Here Richard Hipkiss, development director for the Modular and Portable Building Association (MPBA), discusses how by operating at pace, volumetric modular technology can increase capacity for healthcare businesses.
Low productivity has been a constant thorn in the side of the construction industry for decades, raising costs and adding risk and waste across project lifecycles.
Efforts to improve efficiency however have proven difficult in a sector too often defined by low margins, aggressive procurement, talent shortages and uncertain work pipelines.
The construction industry plays a vital role in delivering the social infrastructure that underpins UK economic activity and public services.
The longstanding challenges the sector faces are well known however, productivity growth in our construction industry is stagnant. According to government statistics, since 1997 the annual rate of improvement in productivity has been circa 21 per cent lower than the wider economy.
There are many concepts entering the construction arena creating a juxtaposition of priorities – from design for deconstruction to the circular economy. But increasing efficiency seems to be slipping down the agenda. Taking it back to basics, what the UK needs right now to get us back on-track, is pushing up productivity.
Data from members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) shows that volumetric modular technology can be 50 per cent faster than onsite approaches such as brick and block, due to the more productive building method.
Using cutting-edge digital design and manufacturing technology combined with the ability to carry out onsite groundworks at the same time as manufacturing modules, the efficiency benefits of this most advanced of offsite construction methods – cannot be overlooked.
Real-world example: mitigating waiting lists with modular construction With many hospitals across the UK needing to expand their facilities and maximise bed capacity to cope with rises in patient numbers, both permanent and rental modular solutions could be the way to deliver these specialist buildings at pace.
Increasing capacity
Utilising offsite construction methods, modular buildings have the advantage of fast installation times and, due to their prefabricated nature where the majority of the project is manufactured in quality-controlled factory conditions, create far less disruption onsite than would otherwise be encountered with traditional construction methods.
This means that the hospital can continue to serve its patients with minimal impact on the wider healthcare estate.
With projects able to be completed in a matter of weeks, modular buildings can provide high quality spaces fast, ramp up capacity and ensure that the hospital is fully prepared for spike periods.
Combining compliance with fast delivery
The speed of construction for modular buildings does not mean a drop in terms of quality or technical ability. Modular units are designed with client specifications in mind, including wide corridors, high ceilings and future-forward technology such as high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration and integrated building management systems to maintain an optimised internal environment.
MPBA member, Premier Modular has demonstrated the technical ability of offsite construction through the delivery of the UK’s first modular barn surgical theatre, to increase capacity at Maidstone Hospital in Kent.
Nearing completion, this project is part of a national initiative to shorten waiting lists by introducing more than 50 new surgical hubs across England.
Known as the Kent and Medway Orthopaedic Centre, this surgical hub will contain three state-of-the-art operating theatres, an X-ray centre, therapy space, a recovery area, administrative space and single patient and ‘pod’ rooms, allowing for increased number of operations for patients across Kent and Medway.
Modular building is also unique when it comes to financing, offering a range of flexible options to suit every budget.
The need for speed
An ageing population and the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic have all contributed to the nation’s complex health needs. Extra capacity is vital, and traditional construction methods may be too slow to keep up with this urgent demand.
To understand the power of offsite construction to increase capacity fast, take a look at the delivery times on some recent healthcare projects: North Middlesex Hospital – a rental building to expand ward capacity, delivered in 16 weeks; Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust – a 650sqm permanent facility upgrade, delivered in 20 weeks; and King’s College Hospital – a 3,450sqm, four-storey permanent outpatient services building, delivered in just over 56 weeks.
With precision manufacturing and commitment of zero waste to landfill, modular units can additionally be recycled or refurbished and reused when they are no longer required, providing circularity to benefit the environment as well as providing quality rental or permanent solutions that ensure waiting lists quickly become a thing of the past.
A smart alternative
Healthcare clients appreciate cutting-edge building techniques, particularly with the short lead times associated with modular construction. Modular buildings are energy efficient, fully compliant with building regulations and can be tailored to meet individual requirements.
As a more efficient and productive alternative to traditional building methods, volumetric modular construction offers numerous benefits. Pre-constructed units provide a rapid solution to increase capacity and modular approaches generate a faster return on investment.
Manufactured in controlled factories, water ingress and weather dependence are mitigated. With minimal waste and environmentally responsible construction processes, modular construction is a sustainable step towards net zero goals. Ideal for both temporary and permanent healthcare applications, modular buildings can be disassembled, relocated and refurbishments can be facilitated. Components are available in a range of sizes and can be customised to meet exact requirements for internal fit-out and external finishes.
The MPBA and our members firmly believe that the benefits of manufactured buildings begin in the factory, continue to the construction site and last through the lifetime of the building.
About the MPBA
The Modular and Portable Building Association plays a key role in supporting all sections of the industry. Leading best practice principles, the association is represented on numerous committees for the benefit of members.
Many MPBA members are accredited under a number of modular building frameworks, including NHS Shared Business Services Framework, LHC, Crown Commercial Service, NHS Commercial Solutions and the Modular Buildings Framework. These frameworks help NHS trusts and other public sector clients improve the speed and cost-efficiency of procurement to support world-class patient care.
Those involved in the procurement of healthcare facilities can gain help to quickly engage with volumetric modular manufacturers and portable building providers by clicking here.
