Bathroom pod manufacturer Offsite Solutions has developed a demountable pod solution for refurbishment and new build projects where there is insufficient access for fully assembled pods.
Originally developed for military refurbishment projects, the pods “radically reduce work on site”, says the company, while still delivering the quality of factory-built bathrooms. Eight pods can be reassembled on site per day with a three-person team, compared with 6-12 weeks for traditionally built bathrooms.
The pods should prove useful in refurbishment and conversion projects where access is restricted to window openings or via the main entrance and stairwells.
Designed so the shower tray forms part of the floor and the wall panels create the shower enclosure, the pods have pre-drilled holes for sanitaryware and only the shower door is installed on site. The pod walls are completely vertical with 90° corners – unlike pods created from complete GRP moulds which have tapered walls – so integration is simple.
Ian Packer, senior project manager of construction company ISG, commented: “Building bathrooms on site for multi-occupancy buildings does not make sense in my view and I would always recommend a pod solution.
“The demountable pods are a clever way of overcoming any access issues to maximise offsite construction. Why have up to seven different trades and 10-15 operations on site when you can have just one? There is less risk of programme delay and quality control is far greater, mitigating defects and remedial works.”
James Stephens, managing director of Offsite Solutions, said: “Bathroom pods have traditionally been limited to new build. The development of our demountable solution expands the application of offsite to refurbishment and conversion projects.
“We can deliver, position and reassemble factory-built bathrooms in a sectional configuration in a fraction of the time of site-based construction and with enhanced quality. This helps to reduce the reliance on subcontracted trades, at a time when the construction industry is facing such severe skills shortages.”
