Modular Connections

New website launched for recycled site accomodation for the construction industry

2009-02-16T10:34:00.001Z

Foremans Relocatable Building Systems, the UK’s largest supplier of pre-owned modular buildings, has launched a new website for ConstructionSpace – its innovative site accommodation service for the construction industry.

The ConstructionSpace approach uses recycled modular buildings to provide site accommodation at a fraction of the cost of new manufacture and up to 80 per cent faster. As a result, sales enquiries and the demand for ConstructionSpace buildings have continued to increase as contractors’ budgets come under increasing pressure in response to the challenging economic climate.

The site-to-site service eliminates double handling charges and reduces the cost of site accommodation for buildings from 100sqm to 3,000sqm and in both single and multi-storey configurations.

The new website, www.constructionspace.co.uk, provides detailed information about this fast and efficient service for contractors, and features a selection of case studies of projects completed for leading contractors such as Skanska, Taylor Woodrow, Ballymore and GrantRail.

The website lists current building stocks and provides photographs, specifications and layouts, reducing the time required for sourcing site accommodation. Visitors to the site can also request to receive details of new building stock by email or phone as soon as they become available.

The uses for pre-owned buildings offered by ConstructionSpace include complete project offices – both as open plan and cellular accommodation – single site cabins, canteens, toilet and shower blocks, locker rooms, training and induction rooms and security offices.

Many of the buildings are supplied pre-fitted out as offices, meeting rooms, toilets, kitchens and reception areas, further reducing procurement time and cost.

ConstructionSpace offers a range of services, from project management to delivery and installation in compliance with all health and safety requirements. Site installation teams are trained and accredited with the CSCS scheme for further reassurance.

All ConstructionSpace buildings have the benefit of a three-month warranty, and are available for sale. There is a buy-back option for buildings purchased – making this a highly cost-effective alternative to hire, and ConstructionSpace will buy quality modular site accommodation that is surplus to contractors’ requirements.

For further information about ConstructionSpace services, visit www.constructionspace.co.uk or email contact@constructionspace.co.uk.

For further PRESS information, please contact:

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

Editor’s Notes
1. Foremans Relocatable Building Systems is the UK’s largest supplier of pre-owned modular buildings. The recycling and refurbishment of modular buildings is one of the most sustainable methods of construction.

2. Foremans is based at a 15-acre site at Brandesburton in East Yorkshire, and at Dunstable in Bedfordshire.

Foremans completes phase two of primary school extension - and its 9th contract for Leeds City Council

2009-01-12T11:46:00.000Z

Foremans Relocatable Building Systems, the UK’s largest supplier of pre-owned modular buildings, has completed construction of a new extension at Harehills Primary School – its ninth building project for Leeds City Council.

The scheme for Education Leeds was delivered in two phases to meet the school’s accommodation requirements. It provides an additional 210 places at the school, bringing the total capacity to 630 pupils to meet the growing population in the area.

The two-storey modular building was fully refurbished and fitted out to accommodate nine general classrooms and one IT suite, toilets and a lift. It has been partially clad in timber to help integrate it with the surrounding residential area and both phases were craned into position during school holidays to minimise any disruption to teaching.

Commenting on the project, Derek Vest, Education Officer at Education Leeds, said, “Foremans only supplies quality pre-owned modular buildings, such as Portakabin and Yorkon products, which are tried and tested. And because the modules are fully refurbished, it is very difficult to tell the finished building from new.”

“The approach gives us the quality of accommodation we need for schools in the area and to a tight budget. Other benefits include reduced construction time, less disruption to teaching, and because the buildings we use are recycled, it is very sustainable. This type of construction also lends itself to constrained sites such as Harehills, where there is little space for heavy plant, equipment and storage of building materials.”

“The Foremans team is well organised, professional and have a well established supply chain to offer a full package of construction services.”

Head teacher of Harehills Primary School, Lesley Dolben, said, “This is a fantastic new building. Foremans have worked well with us, were sensitive to our needs, and their project management team was excellent. The construction has not impeded the running of the school in any way, and we are very pleased with the classrooms which are great in terms of size and usability. They are light and airy and very pleasant to work in. The building feels substantial and not at all relocatable, and is significantly better than the accommodation we had previously.”

Since the completion of the project at Harehills, Foremans was awarded another contract for Education Leeds to provide a four-classroom extension at Crossley Street Primary School. This permanent single-storey building is finished in brick cladding and adjoins the existing school.

In addition to its environmental benefits, the Foremans approach to recycling and refurbishing pre-owned modular buildings can help reduce programme times by up to 70 per cent compared to new build, improves site safety and is more cost-effective. All refurbished Portakabin buildings supplied by Foremans comply with Building Regulations, and have the reassurance of a groundbreaking warranty package – a modular industry first.

Foremans modular buildings are suitable for a wide range of applications in the education sector, including school extensions, classroom blocks, offices, dining facilities, lecture theatres, pre-school nurseries and laboratories.

www.foremansbuildings.info

For further PRESS information, please contact:

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

Editor’s Notes

1. Foremans provides a nationwide service from its 24,000 sqm production centre in East Yorkshire, and its southern regional office in Dunstable. It offers a full range of construction services, including planning, finance, design and space planning, project management, groundworks, fitting out, delivery and site installation, testing and commissioning. Tel: 01964 544344. Email: info@foremans-rbs.co.uk.

2. Foremans offers the UK’s largest selection of refurbished Portakabin buildings available from stock.

Yorkon completes new science building for one of britain’s oldest schools

2009-01-05T11:40:00.000Z

Award-winning off-site construction specialist and Portakabin subsidiary, Yorkon, has completed a striking new school building for one of Britain’s oldest schools –Christ College in the Brecon Beacons National Park.

The off-site approach ensured completion of the scheme in just five months on a constrained school site, minimised any disruption to staff and pupils, and is a more sustainable method of construction.

Designed by P+HS Architects, the two-storey building expands the science facilities at this co-educational independent boarding and day school, bringing all the laboratories together under one roof and replacing an outdated 1950s block.

Christ College was founded by Royal Charter in 1541 by King Henry VIII and has buildings on its campus, including the chapel and dining hall, which date back to the 13th Century. Because of this and the building’s sensitive location in a national park, the design incorporated local materials such as Welsh sandstone from Llangorse Quarry, together with render and timber cladding to complement the surrounding architecture.

16 steel-framed building modules were manufactured off site in York and craned into position during school holidays to further minimise any disruption.

Commenting on the new building, Phil Bentley, Project Architect at P+HS Architects, said, “The building is innovative given its off-site construction and through careful choice of local materials, it is rich and warm in appearance. There is an exceptional quality of light and space inside with the generous double height atrium which has given the school an additional gallery space to enjoy.”

“It has created a very pleasant educational facility with the quality of the internal environment. This is a great building that has more than exceeded our expectations.”

Emma Taylor, Head Teacher at Christ College, said, “Yorkon have been wonderfully innovative partners in the design and construction process. The sustainability of the building was important, not only environmentally but educationally, as pupils can now see features such solar heating at first hand.”

“It was critical for us to have the new building up and running as soon as possible because it is built on the site of our original physics labs. The off-site approach allowed us to achieve this, and it has worked very well without any interruption to teaching. The project has certainly raised the bar in terms of quality and efficiency for any future construction work at the school.”

Two physics and two biology laboratories, a sixth form project room, and laboratory technician’s rooms are grouped around a double height central atrium that functions as an additional teaching area and exhibition space. This central ‘street’ also allows pupils to move through the space at peak times and gather informally before and after lessons.

The scheme features a number of sustainable measures, such as solar water heating to reduce energy consumption, energy-efficient lighting, natural ventilation and daylight and high levels of insulation to conserve energy.

The building has also been designed to be flexible and adaptable to change. The internal walls are non load-bearing and there are clear internal spans of up to 12m, so the teaching spaces and laboratories can easily be reconfigured to meet the school’s changing requirements over time.

www.yorkon.info

Editor’s Notes

1.Yorkon has an extensive track record in the education sector, having completed a wide variety of projects ranging from self-contained teaching buildings and classroom extensions for both primary and secondary schools, to a purpose-designed adult education centre, and the UK’s first complete school to be built off site.

2.The Yorkon steel-framed modular building system is a highly sustainable alternative to traditional site-based construction. It offers:

•Improved thermal efficiency. Yorkon steel-framed modular buildings are more thermally efficient than traditional site-based construction and consistently perform up to 70 per cent better than Building Regulations requirements (Part L2A) in full-scale independent tests for air permeability.
•Reduced energy consumption. Up to 67 per cent less energy is required to produce a modular building compared to an equivalent traditionally-built project (source: Arup)
•Reducing congestion and carbon emissions. The Yorkon off-site approach generates up to 90 per cent fewer vehicle movements to site (source: Mtech)
•Environmental policy. Yorkon is one of the first modular manufacturers to achieve ISO 14001 accreditation – the internationally recognised standard for reducing impact on the environment.
•New greener design options. Yorkon has introduced a series of new design options for ‘greener’ modular buildings, to encourage the use of renewable sources of energy, reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions, and promote recyclability.
•Waste reduction. Off-site construction reduces on-site waste by up to 90 per cent (source: WRAP). Over the past three years, Yorkon has achieved a 50 per cent reduction in the volume of waste sent to landfill over the last three years.
•Recycling. Yorkon now recycles 78 per cent of all waste and targets are in place to further improve recycling and waste management.

3.If you wish to publish a telephone number for further information, the number for Yorkon is 01904 610990. Please do not print the agency’s number.

For further PRESS information, please contact:

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

Yorkon to present latest developments in off-site construction for schools at BSEC 09

2008-11-27T15:22:00.001Z

Award-winning school building specialist and Portakabin subsidiary, Yorkon, will be demonstrating its cutting edge approach to off-site construction and a series of new developments in steel-framed modular building at BSEC 09.

Yorkon will be presenting an important innovation in modular technology – the new high performance floor option – believed to be the highest performing floor for any modular building.

This robust and proven pre-installed concrete floor is specifically designed for high traffic areas, such as school buildings, and will achieve a point load of 7kN and a UDL (uniformly distributed load) of 9kN/m2. It also offers enhanced acoustic performance, and all the speed and quality advantages of building off site.

In addition to the new floor option, Yorkon will be introducing its recently updated design tool, which helps architects and specifiers work with modular buildings for school applications.

Available in interactive pdf format via the Yorkon website – www.yorkon.com, this 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 school project and produce fast and accurate project drawings.

Other new developments recently launched by Yorkon include a new suite of ‘greener’ design options for the use of renewable sources of energy, reduced energy consumption and waste, lower carbon emissions, and greater recyclability.

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

The Yorkon approach to off-site construction is highly sustainable. It will deliver higher quality education buildings on time and on budget and with less disruption to staff and pupils. It can reduce programme times by up to 50 per cent, is safer, more predictable and offers enhanced thermal efficiency for lower running costs.

Yorkon has an extensive track record in the education sector, having completed a wide variety of projects ranging from self-contained teaching blocks and classroom extensions for both primary and secondary schools and in the state and independent sectors, to complete schools, nursery buildings, and further education facilities.

Yorkon will be exhibiting at BSEC on stand 526 or visit www.yorkon.info.

For further PRESS information, please contact:

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

Editor’s Notes

1.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 fitting out.

2.If you wish to publish a telephone number for further information, the number for Yorkon is 01904 610990. Please do not print the agency’s number.

Yorkon completes its largest scheme in the retail sector

2008-11-27T11:02:00.001Z

Off-site construction specialists and Portakabin subsidiary, Yorkon, has completed its largest contract in the retail sector in the company’s 30-year history.

The £1.4m modular scheme at a Sainsbury’s superstore in Brentwood was completed with main contractors RG Group and reduced the programme time by four weeks.

Demand for the off-site approach in the retail sector continues to rise. Over the past year Yorkon’s turnover in the sector has increased significantly and projects now include extensions to superstores and back of house facilities as well as modular convenience stores for a number of leading food retailers.

The project for Sainsbury’s at Brentwood provided a new first floor extension for the store, accommodating a customer café, a lobby area to a new elevated car park, customer toilets and baby change, staff facilities and a bulk storage area for general merchandise.

Commenting on the Brentwood project, Richard Rust, Head of Construction and Delivery at Sainsbury’s said, “The off-site approach helped to reduce customer disruption and programme time on this project, and allowed the first floor extension to be completed a month earlier than with traditional construction.”

“By completing as much work as possible ‘off site’, we succeeded in keeping customer car parking to a maximum in this busy trading store. The relationship with RG Group and Yorkon worked well, and the module installation at the store was organised and efficient.”

42 steel-framed modules were manufactured by Yorkon off site in York and pre-fitted with internal partitions, sanitary ware, flooring, kitchen equipment, glazing, plumbing, electrics and brick cladding, prior to delivery to site. The modules were installed in just six days.

This scheme is the third project for Sainsbury’s completed by Yorkon and RG Group and follows superstore extensions at Chelmsford and Rayleigh Weir in Essex.

www.yorkon.info

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
- greater design flexibility
- waste reductions of up to 90 per cent
- programme times reduced by up to 50 per cent
- greater cost control
- less disruption to existing operations and local residents
- safety improved by up to 46 per cent
- earlier occupation and a faster return on investment for the retailer
- guaranteed quality
- 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. /

Yorkon achieves environmental accreditation

2008-11-07T17:07:00.001Z

Award-winning off-site construction specialist, Yorkon, has announced that as part of the Portakabin Group, it has achieved ISO 14001 accreditation – the internationally recognised standard for reducing impact on the environment.

Certification was achieved by the Portakabin Group, which includes Yorkon, following a rigorous independent assessment of the company’s environmental policy, compliance with legislation, control systems and procedures, and targets for further improving environmental performance.

David Johnson, Director and General Manager of Yorkon, said, “Environmental impact is an increasingly important global issue and it is essential that all organisations, particularly in the construction industry, are committed to minimising the effect of their activities on the environment.”

“This accreditation is a powerful tool that allows organisations to focus their environmental efforts on internationally-accepted criteria and promote best practice. It is a proactive solution to improving both environmental performance and enhancing business efficiency.”

“As a business, we are working on many levels to continually improve sustainability. Initiatives include reducing waste in the construction process through off-site manufacturing; increasing the recyclability of waste by employing intelligent design and production methods; the manufacture of buildings which are highly thermally efficient, and the use of new technologies and innovations for ‘greener’ modular buildings.”

Yorkon has also recently launched a series of new design options for ‘greener’ modular buildings, which offer significant environmental benefits, including the use of renewable sources of energy, reduced energy consumption and carbon emissions, and recyclability.

The optional features include solar thermal heating, solar photovoltaics, passive ventilation, combined heat and power systems, ground and air source heat pumps, wind power, green roofs, biomass boilers, and rainwater harvesting. Some of these options have already been used in buildings provided by Yorkon, such as a recent project at Bewdley High School in Worcestershire – believed to be the UK’s most sustainable modular school building.

As part of the Portakabin Group, Yorkon was the first off-site specialist to commit to working towards the Sustainability Charter introduced by the Major Contractors Group and, the Group has worked with the Carbon Trust to reduce the amount of energy used in the manufacturing process.

http://www.yorkon.info/

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.If you would be interested in an article about the sustainability benefits of off-site construction, please let us know. We would be happy to discuss your editorial requirements.

2.Modular construction offers a wide range of sustainability advantages, including:
-Less waste - off-site construction generates up to 90 per cent less waste compared to site-based building methods (source: WRAP)
-Reduced energy consumption - up to 67 per cent less energy is required to produce a modular building compared to an equivalent traditionally built project (source: Arup)
-Reduced congestion and carbon emissions - up to 90 per cent fewer vehicle movements to site (source: Mtech)
-Greater thermal efficiency and lower running costs - Yorkon buildings are highly thermally efficient and consistently perform up to 70 per cent better than Building Regulations requirements in full-scale tests for air permeability in line with Part L2A.

3.If you wish to publish a telephone number for further information, the number for Yorkon is 01904 610990. Please do not print the agency’s number.

Foremans completes construction of highly sustainable school building in London

2008-10-20T17:04:00.000+01:00

Foremans Relocatable Building Systems, the UK’s largest supplier of recycled modular buildings, has completed construction of a highly sustainable new school building in the London Borough of Brent, after only seven weeks on site.

Designed by architects, Sampson Associates, the new £1m sixth form centre at Alperton Community School was constructed by Foremans from recycled and refurbished building modules. This approach reduced the build programme by around 70 per cent and the construction budget by half compared to traditional site-based building methods. It has also dramatically reduced the building’s carbon footprint.

Other environmental features of the scheme include pre-installed timber cladding from sustainable sources, natural ventilation, energy efficient lighting, brise soleil sunshading and water conservation devices.

Built by Foremans to a challenging timescale in just five months from receipt of order, ready for the start of the new academic year, the two-storey building comprises 46 pre-owned steel modules. The units were fully refurbished and pre-fitted out off site, significantly reducing the programme time, and were craned into position during the school holidays to minimise any disruption to teaching.

The purpose-designed facilities include seven general classrooms, a fully equipped IT suite, study and social areas, and faculty offices, replacing a dilapidated and sub-standard ‘temporary’ teaching block which had been in use for the past 35 years.

Commenting on the new building, Maggie Rafee, Head Teacher at Alperton Community School, said, “Feedback about the new building from students, staff and governors has been consistently excellent, and it has had a very positive effect on morale. It is fantastic to have one dedicated building for the sixth form, rather than having to share facilities as previously.”

She added, “We felt Foremans demonstrated the best experience and resources to undertake this project, and the sustainability benefits of pre-owned modular buildings were a key factor in our choice of the approach. We aim to educate all our students about the importance of recycling, and this is an excellent way of demonstrating how the school is helping to meet the green agenda with its own actions.”

“Foremans managed the project very well, with no disruption to the school, despite working on a very constrained site and to a challenging programme, and completed the scheme and the high level of fitting out to time and on budget.”

Colin Sampson, Principal Architect at Sampson Associates, said, “We are very pleased with this building. Initially we were sceptical about whether the pre-owned approach could deliver the quality we aspired to. In reality, you cannot tell the difference between this and new build.”

“The project also demonstrates how the addition of architectural elements such as timber cladding, brise soleil and an entrance canopy can enhance a building, successfully satisfying planning requirements as well as the needs of the school and the community.”

“The new sixth form centre has been delivered at half the cost of traditional new build and with a miniscule carbon footprint. We would definitely use the Foremans approach again.”

The use of pre-owned modular buildings is one of the most environmentally friendly methods of construction, and a highly sustainable alternative to new build and to the demolition and disposal of buildings in landfill sites. It generates less than 10 per cent of the carbon emissions and uses less than 3 per cent of the energy during construction, compared to a newly manufactured building of equivalent size (source: Modular and Portable Building Association/Arup).

For further information about Foremans and the recycling, refurbishment and re-use of modular buildings, call 01964 544344, email info@foremans-rbs.co.uk or visit http://www.foremansbuildings.co.uk/.

For further PRESS information, please contact:

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

Editor’s Notes

1.Foremans specialises in the supply of quality recycled and refurbished modular buildings, designed to individual project requirements. In addition to its sustainability benefits, the approach offers a range of other advantages:

-A cost-effective alternative to new build
-Programme times for high quality temporary or permanent accommodation reduced by up to 70 per cent.
-Off-site working is maximised for safer, quieter and cleaner sites and reduced disruption
-The buildings can be easily expanded, reconfigured or removed if space requirements change
-High quality steel-framed modular buildings are built to last and require fewer groundworks than traditional site-based construction – further reducing cost, disruption and programme times.

2.Foremans modular buildings are suitable for a wide range of applications in the education sector, including school extensions, classroom blocks, offices, dining facilities, lecture theatres, pre-school nurseries and laboratories.

3.Foremans provides a nationwide service from its 24,000 sqm production centre in East Yorkshire, and its southern regional office in Dunstable. It offers a full range of construction services, including planning, finance, design and space planning, project management, groundworks, fitting out, delivery and site installation, testing and commissioning.

Yorkon launches the highest performing floor option for a modular building

2008-10-17T10:52:00.000+01:00

The latest innovation for the Yorkon off-site building system is a new high performance floor option for high traffic areas and heavy, variable loads, launched at Interbuild 08.

With a point loading of 7kN and a uniformly distributed load of 9kN/m2, the factory-installed concrete floor is believed to be the highest performing floor for a modular building.

It has been launched by Portakabin subsidiary, Yorkon, following a two-year development and testing programme and offers a range of benefits for steel-framed modular buildings with areas of high footfall or heavy point loading – from retail superstores and convenience stores to education and airport buildings, chemical and pharmaceutical applications such as laboratories and process areas, and buildings where specialist flooring is a requirement.

Features of the new floor option include:

•Point loading of 7kN
•Uniformly distributed load of 9kN/m2
•Acoustic performance which meets the most stringent Building Regulations* requirements for airborne sound and footfall (*Building Regulations 2000 Part E)
•Shorter programme times
•All the advantages of off-site construction – superior quality, less material waste and less disruption
•Six storey building capability
•Improved site safety and site cleanliness as the concrete is pre-installed in the factory
•A highly durable terrazzo flooring option, which is factory installed.

The new high performance floor has already been used by Sainsbury’s for two superstore extensions.
Commenting on the launch, David Johnson, Director and General Manager of Yorkon, said, “This new option will allow all the benefits of off-site construction to be applied to an even wider range of building uses – for example, areas where pallet trucks may be used or applications requiring the placement of heavy equipment.”
“This is a robust and proven solution, which has already been used to extend the retail sales areas of two superstores, resulting in significantly reduced programme times to the benefit of Sainsbury’s and their customers.”

“As part of our commitment to design and innovation, we are continually looking at new product developments and manufacturing initiatives to further improve the sustainability, performance and design flexibility of our award-winning off-site building system.”

A dedicated concrete floor casting bay has now been installed at the Yorkon production centre in York, integrating the pre-installed concrete floor option into the steel-framed module manufacturing process. The development of the new floor option also involved the construction of two prototype modules for extensive testing, and detailed design calculations, and module lifting and transport trials.

The pre-installation of concrete into modules in a factory environment is easier and safer than on a building site. Concrete can be poured into individual modules which are accessible from most sides, reducing, and in some cases eliminating, the need for extended chutes and pumps. It also allows the grinding and polishing of terrazzo flooring to be carried out under factory-controlled conditions, for cleaner, safer and quieter work on site.

For further information about the new high performance floor option, visit http://www.yorkon.co.uk/ or call 01904 610990.

Editor’s Notes

1.Other new Yorkon initiatives include:

•A new range of ‘greener’ design options to promote the use of renewable sources of energy, reduce carbon emissions and improve recyclability.
•An interactive design tool to help architects and contractors work with off-site construction and produce fast and accurate project drawings.
•Accreditation to ISO 14001 – the internationally recognised standard for reducing impact on the environment.

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

-enhanced thermal efficiency and greater sustainability
-programme times reduced by up to 50 per cent for earlier occupation
-greater cost control and reduced risk for the client or contractor
-less disruption
-improved site safety
-superior quality
-greater design flexibility
-construction waste reduced by up to 90 per cent
-completion on time and on budget.

3.If you wish to publish a telephone number for further information, the number for Yorkon is 01904 610990. Please do not print the agency’s number.

For further PRESS information, please contact:

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

Yorkon shortlisted for two major building awards

2008-09-26T09:51:00.001+01:00

Portakabin subsidiary, Yorkon, and Interserve Project Services, have been shortlisted for two Building Better Healthcare Awards following the completion of a ProCure21 project at the University Hospital of North Tees in Stockton.

The construction team for the new Emergency Assessment Unit has been shortlisted in the Best Healthcare Construction Product category and for the Best Ecological Product Award.

The annual Building Better Healthcare Awards reward excellence, innovation and professionalism in the healthcare built environment and look specifically at building design, the patient environment, people, products and estates and facilities management.

The award winners will be announced following selected site visits and a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style Product Pitching Day, at an awards ceremony in London in November.

David Johnson, Director and General Manager of Yorkon said, “Completing a building of this complexity and to the required quality standards, in the timescale, was the major challenge. This was also a very busy hospital site and minimising disruption to patient care for the duration of the contract was a critical issue.”

“We are delighted that the achievements of the Trust, Interserve and Yorkon – and the success of the off-site approach – have been recognised with these award nominations. And it is excellent that our efforts in developing a sustainable building system have been acknowledged with our inclusion in the award shortlist for the Best Ecological Product.”
Steven Taylor, Trust Project Manager for the EAU scheme, said, “The Trust’s brief to the project team was to provide a modern, welcoming healthcare environment with a strong emphasis on designs that promote the highest standards of cleanliness and control of infection. A key factor was also that the building would be robust enough to cope with the demands of a very busy Emergency Assessment Unit.”

“I am happy to say that the project team has met the Trust’s expectations. This building has certainly raised the bar in terms of quality of finish and compliance with NHS standards.”

Yorkon was awarded the £2.8m contract by Interserve Project Services for the off-site construction and fitting out of a new state-of-the-art 42-bed Emergency Assessment Unit required by North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust.

The 1,710sqm single-storey extension building was completed just over six months after start on site and has successfully expanded the number of assessment beds on the Stockton site as part of the Government’s drive to reduce waiting times for emergency cases. Since its completion, the Trust has achieved the highest level of activity in the EAU of any ward accommodation in the hospital.

The scheme comprises 42 steel-framed modules, which were manufactured in York and installed on site in just a few days – minimising disruption to patient care and reducing the programme time for the new unit.

Designed around the needs of patients, healthcare professionals and support staff, following extensive consultation, the building provides a range of facilities for acute emergency surgical care, including:

• four-bed wards
• single en-suite bedrooms
• an isolation ward
• high dependency beds
• consulting rooms
• ward manager’s office
• waiting areas and quiet room
• staff changing facilities and rest room
• an interview room.

The unit has been equipped with the latest technology. Wireless workstations are available for use at patients’ bedsides and this is one of the first units in the country to have an electronic information board. It is treating around 30,000 patients each year.

www.yorkon.info

For further PRESS information, please contact:

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

Editor’s Notes

1. The advantages of off-site construction for healthcare projects include:

- programme times reduced by up to 50 per cent, allowing earlier completion with a positive impact on patient care
- reduced disruption to patients, staff and the local community during construction
- fewer vehicle movements to site
- safer, quieter and cleaner
- improved quality and reduced future maintenance
- a high level of design flexibility internally and externally
- buildings can be expanded without decanting
- improved thermal efficiency for lower running costs and reduced carbon emissions
- helping to address the shortage of skilled labour affecting the construction industry
- cost control and reduced material wastage
- guaranteed delivery on time and on budget.

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 fitting out.

3. If you wish to publish a telephone number for further information, the number for Yorkon is 01904 610990. Please do not print the agency’s number.

Modular Industry first for Sainsbury's

2008-09-19T13:53:00.002+01:00

Leading food retailer, Sainsbury’s, has further advanced the use and specification of modular construction to extend the retail sales area of one of its supermarkets, utilising pre-installed terrazzo flooring for the first time.

Main contractors, Longcross, and award-winning off-site specialists, Yorkon, completed the scheme to expand the retail accommodation at a Sainsbury’s store in Attleborough, Norfolk. This is the first application of the new high performance floor option from Yorkon, which allows highly durable terrazzo flooring to be fully installed off site in a factory.

The new innovation was developed by Yorkon with Longcross, giving Sainsbury’s the opportunity to use steel-framed modular construction to provide additional retail space, with all the benefits of building off site.

The build time for the store in Attleborough was reduced by six weeks to just three months, minimising disruption to Sainsbury’s customers’ shopping experience during the supermarket extension and refurbishment.

The single-storey brick-clad modular extension runs the full length of the store and has created a complete new frontage and main entrance for the supermarket. It accommodates 16 checkouts, customer toilets, baby change facilities, customer services desk and ATM pods. Full height curtain walling was pre-installed off site together with a large proportion of the fitting out, such as plumbing, flooring, tiling, electrics and internal partitions.

Two fully finished prototype modules were manufactured at the Yorkon production centre in York as part of the development of the new high performance floor option. The Yorkon building system was also engineered to allow removal of some intermediate columns to achieve maximum clear spans preferred in supermarket construction.

Commenting on the use of modular construction, Richard Rust, Head of Construction and Delivery at Sainsbury’s said, “Modular construction is not new to us, however as part of our Develop For Less (DFL) programme and our close collaboration with our supply chain, we have been able to further develop the use of modular construction with the introduction of pre-installed terrazzo flooring.”

“Minimising disruption to our customers when extending or refurbishing our stores is a key issue for Sainsbury’s and there is a clear synergy between constructing buildings off site and the food retail sector.”

“Yorkon has a proven ability to deliver and our close collaboration is working well. We were pleased with the outcome of the Attleborough project and have received good feedback from our customers and colleagues.”

“Modular construction allowed us to build the extension later in the programme to retain as much car parking for customers as possible during the extension and refurbishment, an important benefit on such a constrained site. The modules were installed quickly and with little impact on our customers. Based on the success of Attleborough, we will continue to look at all opportunities for an off-site approach in our development programme.”

Steve Willis, Project Manager at main contractors, Longcross, said, “At Attleborough we had very little space on site so traditional methods of construction would have taken up customer parking for the storage of materials, plant and equipment. The modular approach meant the store was closed for only one day, which reduced overall disruption to customers and the programme time for construction of the new extension. The terrazzo finish in the extension blends in well with the existing store and the end result is very good.”Yorkon has now completed a number of schemes for Sainsbury’s with Longcross – a café extension at Ellesmere Port, a toilet block at Arnold near Nottingham and a larger project to provide a retail extension, new entrance and home delivery facility at a superstore in Worksop.

The new concrete floor option has been developed by Yorkon for high traffic applications, such as supermarkets, and where higher point loadings are required. It allows ceramic tiles and terrazzo floors to be factory-installed, reducing time and improving quality, and will achieve point loads of 7kN and uniformly distributed loads of up to 9kN/m2.

http://www.yorkon.info/

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 and a faster return on investment
- 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

Foremans publishes new literature for pre-owned modular buildings - A more suitable approach to construction

2008-09-02T16:17:00.000+01:00

Foremans Relocatable Building Systems, the UK’s largest supplier of pre-owned modular buildings, has launched a new brochure outlining the design options and technical advancements now available for this highly sustainable, fast and cost-effective approach to construction.

The new literature for construction clients, main contractors and end users of buildings in both public and private sectors, is an informative guide to buying, selling and hiring pre-owned modular buildings for offices, schools, hospitals, airports and temporary site accommodation.

It is illustrated with completed projects across a diverse range of sectors and features comments from clients and building occupiers. It also includes information about specifications, procurement options, health and safety, and the sustainability benefits of recycling and refurbishing modular buildings.

The Foremans approach offers all the advantages of off-site construction – speed, quality and less disruption – with the additional benefits of exceptional value for money and a higher degree of sustainability because the modules supplied are pre-owned and fully refurbished.

The use of recycled modular buildings is an environmentally sound alternative to demolishing and disposing of traditionally-built buildings in landfill sites.

Refurbished steel-framed modular buildings, which are compliant with Building Regulations, generate less than 10 per cent of the carbon emissions and use less than 3 per cent of the energy during construction compared to a newly manufactured building of equivalent size.

The modules are fully upgraded and reconfigured off site by Foremans to clients’ specific project requirements, for either permanent or temporary accommodation. This minimises waste and energy consumption, allows other organisations to benefit from the advantages of off-site construction, and reduces programme times by up to 70 per cent compared to site-based building methods.

Buildings can be clad in a range of finishes to complement existing facilities, and can be supplied in single or multi-storey configurations for a wide range of uses, including classrooms, nurseries, wards, offices, site accommodation, and airport facilities.

Organisations can hire, purchase or lease their accommodation for unrivalled choice and flexibility and to help meet their changing needs.

To request a copy of the new brochure, visit http://www.foremansbuildings.co.uk/or call 01964 544344.

For further PRESS information, please contact:

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

Editor’s Notes

1. Foremans has the UK’s largest selection of refurbished Portakabin buildings and provides a nationwide service from its 24,000 sqm production centre in East Yorkshire, and its southern regional office in Dunstable.

2. Foremans offers a full range of construction services, including planning, finance, design and space planning, project management, groundworks, fitting out, delivery and site installation, testing and commissioning.

Yorkon brings modular retail building to interbuild

2008-08-01T14:34:00.002+01:00

Award-winning off-site specialist and Portakabin subsidiary, Yorkon, is to bring a retail building to Interbuild in October this year, demonstrating cutting edge off-site technology and the latest developments in steel-framed modular building.

The building will comprise two 14m long modules and will be fitted out off site as a convenience store, complete with curtain walling, checkout, gondolas and pre-installed terrazzo flooring. It will be transported to the NEC in Birmingham by road and installed at ‘The Village’ – a new show feature which will explore different approaches to off-site construction for commercial and public sector applications.

The modular store at Interbuild will also be the official launch of the new high performance concrete floor option from Yorkon. This new innovation in modular building has been developed to provide a robust floor construction for high traffic areas and heavy, variable loads. It will achieve a point load of 7kN and a UDL (uniformly distributed load) of up to 7.5kN/m2 – believed to be the highest floor performance currently available for a modular building.

This latest option for the Yorkon modular system allows terrazzo tiling to be pre-installed, with all the speed and quality benefits of off-site construction. It also offers enhanced acoustic performance and further improved energy efficiency because of the greater thermal mass of concrete. The option has already been used for two superstore extensions for Sainsbury’s in Norfolk and Nottinghamshire – the first time the retailer has used pre-installed terrazzo flooring.

Other new developments for the Yorkon modular system include:

• a wider range of glazing, cladding and roofing options
•a new suite of ‘greener’ design options for the use of renewable sources of energy, reduced energy consumption and waste, lower carbon emissions, and greater recyclability
•a new design tool to help architects and contractors work with off-site construction.

The developments are part of Yorkon’s commitment to pushing forward the boundaries of modular building, and combine innovative design and construction technology with all the advantages of off site fabrication.

http://www.yorkon.co.uk/

For further PRESS information, please contact:

Joanne Bridges, PRO – Yorkon
Bridges Communications
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 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
- less disruption
- safety improved by up to 46 per cent
- earlier occupation
- guaranteed quality
- greater design flexibility

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.

3. If you wish to publish a telephone number for further information, the number for Yorkon is 01904 610990. Please do not print the agency’s number.

Yorkon completes new £5M Ward Building at Walsall Manor Hospital

2008-07-21T10:05:00.000+01:00

Off-site construction specialist and Portakabin subsidiary, Yorkon, has completed a £5.5m contract for Skanska to manufacture and fit out a new 136-bed ward building at Walsall Manor Hospital – a week ahead of programme.

The project was part of the advance works package for the £140m redevelopment of the hospital to be completed by Skanska Innisfree under the Private Finance Initiative, replacing outdated buildings with state-of-the-art facilities to enhance patient care.

The four-storey ward building comprises 104 steel-framed modules, which were manufactured off site in York by Yorkon and craned into position in three phases to minimise disruption to the hospital.

It provides modern and spacious accommodation to facilitate improved quality of care and to help with the control of cross infection. Facilities include a combination of six-bed wards and single ensuite bedrooms, nurse base stations on each floor, treatment suites, ward kitchen, offices, day room and relatives room.

Commenting on completion of the new ward building, Sue James, Chief Executive of Walsall Hospitals NHS Trust, said, “We are extremely proud of this new facility which will vastly improve the experience of some of our more vulnerable patients, by providing facilities that are fit for the 21st Century.”

Mike Thompson, Technical Director at Skanska, said, “This project went very smoothly, with excellent relations and co-operation between the Trust, Skanska and Yorkon teams. The modular approach brought programme benefits to the project as we were working to a tight deadline for completion. The building was also manufactured in a controlled environment which has quality benefits.”

Building off site offers many advantages for the construction of new healthcare facilities. Programme times are reduced by up to 50 per cent, allowing earlier completion and occupation to the benefit of patient care, and disruption to staff, patients and the local community is significantly reduced because the building is manufactured off site. The Yorkon modular system allows a high degree of design flexibility internally and externally, and buildings can be expanded without decanting.

www.yorkon.info

For further PRESS information, please contact:

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

Editor’s Notes

1. Further benefits of off-site construction for healthcare projects include:

- few vehicle movements to site
- construction work is safer, quieter and cleaner
- quality is improved and future maintenance is reduced
- delivery on time and on budget is guaranteed
- thermal efficiency is improved, for lower running costs and reduced carbon emissions
- the approach helps to address the shortage of skilled labour affecting the construction industry
- costs are controlled and material wastage is reduced.

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 fitting out.

Unprecedented demand for new design tool for off-site construction

2008-07-04T09:34:00.002+01:00

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.

Yorkon completes new emergency assessment unit at North Tees Hospital

2008-05-21T13:08:00.001+01:00

Off-site construction specialist and Portakabin subsidiary, Yorkon, has completed the construction of a new ProCure21 project for Interserve Project Services at the University Hospital of North Tees in Stockton.

The £2.8m contract involved the off-site construction and fitting out of a new state-of-the-art 42-bed Emergency Assessment Unit required by North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust. The 1,710sqm single-storey extension to the existing department has expanded the number of assessment beds on the Stockton site and is part of the Government’s drive to reduce waiting times for emergency cases.

The scheme comprises 42 steel-framed modules, which were manufactured in York and installed on site in just a few days – minimising disruption to patient care and reducing the programme time for the new unit.

The building was delivered in just over six months from start on site and provides a range of facilities for acute emergency surgical care. These include four-bed wards and single ensuite bedrooms, an isolation ward, high dependency beds, consulting rooms, ward manager’s office, waiting areas, quiet room, staff changing facilities and rest room, and an interview room.

The unit has been equipped with the latest technology. Wireless workstations are available for use at patients’ bedsides and this is one of the first units in the country to have an electronic information board. It will treat around 30,000 patients each year.

Consultant Dr Nick Roper said, “After much planning, it is brilliant to see the new unit up and running. We have designed in features such as isolation rooms, ensuite bathrooms, no-touch taps and bespoke window blinds. The final result is a spacious and calm working environment, which is properly equipped to look after patients with emergency medical needs.”

Kevin Oxley, Director of Operations at the Trust, said, “This is a fantastic building. We are impressed with the benefits of the off-site approach and the speed of construction, which allowed us to introduce a new model of care at an earlier stage and so benefit from operational efficiencies. The unit has the feel, quality and appearance of the best traditionally-built building and is allowing the Trust to achieve the highest levels of clinical care. The installation process went very well and the building is defect-free.”

Shaun Paramor, Project Manager at Interserve Project Services, said, “Yorkon were selected for their reputation and experience in the healthcare sector – and I am pleased to report they performed very well. They delivered a quality building, constructed to Interserve’s high standards. The modular approach shortens the programme time which has cost benefits and gives the client beneficial use of the building at an earlier stage. It is also a clean and efficient way of constructing a building, despite working through the winter months.”

The Emergency Assessment Unit adopts the latest thinking in emergency surgical care and is staffed by specialist medical teams, giving quicker access to treatment, more efficient streaming of patients and greater operational efficiencies for the Trust. It was built following a review of acute services in the region, which centralised emergency surgical care at the University Hospital of North Tees.

www.yorkon.info

Editor’s Notes

1. The advantages of off-site construction for healthcare projects include:

- programme times reduced by up to 50 percent, allowing earlier completion with a positive impact on patient care
- reduced disruption to patients, staff and the local community during construction
- fewer vehicle movements to site
- safer, quieter and cleaner
- improved quality and reduced future maintenance
- a high level of design flexibility internally and externally
- buildings can be expanded without decanting
- improved thermal efficiency for lower running costs and reduced carbon emissions
- helping to address the shortage of skilled labour affecting the construction industry
- cost control and reduced material wastage
- guaranteed delivery on time and on budget.

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 fitting out.

For further PRESS information, please contact:

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

UK’s largest acute admissions unit arrives on site in Watford

2008-05-02T10:28:00.000+01:00

The largest acute admissions unit (AAU) in the UK has arrived on site at Watford General Hospital. The scheme for West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust is also believed to be the UK’s largest modular building project in the healthcare sector.

The project is part of a £25m ProCure21 contract awarded to Medicinq Osborne. Modules for the new AAU have been constructed off site by Yorkon in a £12m contract. 142 steel-framed modules have now been delivered to site and craned into position. The modules are substantially complete with partitions, electrics, plumbing, sanitary ware and finishes already in place – reducing the programme time by up to 50 per cent and minimising disruption to patient care.

Scheduled for completion this summer, the new facility, which will be linked to the existing A&E department, will radically change the way patients in West Hertfordshire receive emergency care. It will offer rapid assessment and consultant-led diagnosis for emergency cases to improve the patient experience and dramatically reduce the long-term effects of serious conditions such as strokes and heart attacks.

Designed by Murphy Philipps Architects, the AAU will provide 120 beds for emergency admissions, two cardiac catheterisation laboratories, diagnostics including x-ray, ultrasound and CT scanning, new hospital pharmacy with robotic dispensing, a library and roof-top plant room.

Graham Ramsay, Medical Director at West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust said, “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Medicinq Osborne and Yorkon on this exciting project. 2008 will see a major improvement in hospital care in West Hertfordshire and the development of the Acute Admissions Unit will play a crucial part in securing the very best hospital services for the 21st Century.”

He added, “We are particularly pleased that we chose the off-site approach for providing the new facilities as it is significantly reducing disruption to our patients, staff and the local community during its construction.”

Stephen Liddle, Chairman of Medicinq comments, “This project represents the level of innovation that exists within Medicinq Osborne. We were delighted to be awarded this contract and to have the opportunity to implement cutting edge construction techniques in order to deliver a world class healthcare facility.”

David Johnson, Director and General Manager of Yorkon said, “Off-site construction offers many advantages to contractors as well as to building end users. We were able to start manufacture and fitting out of the new AAU before demolition work had been carried out on site. This parallel working is saving around six months on the programme time, which allowed the hospital site to remain in use for longer and the new building will be open and treating patients much earlier, and with no compromise on quality.”

www.medicinq.co.uk
www.osborne.co.uk
www.yorkon.info

For further PRESS information, please contact:

Clare Webber (PR Medicinq Osborne)
The Holistic Group.
Tel: 07515 053376
Email: clare.webber@holisticgroup.co.uk

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

Editor’s Notes

1.Medicinq is a consortium formed by Osborne, Midas Projects and Simons Construction that can provide long-term sustainable benefits from innovative solutions to project requirements. These long-established and successful privately owned businesses have extensive experience of partnering in both the public and private sectors, which they seek to share and develop with the NHS through ProCure21. The organisations have a combined annual turnover in excess of £750m.

2.The advantages of off-site construction for healthcare projects include:

-programme times reduced by up to 50 per cent, allowing earlier completion with a positive impact on patient care
-reduced disruption to patients, staff and the local community during construction
-fewer vehicle movements to site
-safer, quieter and cleaner
-improved quality and reduced future maintenance
-a high level of design flexibility internally and externally
-buildings can be expanded without decanting
-improved thermal efficiency for lower running costs and reduced carbon emissions
-helping to address the shortage of skilled labour affecting the construction industry
-cost control and reduced material wastage
-guaranteed delivery on time and on budget.

3.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 fitting out.

Portakabin provides rok development solid solution with exceptional finish

2008-04-30T13:59:00.001+01:00

Rok Development, the nationwide commercial and business park developer is enjoying premium quality marketing facilities, thanks to leading modular building supplier, Portakabin.

Looking for a high specification marketing suite for visiting customers at its new Wilmslow Office Park lying within two miles of Manchester Airport, Paul Smith, Rok’s Project Manager, visited the Portakabin headquarters in York and was instantly impressed by the contemporary, visual impact of the glazed Titan building.

Paul Smith said, ‘The marketing suite is the first opportunity to impress visitors to the site, making it extremely important that it makes a positive impact. The building Portakabin supplied reflects the quality and style of our own development in progress.

‘The Portakabin team surpassed their own professional reputation by providing exceptional customer service, a fantastic building and all within our designated timescale.’Delivered just 10 weeks after the initial order, the Portakabin team worked closely with the Rok Development architect to provide a building, which would meet their exact requirements, including high specification internal fittings.

The stylish glazed Titan building features a fully glazed wall, which provides a prestigious, light and spacious open plan environment, which can be easily relocated time and time again. It can be reconfigured whenever necessary to meet the requirements of individual developments, making it a completely flexible building solution.

The Rok Development glazed Titan building was tailored to include a solid oak floor throughout, and features a contemporary kitchen which includes a stainless steel sink with a modern glass splash back, solid granite worktops, fitted freezer and dishwasher.

Mr Smith continues, ‘The customer service we have received from Portakabin has been excellent throughout the duration of the project. They offered such flexibility in working with our own team of architects to provide our bespoke specification.

‘Portakabin were extremely proficient throughout and provided honest timelines in keeping with our own internal deadlines. Due to the relocatability of the building we have the option to re-use it at different sites as and when new projects begin. We are absolutely delighted with the end result and would have no hesitation in recommending Portakabin to other companies.’

The Portakabin building was also delivered to Rok Developments with a five-year product warranty and 20 year structural warranty¹ as well as the pioneering Portakabin Customer Charter. This states that if Portakabin fails to deliver a project on time and to the agreed contract sum, the customer will be entitled to an additional six months product warranty².

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

Porta, Portakabin and Titan are all trade marks.

For further media information please contact James Hickman, Louise Wylie or Carly Pattison at Ptarmigan Consultants on 0113 242 1155, or email jamesh@ptarmiganpr.co.uk / louise@ptarmiganpr.co.uk / carly@ptarmiganpr.co.uk

¹All Portakabin buildings that are purchased come with a five-year product warranty, which covers the external fabric of the building and a 20-year structural warranty, which covers the load bearing elements of the building.
² Terms and Conditions apply. A copy is available on request.

Yorkon launches design options for "greener" modular buildings

2008-04-24T15:17:00.001+01:00

Award-winning off-site construction specialist and Portakabin subsidiary, Yorkon, has launched a series of design options for ‘greener’ modular buildings, as part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability.

The options have been selected by Yorkon to offer significant environmental benefits, including the use of renewable sources of energy, reduced energy consumption and carbon emissions, and recyclability.

The optional features include:
•Solar thermal heating – these systems harness energy from the sun to generate heating and to provide hot water, and can reduce hot water bills by up to 50 per cent.
•Solar photovoltaics – photovoltaic systems use solar cells to convert sunlight into electricity. An installation with a peak output of 1Kw can displace around 0.3 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year that would otherwise need to be generated by fossil fuels.
•Passive ventilation – this offers a host of environmental as well as economic benefits by lowering energy use and preventing the overheating of buildings to provide comfortable, controlled conditions for the building user.
•Combined heat and power systems – these systems involve the simultaneous generation of electricity and heat in the form of hot water or steam, and will reduce carbon emissions.
•Ground source heat pumps – this technology uses the earth’s relatively constant temperature to provide heating, cooling and hot water, and can result in carbon emission reductions of up to 70 per cent.
•Wind power – turbines can be used to generate electricity in parallel with mains supplies or for stand-alone applications, significantly reducing carbon emissions.
•Green roofs – a turf or sedum roof has a number of sustainable benefits, such as providing high levels of thermal insulation and improving air quality.
•Biomass boilers – using biomass energy can reduce CO2 emissions released in the combustion process by 90 per cent compared to energy generated from fossil fuels.
•Rainwater harvesting – this can be incorporated into the design of building services to allow the collection and recycling of rainwater for toilet flushing.

Several of these options have already been used for buildings provided by Yorkon.
The modular approach is a highly sustainable method of building. Research carried out by Arup has demonstrated that up to 67 per cent less energy is required to produce a modular building compared to an equivalent traditionally built project. And in full-scale tests for air permeability, Yorkon buildings perform up to 70 per cent better than the minimum requirements of the Building Regulations, leading to superior thermal efficiency and lower running costs and an overall reduction in carbon emissions.

Yorkon is also the first off-site specialist to commit to working towards the Sustainability Charter introduced by the Major Contractors Group and, as part of the Portakabin Group, is working with the Carbon Trust to reduce the amount of compressed air and energy used in the manufacturing process.

www.yorkon.info

For further PRESS information, please contact:

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

Editor’s Notes

1.Other properties of the design options introduced by Yorkon for its off-site building system include:

•Solar-powered heating. Solar thermal technology is particularly suited to buildings, which have high hot water demand.
•Solar photovoltaics (PV). These systems are generally used in parallel with the electricity grid. The PV modules can be roof mounted or integrated into the roof or walls of the modular building.
•Passive ventilation. This method uses natural ventilation as an alternative to air conditioning, significantly reducing carbon emissions and avoiding the use of ozone-depleting substances such as refrigerants.
•Combined heat and power. The electricity is produced using an engine or turbine and the heat generated is recovered, significantly reducing energy consumption.
•Ground source heat pumps. The ground acts as a huge solar collector and thermal store. These systems are suitable for heating buildings with high levels of occupancy.
•Wind power. This is recognised as one of the most cost-effective of the renewable energy technologies. Systems for smaller buildings typically have peak outputs of up to 6Kw, reducing carbon emissions by more than four tonnes per annum.
•Green roofs. These roofs have additional environmental benefits, including encouraging a habitat for wildlife, and helping a building blend into sensitive rural areas.
•Biomass boilers. These carbon neutral heating systems are an economically viable solution for a variety of applications, such as schools and offices. Typical fuel is wood chips – a by-product from the timber industry, or straw.

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 fitting out.

Yorkon completes one of the UK's most sutainable school buildings to be constructed off site

2008-04-07T14:45:00.001+01:00

Award-winning off-site construction specialist and Portakabin subsidiary, Yorkon, has completed construction of one of the UK’s most sustainable modular school buildings.

The scheme for Worcestershire County Council is believed to be the first modular education building to be heated using biomass fuel and the first to incorporate such a complex passive, low energy ventilation system.

The project at the Bewdley High School and Sixth Form Centre is part of a major reorganisation of education provision in Worcestershire, which has resulted in an additional 360 pupils joining the school.

The two-storey building was manufactured off site in York, which reduced the programme time for such a challenging project to just 22 weeks. 60 steel-framed modules have created clear internal spans of up to 12m for space planning flexibility and were craned into position complete with windows and partitions pre-installed in the factory to improve quality.

The modular scheme provides 12 general classrooms for the school’s English, Modern Languages and Humanities Faculties, two science laboratories, a creative area and administrative centre. It is linked to a traditionally-constructed drama and dance studio – illustrating how conventional building methods can be integrated with off-site construction.

Other design features include:

-central heating powered by an environmentally friendly ‘biomass’ boiler to minimise carbon emissions
-passive ventilation to monitor carbon dioxide and temperature levels in each classroom, and to create a constant change of air within the building without draughts. The selection of the system was in line with the Council’s policy to naturally ventilate all its school buildings, whilst ensuring the comfort of teaching staff and pupils and to help improve concentration levels.
-timber cladding from sustainable sources
-a highly glazed activity studio with high levels of natural light
-a striking bespoke roof structure.

Commenting on the project, Dermot Galvin, Project Architect at Worcestershire County Council, said, “The primary driver for the decision to use off-site construction for this project was time, which was critical to ensure the new facility would be ready in time to take the additional intake of pupils.”

“Yorkon offers a superior quality building system and has a keen interest in design, attention to detail and quality of finish, bringing skills to the project that are not always associated with modular construction and despite the challenging timescale. Their team has added value to the scheme and had the flexibility to meet our specific requirements, which included a number of bespoke elements. The result is a good quality, low energy building, which has met our expectations.”

Julie Reilly, Head Teacher at the Bewdley High School and Sixth Form Centre, said, “The new building has provided us with spacious accommodation and room sizes that are appropriate for our learning and teaching needs. It is visually pleasing from the outside and fits in well with the locality. Our students have been impressed with the design of the building and it has helped develop a strong sense of pride in our school and working environment.”

“The modular approach is a very good method of construction for schools as it limits the disruption to learning because of the speed of assembly. The building will be easy to expand and the design is sufficiently flexible to meet the changing needs of our students and curriculum development.”

Off-site construction is a highly sustainable method of construction, which improves air permeability to enhance energy efficiency. It also reduces vehicle movements to site, waste, running costs and carbon emissions.

www.yorkon.info

For further PRESS information, please contact:

Joanne Bridges, Bridges Communications
PRO – Yorkon
Tel: 01423 520111
Fax: 01423 520152
Email: jbridges@bridgescommunications.co.uk

Portakabin provides ideal solution for quick, quality classroom accommodation

2008-04-03T10:40:00.000+01:00

With the end of the summer term fast approaching, headteachers and bursars across the country are finalising plans for any additional classroom accommodation that is needed for the new academic year. For those that require extra buildings in time for the start of the new term in early September, it’s not too late to get quality buildings in place.

Portakabin, the UK’s leading modular building provider, has developed a purpose-built double classroom building to provide schools with the ideal solution.

Available for hire or to purchase, the 64m² Portakabin Classroom buildings exceed DfES size guidelines, and, due to the nature of modular construction, can be delivered to a school within days of an order being placed. Offering a stimulating and attractive working environment, they can be up-and-running within hours of arriving on-site, therefore minimising disruption to the school.

The buildings can also help schools increase their spending efficiency in line with the recent Gershon Report.

As the 2007-08 target for annual savings of over £6.45billion¹ in public sector spending approaches, headteachers and bursars are increasingly looking for more economic methods of procuring buildings while ensuring quality standards are maintained.

As well as offering speedy delivery and high quality environments, Portakabin Classrooms are delivered to site fully fitted with all electrics and plumbing, therefore reducing the need for additional tradesmen on-site.

The buildings have been specifically designed to provide specialist teaching resources with high levels of natural light - a key factor in productivity and motivation - good ventilation and excellent energy efficiency.

Mike Williams, General Manager of Portakabin Hire Division, said, ‘Research shows that 76% of teachers and 54% of students think classroom design is vital in influencing students’ ability to learn. The quality of the teaching space available along with lighting, ventilation, noise and temperature levels also all play a crucial role² and can result in improvements in learning of up to 26%³.

‘Portakabin Classrooms have been designed with all of this in mind, while also offering headteachers and bursars a more practical, faster, convenient and cost-effective method of procurement. This allows savings to be made without compromising on service, value or delivery.’

A one-stop-shop solution

As well as supplying excellent quality classroom space, Portakabin can provide all the other services required to complete a building project through its one-stop-shop solutions for hire offering. Providing an ideal way to improve procurement efficiency and value for money, the service includes everything from obtaining planning permission and completing groundworks, through to installing climate control and security systems.

It also includes the brand new classroom furniture range from Portakabin Interiors, which has been specifically designed to meet the demands of a classroom environment. Strong and robust with riveted tamper proof fixings, the range of desks and chairs has been thoroughly tested by the Furniture Industry Research Association to meet stringent classroom safety guidelines.

Portakabin scores top marks

As a result of the high quality, value-for-money environments Portakabin buildings provide and the range of services offered, the company has achieved accredited supplier status with OGCbuying.solutions, the executive agency of the Office of Government Commerce.

Following a stringent selection process, which included pre-qualification questionnaires, a competitive tender and interviews, Portakabin was included in a four-year modular building framework agreement with OGCbuying.solutions. This enables public sector organisations looking for accommodation solutions to avoid the costly, compulsory competitive tender process and turn to Portakabin to fulfil all their requirements.

A spokesperson for OGCbuying.solutions said, ‘Portakabin proved to us that the company offers the high standards of service, product quality and value we demand from our accredited suppliers.

‘We were also very impressed by the full turn-key package that Portakabin offers. From processing planning permissions to installing climate control systems, access ramps and furniture, the company is able to handle everything, offering complete peace of mind for customers.’

Service with a smile

In addition to offering quality products, Portakabin also aims to provide excellent levels of service to customers at all times. All Portakabin buildings come with the company’s pioneering Customer Charter4, which promises to deliver all projects on time and on budget.

If Portakabin ever fails to meet a contract start date, the customer will be entitled to a week’s free hire for every day the building is late or an additional six months’ product warranty5 on buildings that are purchased.

Mike Williams concluded, ‘At Portakabin we aim to provide all our customers with complete peace of mind that their building projects will be completed to the highest standards, on time and on budget.

‘We are also committed to helping schools meet the targets set out in the Gershon report. Our expert team allows us to provide a full range of products and services that can take care of all aspects of a building project, therefore increasing efficiency and enabling schools to make much needed savings in terms of speed of delivery and resources invested in managing the projects.’

For more details on how Portakabin buildings and services can benefit your school call 0845 359 0059, email news@portakabin.co.uk or log on to www.portanews.co.uk.

Notes to Editors

¹ As outlined in the Gershon Report.
² Source: ‘Best Practice in Classroom Design’. Ministry of Education, New Zealand, 2004.
³ Based on research conducted by the Heshong Mahone Group (1999), Fair Oaks, California.
4 Terms and conditions apply. A copy is available on request.
5 All Portakabin buildings that are purchased come with a 5-year product warranty, which covers the external fabric of the building and a 20-year structural warranty, which covers the load bearing elements of the building.

Porta, Portakabin, Portakabin Classrooms and Portakabin Interiors are trade marks.

For further media information contact Viccy Hodson, Louise Wylie or Carly Pattison at Ptarmigan Consultants on 0113 242 1155 or email jamesh@ptarmiganpr.co.uk / louise@ptarmiganpr.co.uk / carly@ptarmiganpr.co.uk.

New Portakabin Arkive product leads the way in safe and secure file storage

2008-04-03T10:08:00.000+01:00

Portakabin has reinforced its position as market leader and innovator in the modular construction sector once again, with the launch of the unique Portakabin Arkive storage unit.

Offering high quality, secure facilities for file storage, the new product provides a range of unrivalled security and fire protection features. This gives customers an ideal solution for accommodating important paperwork in a safe environment.

Mike Williams, General Manager of Portakabin Hire Division, explained, ‘The Portakabin Arkive unit has been carefully designed to meet rigorous security demands and offers maximum protection against theft, vandalism and fire. It has been developed in response to customer requirements for storage facilities that offer high levels of safety for the contents, but which can easily be accommodated on their own sites.’

The product features all-steel construction and high security fire-rated entrance doors, ensuring excellent levels of break-in protection, as well as guarding against fire for half an hour - an attribute that is unique in the market. This fire resistance has been independently tested and certified by Warrington Fire Research Centre, guaranteeing that important files can be stored safely for as long as needed.

Other features of the Portakabin Arkive storage unit include:
• Unrivalled levels of air tightness, far in excess of Building Research Establishment (BRE) air leakage indices, which ensures that changing humidity levels and pollutants cannot damage files
• A unique low-level lifting system that fulfils all HSE guidelines to avoid working at height during installation, therefore maximising the safety of people on site
• Six durable bulkhead lamps, fitted with polycarbonate opal diffusers, absorb harmful UV radiation that can fade paperwork
• Wall fixed trickle vents aid air flow in the building

Mike continued, ‘We’re very pleased to be introducing this product to the market, providing organisations with excellent quality, highly secure storage backed by first-class customer service. We always strive to provide our customers with complete peace of mind and the Portakabin Arkive product certainly offers that for anyone looking for safe facilities to accommodate important files on site.’

All Portakabin Arkive units also come with the unique Portakabin
Customer Charter, which promises that all projects will be completed on time and on budget. If Portakabin fails to meet the agreed contract start date, the customer will be entitled to one week’s free building hire for every day it is late*. This provides customers with additional peace of mind that their building will be delivered on time and on budget.

To find out how the Portakabin Arkive storage unit can meet all your confidential file storage needs call 0845 359 0059, email news@portakabin.co.uk or visit www.portanews.co.uk.

Notes to Editors
*Terms and conditions apply. A copy is available on request.

Porta, Portakabin and Portakabin Arkive are trade marks.

For further media information please contact James Hickman, Louise Wylie or Carly Pattison at Ptarmigan Consultants on 0113 242 1155, or email jamesh@ptarmiganpr.co.uk / louise@ptarmiganpr.co.uk / carly@ptarmiganpr.co.uk.

Yorkon awarded £1.3m building contract for one of Britain’s oldest schools

2008-03-04T13:20:00.001Z

Yorkon awarded £1.3m building contract for one of Britain’s oldest schools. Designed by P+HS Architects, the scheme now has planning approval and is scheduled for completion this autumn. 16 steel-framed modules will be manufactured off site in York and will arrive at the school in the spring, ready for the completion of fitting out.

More information on:

www.yorkon.info
www.phsarchitects.co.uk

Building contract awarded for UK's largest acute admission unit

2008-01-25T13:33:00.000Z

A £25m ProCure21 contract at Watford General Hospital has been awarded to Medicinq Osborne. The project includes a new Acute Admissions Unit (AAU), which will be constructed off site by Yorkon in a £12m contract – believed to be the UK’s largest modular building contract in the healthcare sector.

Medicinq Osborne will also undertake the refurbishment of wards and other accommodation, and the reconfiguration of access roads and car parking at the hospital.

Scheduled for completion this summer, the scheme for West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust is believed to be the largest AAU in the country. It forms part of a £34m reorganisation and modernisation of acute services in the area. A new model of care will be employed to improve the patient experience with rapid, consultant-led diagnosis for emergency cases and treatment closer to home.

Find more information on :
www.medicinq.co.uk
www.osborne.co.uk
www.yorkon.info

Yorkon completes terminal building for north wales' first commercial airport

2007-11-30T14:11:00.000Z

Award-winning off-site building specialist and Portakabin subsidiary, Yorkon, has completed construction of a new purpose-designed air terminal for the first civilian airport on Anglesey – Maes Awyr Môn – only four months after start on site.
For further information about the advantages of off-site construction, visit www.yorkon.info.

PORTAKABIN SAVES THE DAY WITH RAPID RESPONSE

2007-11-19T10:23:00.000Z

When the Yorkshire Ambulance NHS Trust needed to find suitable, high quality accommodation for its crew outstations, it turned to Portakabin to provide a responsive remedy for its workers requirements.

The Trust researched a large number of potential building suppliers, looking for a company that could provide the finish of buildings it needed, as well as the service levels and capability to get accommodation in place, on time, to meet demanding deadlines.

Mark Squires, Assistant Director for Estates and Procurement at Yorkshire Ambulance NHS Trust, said: “Government guidelines state that ambulance crews throughout the UK should respond to all emergency calls within eight minutes. Yorkshire Ambulance NHS Trust is leading the way by setting up crew outstations around its region, enabling ambulance crews to be located away from central hospitals, helping them to respond rapidly to incidents.

“Because of this we needed additional accommodation. We were impressed by the quality of buildings available from Portakabin, and the fact they were backed up by high service standards and a promise to deliver on time. A crucial factor in our decision to choose them, however, was the Company’s accreditation by OGCbuying.solutions, which enabled us to simplify the whole procurement process, thereby saving time and money.”

Portakabin achieved accredited supplier status with OGCbuying.solutions – a leading provider in public-sector procurement – following a rigorous assessment of its products, services and full turn-key packages. Accreditation assures public-sector customers that the Company offers excellent quality and value for money, and enables them to place orders with Portakabin without the need for time-consuming and costly compulsory competitive tendering exercises.

To find out how Portakabin can benefit your business call 0845 355 5359, email news@portakabin.co.uk, or visit www.portanews.co.uk.

Notes to Editors
¹ Terms and conditions apply. A copy is available on request.
Porta, Portakabin and Portakabin Pacemaker are all trade marks.
² Terms and Conditions apply. A copy is available on request.

For further media information please contact Viccy Hodson, Louise Wylie or Carly Pattison at Ptarmigan Consultants on 0113 242 1155, or email viccy@ptarmiganpr.co.uk / louise@ptarmiganpr.co.uk / carly@ptarmiganpr.co.uk

WELSH YOUNGSTERS GET A FLYING START FROM PORTAKABIN

2007-11-19T10:14:00.000Z

When Bridgend County Borough Council identified the need for new, high quality nursery facilities, Portakabin, with its reputation for exceptional levels of service, provided the ideal solution in the shape of its Lilliput nursery building – specially designed to meet the needs of young children.

The Welsh Assembly’s Flying Start scheme, which aims to give children aged 0-3 the best possible start in life by providing access to high quality services, required two new nursery buildings to accommodate 40 young children within 16 weeks.

The delivery of the buildings within this timescale was absolutely crucial to the successful delivery of the project in the area.

Tina Haddon, Flying Start Co-ordinator at Bridgend County Borough Council, explains, ‘It was critical that the new nurseries were delivered within 16 weeks to enable us to quickly start providing childcare provision in the area in line with the objectives of the Flying Start project.

However, it was equally important that the company we worked with had the ability to provide high quality buildings, which wouldn’t be compromised by the short lead time. After meeting with the Portakabin team it was clear that their level of knowledge and expertise in the education sector was excellent. This provided us with the peace of mind that the buildings would meet all of our needs, be delivered on time and that the project would run smoothly.’

Notes to Editors:

Porta, Portakabin, Portakabin Lilliput and Total Solutions are registered trademarks.

For further media information please contact Viccy Hodson, Louise Wylie or Carly Pattison at Ptarmigan Consultants on 0113 242 1155, or email viccy@ptarmiganpr.co.uk / louise@ptarmiganpr.co.uk carly@ptarmiganpr.co.uk.

Portakabin introduces revolutionary solar powered modular building

2007-10-23T16:03:00.000+01:00

The new Titan Solar from Portakabin is the only renewable energy building of its kind available.

The relocatable building reinforces the strong commitment Portakabin has to the environment and helping customers to reduce carbon emissions.

This is the UK's first solar-powered relocatable building.

David Shaw, Marketing and Technical Director at Portakabin, said, ‘We take our commitment to sustainability and the environment very seriously at Portakabin. As part of this we want to help our customers improve their environmental performance and reduce carbon footprints as a result. The launch of our new Titan Solar building is a significant step towards this.’

NEW MODULAR CLASSROOM BUILDING IS HANDED OVER JUST THREE MONTHS AFTER START ON SITE

2007-09-28T10:36:00.000+01:00

Award-winning off-site construction specialist and Portakabin subsidiary, Yorkon, has handed over a new purpose-designed classroom building to Hayes School in Bromley just three months after start of work on site.Commenting on the new building, Kieran Osborne, Head Teacher at Hayes School, said, “The quality of finish, both internally and externally, is excellent. Yorkon performed very well, were highly professional throughout and kept us fully informed at every stage. The off-site method was cost-effective, convenient and fast and we are delighted with the end result, which means we no longer have to split departments over different parts of the school.”

YORKON DEVELOPS PIONEERING NEW CONCEPT DESIGN FOR OFF-SITE CONSTRUCTION

2007-08-31T12:00:00.000+01:00

Award-winning off-site construction specialist and Portakabin subsidiary, Yorkon, has launched a pioneering new exemplar design to demonstrate the architectural flexibility of its steel-framed modular building system.

The design concepts, which have a wide range of practical applications, were developed in partnership with leading architects tp bennett.

The aim of the research and development project was to incorporate the latest innovations in modular construction introduced by Yorkon – shaped modules and 12m clear internal spans for buildings up to six storeys high – to produce a series of inspiring designs that celebrate modern methods of construction.

Construction prices continue to soar

2007-08-30T15:21:00.000+01:00

Report from Contract Journal: Tender prices continue to soar, particularly for large and complex construction projects in Central London, according to a report by cost management consultancy Davis Langdon.

Contractors now hold the bargaining power in contract negotiations, the report says, with every sector growing rapidly. This is enabling the inclusion of large risk allowances and healthy margins.

Modular building supplier Portakabin Group reduces carbon footprint and leads the way in sustainable building

2007-06-29T16:26:00.000+01:00

Portakabin Group, the UK’s leading modular building supplier and manufacturer, has announced significant savings in carbon emissions following the implementation of an energy saving and environmental policy across its business.

Portakabin saw a 17% year on year reduction in carbon emissions, decreasing by 643 tonnes over the last 12 months alone – equivalent to 338 flights from London Heathrow to Sydney.

The new environmental policy is part of the Portakabin commitment to sustainability along with the development of more environmentally friendly modular building products and services, full details of which are outlined on their website http://www.portakabin.co.uk/

The Portakabin Ultima Vision is a stylish supermodel taking the modular building hire market by storm

2007-06-29T16:24:00.000+01:00

Leading modular building provider, Portakabin, has changed the face of the portable buildings industry yet again, with the launch of another ground-breaking supermodel available for hire.

The company’s brand new modular building, Ultima Vision features floor to ceiling fully-glazed double-glazed wall panelling across the front of each module. This offers style and sophistication that is unique in the modular building hire market.

To find out how the new Portakabin Ultima Vision building can improve the quality of your facilities, or to order your free introductory DVD, contact your local Hire Centre direct on 0845 359 0059 or email news@portakabin.co.uk.

Konstructa Hire launch sets new standards for construction site accommodation hire market

2007-06-29T16:22:00.000+01:00

The face of the construction site accommodation market is set to change dramatically with the launch of Konstructa Hire Ltd, a new temporary accommodation hire company.

Konstructa Hire Ltd offers safety on the construction site, providing a wide range of pre-fabricated site buildings and temporary accommodation for builders from its website http://www.konstructa.co.uk/.

To find out how Konstructa Hire can provide the construction products and services you need for your project call 0845 355 3444 or visit www.konstructa.co.uk.

Modular building provider Portakabin appointed accredited supplier by public sector procurement agency OCGbuying.solutions

2007-06-29T16:21:00.000+01:00

Leading modular building provider, Portakabin, has won accredited-supplier status with OGCbuying.solutions - the major national public sector procurement agency.

Throughout a four-year contract, public sector organisations looking for portable office space, temporary classrooms and other accommodation solutions will be able to avoid the costly, compulsory competitive tender process and turn to Portakabin to fulfil all their requirements.

For more details on Portakabin modular buildings and how they can benefit your organisation call 0845 359 0059 or email news@portakabin.co.uk.

Allspace, the leading portable buildings supplier in Ireland scores a hit with market leading website

2007-06-29T16:15:00.000+01:00

The new cutting-edge website from Ireland’s leading portable buildings supplier, Allspace, at http://www.allspace.ie/ makes it as easy as possible to learn about the advantages of using modular buildings to solve temporary accommodation needs.

The site has been designed to be as informative as possible for people looking for more details about the Allspace range of pre-fabricated buildings. www.allspace.ie features easily accessible technical innovations, such as video and computer generated imagery, and interactive photography - which can be enlarged for easier viewing - demonstrating the high quality and capabilities of the modular and portable buildings supplied by Allspace.

Portakabin Solus modular building provides emergency solution - in just two days

2007-05-24T10:18:00.000+01:00

Portakabin has provided a quick solution for Yeovil Precision Castings after a severe fire destroyed their office space.

Portakabin supplied them with two of their new Solus buildings in just two working days. The Solus buildings are the most architecturally advanced relocatable buildings available for hire. It is the only building of its kind to be designed without telescopic legs and its design is noted for its attractiveness and practicality.

Sean Wheeler, Project Manager at Yeovil Precision Castings said: "We had specific requirements and criteria that needed to be met as the building had to be delivered extremely quickly, but it had to be of a high enough specification to provide an office for the Managing Director and his visitors. Access to data points was essential as was the overall look of the interior and exterior, all of which had to be extremely professional, high quality and attractive."

Yorkon wins school building contract worth £2.5m

2007-05-22T16:42:00.000+01:00

Award winning off-site construction specialist, Yorkon - part of the Portakabin group, has won a £2.5 million contract to build new teaching facilities at a Worcester school, to incorporate 360 extra pupils.

Bewdley High School's two storey modular building will be manufactured off-site in York and is guaranteed to be completed by the start of the new academic year in September.

In order to minimise impact on the environment, the building will heated with wood fuel, possibly the first time this type of fuel has been used in a modular building.

The new self-contained teaching block will provide 12 general classrooms, two science laboratories, a drama and activity studio, and office accommodation. Design features include central heating powered by an environmentally friendly ‘Biomass’ boiler, passive ventilation to provide fresh air throughout, timber cladding from sustainable sources, a highly glazed activity studio flooded with natural light and a striking bespoke roof structure.

Fourth building project completed by Yorkon at London Airport

2007-05-14T11:13:00.000+01:00

Yorkon, the award-winning modular building specialist and Portakabin subsidiary, has completed its fourth project at London City Airport.

In total, the value of Yorkon's projects at the airport expansion comes to more than £4 million.

Yorkon's latest project was to extend the award-winning Jet Centre, which handles corporate aviation.

Originally built by Yorkon to facilitate expansion, the centre was voted best corporate aviation passenger handling facility in Europe.

Sustainable future for brick waste?

2007-05-14T11:12:00.002+01:00

There could be a good use for used scrubbers from flue-pipes - and this could save millions of pounds for the brick making industry...

In his speech at SustainabilityLive!, the UK's biggest environmental trade show Jonathan Powell from Pera Innovation said that the brick making industry as a whole could save £20 million a year by recycling the calcium carbonate filters from its flues, the equivalent of £27,000 per brickworks.

That saving is expected to double over the next five years as fuel prices and landfill gate fees continue to rise.

Source: Edie

State of the art laboratory opens at Loch Lomond

2007-05-14T11:12:00.001+01:00

A multi-million pound environmental research facility has been built on the banks of Loch Lomond, the £3.4m centre at the University of Glasgow's Scottish Centre for Ecology and the Natural Environment (Scene).

The research centre is the first of its kind in the UK. It was recently awarded the Carbon Trust Scottish Low Carbon Building Award, as well as an "excellent" rating for the sustainability of its design from the Building Research Executive.

Now there's 42 ways to get additional space - fast

2007-04-17T10:50:00.000+01:00

Leading modular building supplier Portakabin has further enhanced its innovative Lead Time Leadership initiative, with a choice of 42 building layouts now available in the range.

The unique offering assures delivery of a customer’s brand new building within just 15 working days of the order being placed. This promises the fastest delivery of a single unit modular building and includes the company’s Titan building, the largest single modular building on the market.

Robert Snook, General Manager of Sales Division at Portakabin, said, ‘The Lead Time Leadership initiative has proved to be a great success and very popular among both new and existing customers, providing them with a brand new building of their choice in just 15 working days.

‘We are continuously striving to find ways in which we can further improve our offering to customers. As a result, we have responded to demand for additional building layouts available under the Lead Time Leadership initiative. Customers now have the choice of 42 different options, giving them real flexibility when choosing accommodation to best suit their needs.’

Coupled with the company’s pioneering 20-year structural warranty and 5-year product warranty on new buildings, the Lead Time Leadership initiative gives Portakabin a tremendous competitive advantage when it comes to providing customers with complete peace of mind.

The enhanced Lead Time Leadership initiative further strengthens the first-class Portakabin customer service offering, which includes the company’s pioneering Customer Charter*. This states that if Portakabin fails to deliver a project on time and to the agreed contract sum, the customer will be entitled to an additional six months product warranty.

Portakabin leads the way with new office space in just 15 days

2007-04-17T10:47:00.000+01:00

Following a swift company acquisition, Intoco, a leading supplier of engineering components, required a rapid building solution to accommodate new members of staff.

When researching potential building solutions, Tony Preece, Managing Director at Intoco found out about the Portakabin Lead Time Leadership initiative. As part of the leading modular building supplier’s commitment to service excellence the company introduced the initiative, which offers the fastest delivery of a new single modular building, the design of which can be chosen from one of 42 different ready-to-use solutions. Delivery is guaranteed in 15 working days and the buildings all come with the company’s pioneering 20-year structural and 5-year product warranties.

Tony Preece said, ‘As the acquisition went through so quickly it was pivotal that the company had the correct facilities to house the new staff. The Portakabin Lead Time Leadership initiative has enabled us to procure a brand new, modern high-quality building that was delivered within 15 working days.

The building was also accompanied by the unique Portakabin Customer Charter, which promises to deliver buildings on time and on budget. The Charter states that if Portakabin fails to deliver a project on time and to the agreed contract sum, the customer will be entitled to an additional six months product warranty*.

Tony continued, ‘It was essential that the new employees felt part of the Intoco team straight away, and providing a quality-working environment was an instant way of making them feel at home. The Portakabin Customer Charter gave us complete peace of mind that the building would be ready for use when we needed it to be.’

The Portakabin buildings that are included in the Lead Time Leadership initiative include the company’s Titan building, the largest single modular building in Europe. Its high-quality all-steel construction and attractive internal and external appearance makes the Portakabin Titan building a perfect choice for accommodation requirements.

Tony said, ‘With four new staff and a host of office equipment we needed something that was spacious, modern and practical; the Portakabin Titan building certainly ticked all the boxes.

‘The service we have received from the Portakabin team has been superb. From order and installation right through to aftercare, the whole process has been faultless. I would have no hesitation in recommending Portakabin to other companies.’

Avoid CIS penalties with PWC checklist

2007-04-04T08:55:00.000+01:00

PricewaterhouseCoopers have issued a checklist for construction firms to help them avoid paying a £3,000 penalty for incomplete and incorrect returns under the new Construction Industry Scheme (CIS).

The new CIS rules are about to come into force and include several changes from the old scheme.

The PricewaterhouseCoopers checklist, "What Businesses Need to Know" includes the following points:

Have businesses checked the employment status of sub-contractors especially labour-only subcontractors?
Can the accounts system process payments and give the information required for monthly returns under new CIS (either manual or electronic returns)?
Are end-to-end processes fit for purpose – who will make the decision to treat workers as subcontractors or employees?
Who will make the calls to HMRC or check the internet to obtain confirmation of the rate of deduction or gross payment status appropriate to the sub-contractor before payment?
Have businesses decided how to ensure rates of deduction or gross payment status can be input into their system?
Have businesses decided how to produce and submit their monthly returns?
Are all key staff who deal with CIS adequately trained and do businesses have a ‘new CIS champion’ to ensure the new scheme is implemented smoothly?

Praise for the Olympic masterplan

2007-04-04T08:48:00.000+01:00

The masterplan for the London Olympics has been praised by the Commission for Archicture in the Built Environment and Design for London.

The Chair of the Panel, Paul Finch said: "This project represents an extrodinary opportunity for regeneration of, and investment in, one of the most neglected parts of London."

The Panel agrees that the masterplan, along with the work that has already taken place, provides a strong framework for facilities, the Olympic Park and future developments.

Story from Building.co.uk

Two new multi-million healthcare contracts awarded to Yorkon

2007-03-19T15:11:00.000Z

Yorkon, the Portakabin subsdiary and award-winning off-site construction specialist has been awarded a series of Healthcare sector contracts worth £8 million.

Yorkon has been appointed by Skanska to work on a new 136-bed ward building at Walsall Manor Hospital. Yorkon will be responsible for both building and fitting out the new construction.

The four-storey project is due for completion in October 2007 and will comprise 104 steel-framed buildings manufactured off-site.

The £5 million Yorkon contract forms part of a £170 Private Finance Initiave to replace outdated buildings with state-of-the-art patient care facilities.

The other new healthcare contract awarded to Yorkon is the off-site construction of a 42-bed emergency assessment unit at the University Hospital North Tees in Stockton.

The £2.6 million ProCure21 contract for Interserve is also secheduled for completion in October 2007 and is part of the Government's drive to reduce waitihg times for emergency cases.

ConstructionSpace supplies office building in just six weeks

2006-10-10T09:34:00.000+01:00

ConstructionSpace, the new web-based service launched by Foremans Relocatable Building Systems for the purchase and supply of modular buildings, has provided two-storey office accommodation for ship repair and conversion specialists A&P Group on Tyneside, in just six weeks.

The 9,600sqft building was previously used to accommodate airside administrative operations for an airline at Newcastle Airport. When it became surplus to the airport’s requirements, Foremans decommissioned and dismantled the building into its modular units, which were then relocated to A&P’s dock facility at Hebburn. The modules were craned into position and refurbished ready for occupation by one of A&P’s customer teams from the off-shore oil industry.

The ConstructionSpace website – lists the current stock of modular buildings, and provides photographs, specifications and layouts, reducing the time taken in sourcing accommodation. Applications include project offices, single site cabins, toilet and shower blocks, training and induction rooms and security offices.

In addition to its sales service, ConstructionSpace will consider purchasing modular buildings, and offers a flexible buyback option for any building supplied.

Yorkon hands over £3m Adult Education Centre in Lewisham - on time and on budget

2006-08-17T10:54:00.000+01:00

Award-winning off-site construction specialists and Portakabin subsidiary, Yorkon, has handed over a new £3m adult education centre in Lewisham, just 13 weeks after arrival of the building modules on site.

The three-storey scheme for Lewisham Council was delivered on time and on budget, regenerating a brownfield site and providing a range of facilities for the local community.

Designed by Cartwright Pickard Architects and project managed by Mace, the centre has a contemporary design with timber solar shading to screen the windows on the south elevation, western red cedar cladding to bring texture and warmth, and slate grey panels to add further interest to the building envelope.

Yorkon manufactured the building off-site in York and craned 39 steel-framed modules into position in less than a week ready for the final stages of fitting out, significantly reducing the programme time and guaranteeing the quality of construction.

Off site construction makes sustainability a reality

2006-08-01T11:17:00.000+01:00

The infamous Angell Town estate in Brixton is celebrating its first year of regeneration after the onset of a total re-design. The old concrete blocks and damp, dark flats have been replaced with airy rooms built of sustainable materials and using modern building methods.

Off-site construction techniques meant that the renovations taking part in the busy corner of South London could be done with minimum disruptions; allowing the residents of Angell Town to enjoy their new surroundings much faster.

Portakabin launches searches for Crawley’s own Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen

2006-07-20T12:18:00.000+01:00

Modular building supplier, Portakabin has challenged design technology students to design their perfect classroom environment that can be accommodated in a Portakabin classroom building.

The competition has been launched to celebrate the opening of the Portakabin Crawley Hire Centre and will see the student with the winning design rewarded with an individual cash prize, as well as a prize for the school.

Ben Coupar, Manager at the Portakabin Crawley Hire Centre, said: ‘We wanted to do something a bit different and also thought that launching this competition was a perfect way to involve the local community. I’m hoping that the pupils from Oriel High School will relish the challenge of coming up with their idea of the perfect classroom."

Yorkon completes hospital construction projects for Surrey

2006-07-17T11:13:00.000+01:00

As part of ongoing relationship, healthcare construction specialists Yorkon have now completed more than £5m worth of contracts with Surrey hospital. The latest project will see the development of new hospital facilities at St. Peter's Hospital in Chertsey, Surrey.

Disability access in conflict with environmental protection

2006-07-10T11:09:00.000+01:00

The future of a 13.5km path around Loch Leven has come under question following intervention by Scottish Natural Heritage who has expressed concern over the potential impact on wildlife.

The £1.5m project is reliant on grant money that may be retracted if work does not begin by a given date; campaigners are concerned that the late intervention by the SNH may result in limited disability access to the scenic, and historical area.

Off-site construction 'safer than on-site building methods'

2006-05-25T14:26:00.000+01:00

Research carried out by Portakabin subsidiary, Yorkon, has shown that its approach to off-site construction is significantly safer than traditional site-based building methods.

Analysis of Yorkon's health and safety record over the past two years has revealed 46 per cent fewer incidents compared to construction industry statistics for reportable injuries provided by the Health and Safety Executive. There were no fatalities or major incidents on any Yorkon projects during this period.

The construction industry is one of the UK's largest employers but its health and safety record is still a major concern. By contrast, off-site working, in a controlled factory environment, results in much improved safety for a permanent, trained labour force, as well as increased productivity.

Visit Yorkon

Portakabin Launches Search For Star Student

2006-04-27T16:20:00.000+01:00

Business studies students at Hartlepool Sixth Form College are being given an extra incentive to make the grade thanks to Portakabin.

To celebrate the fifth anniversary of the modular building provider’s Teesside Hire Centre, the company is sponsoring the college’s A-level business studies course, which will see the top-performing student rewarded with a cash prize.

Carole Horseman, Assistant Principal, at Hartlepool Sixth Form College, said, ‘We’re delighted that Portakabin has chosen to sponsor our A-Level Business Studies course as part of the Teesside Hire Centre’s fifth birthday celebrations.

If you’re interested in attending the Portakabin Open Days, or would like more information about how Portakabin products and services could benefit your organisation, please contact the Teesside Hire Centre on 01642 614972.

Portakabin Lilliput Scores A Century

2006-04-19T14:09:00.000+01:00

Portakabin has once again proved its expertise in creating high quality environments with the sale of its 100th Lilliput building, a nursery facility designed around the needs of children.
Designed in conjunction with award winning nursery and primary school architects, Cottrell & Vermeulen, and early years consultant Mark Dudek, the Lilliput building was launched on the market eight years ago.

Following the initial introduction of Sure Start Local Programmes, Neighbourhood Nurseries and Early Excellence Centres, the government introduced its Sure Start Children’s Centres initiative. The idea behind all these schemes was to ensure that families from all social backgrounds have access to childcare and family support.

Find out more about Portakabin Lilliput

Yorkon launches new DVD for healthcare professionals

2006-04-19T09:24:00.000+01:00

Portakabin subsidiary, Yorkon – winner of the Off-site Manufacturing Specialist of the Year award for the past three years – has launched a new DVD to illustrate how off-site construction can be used in the healthcare sector.

The DVD is designed to assist professionals in health authorities, NHS trusts and independent healthcare providers, as well as architects and contractors, who are considering modular construction for new hospital buildings, treatment centres and extensions.

The DVD features footage of the construction process, a number of finished hospital buildings and an interview with a nurse matron. It looks at two NHS treatment centres – the £12m Shepton Mallet NHS Treatment Centre, which was the first ITC to be built off-site and the most complex modular building project ever undertaken in the UK – and Yorkon’s second ITC, the St Mary’s NHS Treatment Centre in Portsmouth.

Copies of the new DVD can be requested on-line at http://www.yorkon.info/ or by calling 0845 2000 123.

Hospital construction made easier with healthcare DVD

2006-04-18T11:18:00.000+01:00

Yorkon are now offering a free DVD outlining the potential of off-site construction in the healthcare construction industry.

Looking at two specific NHS projects, the DVD outlines the methods successfully used and the positive impact on completion times and budget management.

Another Industry First From Portakabin - Buildings delivered in 15 days…and that’s a promise

2006-03-31T14:43:00.000+01:00

Leading modular building supplier Portakabin has announced another industry first with the launch of its Lead Time Leadership initiative, which assure * delivery of a customer’s building within 15 days of the order being placed.

This unique offering promises the fastest delivery of a single unit modular building - chosen from one of 36 different layouts - and includes the company’s Titan building, which is the largest single modular building on the market.

The new initiative is yet a further enhancement to the first-class Portakabin customer service offering. By repeatedly offering its customers more than just quality buildings it is continuing to set new industry benchmarks that help it stay head and shoulders above the competition.

* Through its unique customer charter, Portakabin promises to deliver projects on time and on budget or the customer will be compensated with an additional six months’ product warranty.

To see how the Lead Time Leadership Initiative could benefit your business contact Portakabin on 0845 200 1111 or visit www.portakabin.co.uk

Companies Join Forces After Flood To Keep Biscuit Production Flowing

2006-03-31T14:42:00.000+01:00

Carlisle-based manufacturers United Biscuits have recently overcome the effects of a natural disaster with the help of leading modular building supplier Portakabin.

At the beginning of the year the United Biscuits manufacturing facility was devastated when three converging rivers in Carlisle burst their banks.

The flooding caused the entire ground level of the plant, including offices and manufacturing facilities, to become submerged in up to nine feet of water. Once the water had subsided the organisation’s first job was to assess the amount of damage and begin the initial clean-up operation.

A team from Portakabin visited the Carlisle plant to assess the company’s requirements and quickly installed three high-quality buildings at the United Biscuits site.

To find out how you could benefit from Portakabin One-Stop-Shop Solutions, call your local Hire Centre direct on 0845 355 0350 or visit www.portakabin.co.uk.

Portakabin - Celebrating 45 Years Of Modular Construction

2006-03-30T11:14:00.000+01:00

The modular building industry is celebrating a milestone anniversary this year as industry leader, Portakabin, celebrates its 45th birthday.

The launch of the first modular building company in 1961 marked the dawn of a new era for the construction sector. The idea for a relocatable building was originally thought of in the 1940s by Portakabin founder Donald Shepherd, who went on to develop his concept, register the Portakabin trade mark and begin production of the first Portakabin buildings in 1961.

Paul Blackwell, Product Development Manager at Portakabin, says the pace of change for the sector, and indeed the construction industry as a whole, has never been greater.

‘Unprecedented alterations in energy efficiency regulations are key drivers for some of these changes. The amended regulations, which come into force in April 2006, require a total re-think of the process in which buildings are designed and procured. This must be done in order to achieve ongoing improvements in energy efficiency and the corresponding reduction in CO2 emissions resulting from their use.

Never in its 45 year history has there been so much to address and consider. However, the future is certainly looking bright, with a growing number of organisations recognising the benefits of off-site construction.

To find out how Portakabin can help your organisation with its building needs, call 0845 200 1111 (sales), or 0845 355 0350 (Hire). Alternatively visit www.portakabin.co.uk.

Building maintenance charges taken seriously by Council

2006-03-27T11:15:00.000+01:00

Owners of an empty property in Caterham, Surrey have been fined by the local council for failing to respond to repeated requests that the building be maintained in an appropriate way.

Smashed windows, graffiti and rubbish created an eyesore for residents and people shopping in the town but the building's owners repeatedly failed to tidy up the area.

The fine, although relatively small at £600, is an indication that property owners, especially large, commercial holders, are increasingly required to consider the effect they have on their surroundings, both environmentally and aesthetically.

Modular buildings to revolutionise housing market

2006-03-17T10:50:00.000Z

It seems that the house-building industry has finally cotton on to modular building as a cheap, efficient and viable alternative to traditional construction methods. With housing associations set to save a possible 20% by using off site techniques, it seems that one of the biggest construction sectors in the UK is finally catching up with the times.

Modular construction does it for Heathrow

2006-03-14T09:09:00.000Z

With the automated baggage system up and running, the future is looking good for the completion in 2008 of Terminal 5 at Heathrow airport.

Currently costing £4m per day to run, the project is on time and on budget to become one of the 5 biggest European airports in its own right capable of handling 30m passengers per year (taking Heathrow's total up to 100m).

Tony Douglas, Managing Director of the site, has accredited this amazing success to the use of modular construction techniques. By using specialist contractor's equipment and expertise components for the build can be compiled off-site and then delivered ready for installation, saving valuable time and money.

Points mean permits for wannabe UK citizens

2006-03-08T11:43:00.000Z

In an effort to fill the low-skill labour shortage in the UK, particularly in the Construction sector, British immigration laws are due to change dramatically. In keeping with a turbulent political backdrop, immigration laws in the UK will be changed to follow a similar points system adopted by Australia.

The new scheme will see immigrants applying for work visas depending on their aptitude, experience and age, although points will also be awarded in accordance with specific labour shortages at the time. The onus will then be placed on the employer to ensure workers abide by the rules of their visa.

Hopital construction gets healthy cash injection

2006-02-27T09:50:00.000Z

Health Secretary Partricia Hewitt announced today that an extra £2bn is earmarked for capital investment in the health sector. These funds, making up part of the £64bn allocated to the sector in 2006/7 are to be used solely on land and buildings, either for acquisition or refurbishment.

The funding is especially needed amongst mental health trusts where new hospital construction has fallen behind other primary care areas.

More funding for building students

2006-02-22T14:45:00.000Z

The Construction Sector is currently putting together deals to encourage more students to study relevant University courses by paying considerable chunks of the tuition fees. The increase of high-profile building projects, such as the Olympics, has seen an increase in the amount of interest shown in the area, but with University fees acting as a deterrent across the educational sector there are some fairly big financial obstacles to overcome.

The CITB Construction Skills sector of the Sector Skills Council is soon to announce a £1m donation intended to help some 200 Construction students through University - this is up considerable from the 60 students sponsored in 2005 and mirrors a welcome increase in interest from young people.

Waste management high on construction agenda

2006-02-13T10:00:00.000Z

A massive survey is taking place in Wales in an attempt to educate companies on the hazards and possibilities for managing waste.

The Construction sector is accountable for a third of all waste produced in Wales, amounting to 1.5 billion tonnes each year, and whilst it is an unavoidable by-product of the industry steps can be taken to minimise its impact. New technologies, such as off site construction can help reduce waste but the Environment Agency in Wales is keen to gauge industry awareness before enforcing new initiatives.

Waste management high on construction agenda

2006-02-13T09:53:00.000Z

Subcontractor changes on the cards

2006-02-01T09:32:00.000Z

The new Construction Industry Scheme heralds a big change to the way in which sub-contractors can work. Instead of the old identifcation card/certificate scheme, the CIS implements a new verification system based on proof of tax payment status.

Affecting some 200,000 contractors and 900,000 sub-contractors there will be some big changes afoot when the system goes live in April 2007. An online interactive tool has been developed to help assess whether a person qualifies as employed or self-employed and is available on the HMRC website.

Modular school buildings can limit disruption

2006-01-30T09:19:00.000Z

Despite running eight months behind schedule contractors working on a new primary school in Cambridge are labouring under strict time regulations and face random spot-checks by council authorities in an effort to reduce disruption to residents.

Noise, parking problems and heavy vehicle traffic have all conspired to cause residents to complain to authorities, the fact that the project is over-running is also adding to general bad-feeling. Yet the only solution reached by the council is to restrict working hours on site, effectively dragging out the project for longer and longer.

This is where modular school buildings have a distinct advantage over traditional builds. In addition to residents being disturbed by the noise, the children due to move into the school have already lost 5 teaching days this academic year because of the delays. As modular buildings are constructed away from site work can continue until the project is done, without fear of disrupting anybody.

Off site construction can reduce risks

2006-01-26T09:46:00.000Z

With approximately 1,000 construction workers breaking or fracturing a bone every year, building sites can be dangerous places. A Health and Safety 'watch your step' initiative has been launched to try and reduce the number of injuries but the very nature of building work is hazardous.

Off site construction techniques can reduce these risks by taking the process of building away from the outdoor area where workers and pedestrians alike can add to the hazards. By moving processes inside to controlled factory environments the system becomes more streamlined with less people on site trying to do lots of different jobs all at once.

School construction unearths ancient man

2006-01-23T12:21:00.000Z

Construction work on a school in Cheddar has uncovered the body of a 2000 year-old man who, aside from unfortunately having his lower half removed by a digger, remains in good condition. The style of the burial suggests that the man was a Pagan rather than Christian and whilst the body has been removed for further investigations there is no evidence to suggest it formed part of a burial site.

Construction has re-commenced on site with the school due for completion by September 2006.

Scottish schools promote construction

2006-01-19T13:26:00.000Z

In an attempt to boost the construction industry Scottish schoolchildren have been involved in a competition. The winners will be announced in an exhibition at Edinburgh's Corn Exchange.

Bomb risk to construction workers

2006-01-16T11:03:00.000Z

Regeneration of British cities could result in the discovery of unexploded bombs dropped during World War 2, and could even result in serious injury.

According to war experts, only 1 in 10 German bombs dropped on the UK, actually exploded, whilst some were recovered, many were simply left and could now pose a threat to construction workers drilling and digging.

Bomb experts believe that the threat posed to construction workers has been under-estimated; with more than a dozen people being killed in mainland Europe by WW2 bombs in the last 10 years, it is almost certain that more fatalities may occur.

Cement: the spanner in the works at Wembley

2006-01-13T15:00:00.000Z

It has been revealed that the use of the wrong sort of concrete is accountable for the some of the delays endured by the Wembley construction debacle.

An inappropriate type of concrete was originally used to support the signature arch outside the famous grounds; although a checking system discovered the error, the subsequent removal and refilling caused considerable delay to the beleaguered project.

UK music venue celebrates unprecedented success

2006-01-11T09:38:00.000Z

The Sage Gateshead music centre is a clear focal point along the banks of the up and coming Tyne River. Since opening in December 2004 the centre has seen 750,00 visitors coming though its doors, 12% more than originally expected.

Coming in at £70m, the project has certainly earned its fee winning the 2005 Building Construction Local Authority Building of the Year construction award, amongst other accolades.

Supporters of the initiative consider the Sage Gateshead music centre to be a figurehead for the on growing development of construction and progress in the North.

Wembley Stadium negotiations reach the table

2006-01-05T10:47:00.000Z

With the widely accepted knowledge that construction of the Wembley stadium is seriously behind schedule (i.e. potentially too late for the FA cup final, which was sort of the whole point) contractors Multiplex and Wembley National Stadium Ltd have finally made it to the negotiating table to discuss the proposed £120,000 per day late fees.

WNSL are trying to charge Multiplex the monumental amount as part of the original fixed-term agreement, yet dispute over access to zones of the site are giving the Australian company some bargaining leverage.

Whilst Multiplex and WNSL are said to be on amicable terms, there is less good feeling extended to Cleveland Bridge UK who are currently in the process of countering an £18.3m litigation claim from Multiplex for breach of contract.

Independent schools to promote fairer society

2006-01-03T13:50:00.000Z

Plans to create more independent schools have been defended by Ruth Kelly, the Education Minister, as an effective way to make the education system fairer.

It is certain that the building of new schools across the UK is a step in the right direction in facilitating equal access for all to quality resources and learning environments. Yet controversy has also arisen over the funding of schools with some arguing that private financing places too much control in the hands of business in what really should be a societal matter.

PPP Schools come under heavy criticism in Scotland

2005-12-22T15:24:00.000Z

A whopping 85% of respondents to a survey amongst Scottish construction professionals felt that Public Private Partnerships do not offer value for money. The result certainly provides food for thought for Scottish Education Ministers currently rolling out a £2.3billion school building initiative. The programme will see 300 schools rebuilt or refurbished by 2009 using PPP funding.

Criticism levelled at the scheme centres around the cash-driven decisions made about the buildings involved in them. As institutions for educating the nations children, penny-pinching is not an attractive trait.

Architects assessing previous PPP projects have raised issues about the 'short-termness' of many of the buildings seen, i.e. poor quality materials and uninspiring design that all smack of a building which isn't expected to be around for long, and hasn't been created about the needs of the young people expected to spend their formative years in them.

£10m hospital building underway in Durham

2005-12-19T13:44:00.000Z

Described as a vital resource for local communities, work has begun on the building of a £10m hospital in Durham.

Built under the Private Finance Initiative, the hospital will provide a vital service to residents living in the semi-rural region and who currently have to travel up to 30 miles to visit outpatient clinics.

The building is due to be finished in March 2007 and will feature purpose-built wards, up-to-date equipment and vital blood transfusion facilities.

'Earthquake-safe' buildings in Japan not up to scratch

2005-12-14T13:34:00.000Z

The recent trial of a Japanese architect accused of falsifying safety reports has send a ripple of panic through the quake-stricken country. The architect in question, Mr. Aneha, claims he was under immense pressure from construction companies to design structurally unsound buildings to cut costs. Health and Safety inspectors have also been accused of failing to spot the obvious mistakes ands consequently putting lives at risk in an already dangerous region.

Construction company take-over

2005-12-09T16:19:00.000Z

Carillion, the construction and engineering firm, is to buyout Mowlem, its smaller rival for £290m in what has been described as an 'excellent strategic fit'. The deal is hoped to boost Carillion's presence in the Private Finance Initiative market; the combined company will be worth an estimated £4.1bn.

Yorkon awarded £2.8m contract for new adult education centre

2005-12-05T14:01:00.000Z

Award-winning off-site construction specialists and Portakabin subsidiary, Yorkon, is to build a new £2.8m adult education centre for Lewisham Council.

Due for completion in Spring 2006, the new purpose-designed centre at Granville Park will regenerate a brownfield site and provide a range of facilities for the local community including a café, food studies laboratory, workrooms for art, woodwork, upholstery and metalwork, an IT suite, general classrooms, and offices. The building will also have a crèche and an outdoor play area for children.

Yorkon will manufacture the building off-site and will crane 39 steel-framed modules into position in less than a week ready for fitting out, significantly reducing the programme time. Yorkon’s work also includes demolition of several disused buildings on the site and completion of landscaping and car parking.

Construction on the up

2005-12-02T11:21:00.000Z

Construction growth picked up in November after a 5-month all time low in October.

Modular construction is on the up with big education projects underway as part of the Building Schools for Future program.

Hospital construction is also on the up with steel framed construction continuing to grow in popularity.

Yorkon awarded third consecutive award

2005-11-28T13:02:00.000Z

For the third consecutive year Yorkon has been announced as the off site construction specialist of the year. The presitgious award, presented last week in London came in conjunction with the announcement that Keith Blanshard, Director of Yorkon, is also the construction industry Personality of the Year.

Yorkon's recent involvement in the hugely successful Moho modular construction apartments. The first time modular off site construction has been used for private residential sale apartments, the project has been widely applauded and awarde dseveral awards, including Best Major New Housing development and Best Innovative Technology.

Amec break up 3 ways

2005-11-25T11:11:00.000Z

Spie, the French division of Amec is the first component to be sold off as part of the 3-way split which was also see the demerging of the UK infrastructure arm of the business. The final, streamlined version of Amec will consist of its international oil, gas and nuclear engineering division, valued at £4.5bn, half of Amec's current value.

The break-up comes after a 10% increase in share value last month, although bosses claim the decision has not been made in response to hostile take-over bids.

Sydney Olympics providing blueprint for London games?

2005-11-22T17:31:00.000Z

The former head of the Australian company heavily involved in construction projects for the 2000 Sydney Olympics has been allocated the job of heading up the British team. David Higgins will be Chief Executive of the Olympic Delivery Authority, responsible for creating the 2012 Olympic Park - the 'biggest construction job in Europe'.

Having already been involved in such mammoth projects as the Bluewater shopping centre in Kent, Mr Higgins is no stranger to large-scale jobs; he will take up the post permanently at the beginning of the New Year.

Manchester Construction school goes to UAE

2005-11-15T16:16:00.000Z

Manchester Business School, the largest in the UK, is running a series of information courses for construction executives in the United Arab Emirates via distance learning. Starting in 2006, the courses will cover the MBA for Engineering Business Managers with special emphais on construction techniques such as modular building and off-site construction.

BBC invites construction companies to tender

2005-11-07T14:58:00.000Z

The BBC has moved one step further in its bid to find suitable companies for the construction projects underway across its UK portfolio.

The 37 companies selected have been invited to tender for project design, construction and project management on the 9th November as the BBC and the Land Securities Trillium partnership refocuses on joint property developments.

Olympic bid a big winner for job creation

2005-11-04T13:15:00.000Z

London's successful Olympic bid campaign will create 33,500 construction jobs in the years leading up to the 2012 games. The peak of building peak is expected to be around 2010 with building work intensifying in the South-East area.

House building slowing down

2005-11-03T13:14:00.000Z

Growth in the UK construction industry slowed down for the first time in 5 months in October. The sharp downturn could be blamed on the first contraction of house building in almost half a year.

Off-site apartments scoop awards

2005-11-02T10:34:00.000Z

The Moho apartment block in Manchester has been awarded not only the Best Innovative Technology award, but also the Best Major Housing Development, the Best Starter Home and now the Best Housing Project and the Architecture Grand Prix prizes.

The first private housing development of its kind to be built off-site by modular construction specialists Yorkon, the Moho apartment block was designed in conjunction with Urban Splash. The team have been credited with giving off-site manufacture a 'fresh new image' and have revolutionised the view of portable buildings.

As a subsidiary of portable building specialists Portakabin, Yorkon have added these recent awards to its existing status of second-time Off-Site Manufacturer of the Year.

Can a building site become a woman's world?

2005-11-01T11:01:00.000Z

Facing an impending labour skills crisis, the construction industry needs all the new recruits it can get, and encouraging more women to join the market could be its best hope. Only a very tiny percentage of construction apprentices are women, a figure that needs a dramatic turn-around if the UK construction industry is to continue running on homegrown talent.

Sports venues cropping up in South East

2005-10-27T12:03:00.000+01:00

Following London's successful bid for the 2012 Olympics, building sports venues has become something of a national pastime. Several high-profile projects are already underway in the South-East as the predicted boom for the construction industry sets in early.

High flying ideas to cut congestion

2005-10-26T09:14:00.000+01:00

Councillors in Derby are appealing for ideas to cut congestion in the city centre. A monorail is one of the suggestions put forward to ease traffic problems as part of a 'forward-thinking' approach to fix ongoing problems.

Construction workers face up to curse

2005-10-20T12:32:00.000+01:00

Edinburgh construction workers have been threatened with an ancient curse (accredited with the death of Henry VIII) unless they down-tools on a shopping centre development. The Knights of St. Edmund, a protest group opposing the development in Bury St. Edmunds (Suffolk) have warned of a thousand year old curse being bestowed upon workers and companies taking residence in the shopping centre unless construction halts.

Health and Safety day in November

2005-10-17T09:18:00.000+01:00

A day of health and safety demonstrations and advice is to be held in Edinburgh on the 9th of November. The event will take place at the Royal Highland Centre and is free of charge.

Construction investment in Sheffield

2005-10-14T09:29:00.000+01:00

South Yorkshire construction firms will benefit from EU funding to develop employee training in new and advanced building skills.

Top of the debtors?

2005-10-13T16:48:00.000+01:00

Construction and Civil Engineering companies top the list of sectors with the highest amount of unpaid debt.

The sector has over 17,000 companies with County Court Judgements against them.

Homes under construction in Tsunami region

2005-10-12T09:55:00.000+01:00

Some 10,000 homes are now ready for survivors of the Boxing Day Tsunami to move into, coinciding with the beginning of the Islamic Ramadan fasting month.

Hundreds of thousands of more homes are still required for the half million left homeless but the first new development is a strong sign that conditions are improving some 9 months after the earthquake devastated the region.

Construction goes back to school

2005-10-11T10:39:00.000+01:00

Recent projects have seen teachers across the country attend construction workshops in the hope of giving pupils a better idea of possible careers in the industry.

The initiative was launched in the hope of attracting more new recruits to stem chronic labour shortages at a time when the construction industry is enjoying steady growth.