to off-site construction offers a number of clear advantages over site-based building methods:

- enhanced thermal efficiency and greater sustainability
- waste reductions of up to 90 per cent
- programme times reduced by up to 50 per cent
- greater cost control
- less disruption
- safety improved by up to 46 per cent
- earlier occupation
- guaranteed quality
- greater design flexibility
- less risk for the client – more than 96 per cent of Yorkon projects have been completed on time and 94 per cent on
budget over the past five years – well exceeding construction industry averages

2. Off-site construction involves the manufacture of steel-framed modules in a controlled factory environment, using production line technology, whilst the foundation works are completed on site. The modules are delivered to site by road where they are craned into position in just a few days ready for the final stages of fitting out.