03 Nov The growing demand for offsite construction
Offsite construction is the completion of elements of a construction project at a different location to where they will finally be installed. Also known as ‘modern construction methods’, the components are built at a controlled location, ready for transport to site.
PAD Contracts are architectural metalwork specialists. We get involved in a wide range of offsite construction projects, providing a full fabrication and installation service on large steelwork section staircases, balustrades, handrails and other metalwork components.
The demand for offsite construction, including architectural metalwork, is forecast to grow in a post-pandemic world in which the construction industry is playing catch-up. Modern construction methods offer many benefits that the construction industry needs to deliver projects on time and within budget.
The benefits of offsite construction
Quicker build time
Under conditions and processes that are more akin to the factory setting of the manufacturing industry, the build is controlled and therefore quicker to complete. The design process is simplified and production techniques are standardised. It is also much easier to predict when the work will be completed without having to factor in mitigating circumstances such as poor weather.
Improved safety
A controlled environment reduces the risk of injury from the handling of materials, moving objects and working at height. Poor weather and visibility on a construction site can present hazardous conditions that don’t affect the factory environment.
Reduced labour and training costs
The factory setting of offsite construction requires a smaller workforce which reduces cost. The process is more like a production line so the extensive training required to work on a construction site is also not necessary.
Sustainability
A popular benefit of offsite construction is sustainability. Transport to site uses a minimal number of vehicles over a few trips. The daily transportation of workers and materials to a construction site in multiple vehicles is replaced with just a few larger vehicles going to the offsite location. There is much less requirement for heavy machinery in offsite construction which means the work uses less energy. Offsite construction also produces less waste because design for manufacture and assembly (DfMA) facilitates the precise calculation of materials.
Key PAD Contracts offsite projects:
S5 Stratford, London
For our client, Lend Lease, PAD Contracts designed, manufactured and installed large bespoke external steel staircases, railings, handrails and enclosure framework at the S5 Building, home to the Financial Conduct Authority. The work was manufactured at our factory in Waltham Abbey and transported to site as and when it best suited the build schedule.
The 15 storey staircases are housed in external hollow section steel frameworks that provide structure and shelter. We designed bespoke metal railings and posts, powder coated in cobalt blue to contrast with the yellow wall cladding, and a brushed stainless-steel handrail.
Mark Lane, London
PAD Contracts worked for our client, Stanhope PLC on 70 Mark Lane, a £70 million 15-storey Grade A office building development near the Tower of London. We designed, manufactured and installed the helical feature staircase that connects levels 14 and 15 within terraced atrium spaces.
New wing to Guy’s Hospital
Our client Kings Health Partnership Cancer Centre required a feature staircase at the heart of their 14-storey triangular shaped wing of Guy’s Hospital. We manufactured and installed the beech veneer panelled staircase with curved panelling and handrails at the landing areas.
The supporting suspension rods connected to the steel framed staircase provide the structural integrity, yet make the landing areas appear freestanding.
HMS Belfast
For the Imperial War Museum, PAD Contracts designed, manufactured and installed architectural metalworks and balustrades at the site of HMS Belfast in London. Balustrades and railings were installed around the exterior of the Upper Deck Bar and along the walkways and staircases from the bar to HMS Belfast.
