All Go in the Snow

Elements Europe continues to install room pods at the University of Chester despite the snow.

Weather conditions in the UK over the past week have caused disruptions to airports, traffic networks, and according to economists the construction industry. 

Elements Europe, modular manufacturers, has continued to install the bedroom pods at the University of Chester for main contractor Morgan Sindall.

“Modern methods of construction offers many advantages compared to traditional construction methods, one of the most advantageous is the fact that we can continue to manufacture and install during the bad weather” says Stuart Johnstone, Commercial Director at Elements Europe.

“The construction industry always suffers during severe weather conditions, projects more often than not get delayed but with modular construction we can continue at the same rate as usual” adds Stuart Johnstone.

The Chester University project will see Elements Europe manufacture and install 224 studio student bedroom pods all of which will feature kitchenettes and en-suite facilities.  The student accommodation will be open in time for the 2013 academic term.

Fundraising Underway for Marie Curie :)

Fundraising for The Three Peak Challenge has begun! 

We are busy organising a Charity Ball for March 2013, to raise money in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care (Charity Reg. Number 207994). 

The event will also be in memory of Martin Thorpe, a former colleague of The Pickstock Group, who sadly lost his battle with cancer last year.

The ball will be Black Tie themed and we have already had many generous donations from local businesses for Auction Prizes. The Auction so far consists of prizes ranging from Falconry Hawk Walks, Spa Days, to Bangor on Dee Races. All is set to make this evening a huge success! 

Sponsorship for the Three Peak Challenge can be completed at www.justgiving.com/martinsmountains 

A huge thank you to Oswestry School for kindly allowing us the use of their mini buses for the Challenge in June 2013. 

Advantages of Modular Construction

Modular Construction

Modular Construction - the pros and the cons...

Sustainability and environmentally friendly is an issue which is increasing in importance and has become a 'buzz word' in society. The impact of sustainability on construction has been great. There is increasing pressures to reduce carbon emissions and be environmentally friendly, ensuring that all aspects of design, construction and distribution are sustainable. 

Sustainability 

The advantages modular construction methods have to offer are vast and have been widely documented. These include advantages regarding speed of manufacture and install, efficiency and the many environmental positives associated, when compared to traditional construction methods. More and more new student accommodation schemes are using modular solutions - both Room Pod and Bathroom Pod has been popular within this sector. Bathroom pods have been manufactured and installed for an increasing number of accommodation schemes in central London. The efficiency of manufacture and installation of these Bathroom Pods has allowed the schemes to open in time for the new academic term. Both Room and Bathroom Pods are designed and manufactured according to the client's specifications. 

Reduced Carbon Emissions

Research has shown that there is over 65% less energy needed for modular construction when compared to traditional methods, which not only helps to reduce carbon emissions but helps the company to adhere to their sustainability objectives. 

90% less vehicle movements is needed as manufacturing is all off-site. This supports the Government's Climate Change Act, which has set the target to ensure that the net UK carbon emissions is at least 80% lower than the 1990 baseline measure. The impact of reducing carbon emissions through construction will help achieve this target. 

Lack of understanding..

The biggest disadvantage of modular construction appears to be, the understanding of the methods used, there are many myths surrounding modular construction methods. These include; that modular construction is temporary and is not sustainable. Additionally there are concerns about the architecture being 'boring' using these methods. This is however simply not the case.

Modular Room Pods and Bathroom Pods can be manufactured and installed for almost any building - for example, modular bathroom pods have been installed for the Marriott Hotel, St Pancras. This is a grade 1 listed chamber which was built between 1868 and 1876.  This is just one example of the types of buildings which modular rooms can be installed into. 

It is essential that the many myths surrounding modular construction are addressed. The use of volumetric pods help to improve construction time and reduce the waste as generated by traditional construction methods by up to 50%. Modular rooms are increasingly being used for residential, student, health care and ministry of defense accommodation projects. 

Carbon Neutral Homes

Carbon Zero Homes by 2016?

The UK Government's target to make all new homes carbon zero by 2016 originally demanded that all emissions from the homes and from within must not be over zero over the course of a year. This definition was Level 6 of the Code for Sustainable Homes - of which only a handful of schemes has achieved.

A new definition of Carbon Zero

The Government has set to develop a new definition of Carbon Zero which would allow the target for Carbon Zero Homes by 2016 to be achievable and cost effective.

Elements Europe has to date completed homes to Level 4 of the Sustainable Homes Code, using traditional brick block methods, timber frame and off-site Modern Methods of Construction. This sustainable housing system, called Ty Unnos, is Elements Europe's in-house system which almost achieves Passivhaus standards. 

Home Owner Education

The achievement of Carbon Zero by 2016 is however not just about the House Builders - the use by home owners is just as important. Kevin Arthur, Elements Europe, comments

"We feel that education of the home owner is just as important as improving thermal performance, as if the dwelling is not used in the correct manner, the environmental features of the home can be worthless. Additionally consumer demand can also impact the build of homes, as there are always question marks over whether increased sustainability features can effect the practicalities of the home."

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