The project is a timber-frame construction of 144 single units organised into flats of 6 with lounge and kitchen facilities. Kevin Matthews, project architect at GDM Architects commented, “Each bedroom needed to have an ensuite bathroom, incorporating a toilet, shower and washbasin. The ensuite facility needed to be practical and functional whilst at the same time taking up minimal amount of space.”
The client, Infrastructure Investments Ltd, had specific requirements for the bathroom facilities relating to cost and quality. Construction of the development started in September 2007, with the completion deadline set for the new term in September 2008. Given this strict deadline, the installation time was another important consideration in the design brief.
Provian, the project’s main contractor, selected off-site constructed bathroom pods to fulfil cost and timesaving criteria. Baudet secured the tender due to the quality of the pods and its competitive edge, as well as the level of sales support offered by the company.
On awarding the contract to Baudet, Rick Archer of Provian Construction said, “Pre-fabricated bathroom pods presented a realistic way of reducing the construction time on-site and fitted in with the project’s overall ethos of using modern methods of construction. We were very impressed with Baudet and the value for money it offered. Our client had used Baudet on another project and had been delighted with the results, and so we were satisfied that we had made the right choice.”
Baudet has now delivered 144 ‘Quartz’ bathroom pods to the site. Each pod arrived ready-plumbed and so can simply be slotted into place before plumbers and electricians make a few straightforward connections. All that is then left to do is plasterboard around the pod to finish. Rick Archer added, “In terms of site management, the pods are of great benefit as the installation is quicker and much less labour intensive. This, along with the decision to use a timber frame method of construction, has helped to condense down the construction programme.”
With the project on track for completion in September both client and contractor are very pleased with the pods. Rick Archer explained, “The client recently visited the site to view a sample room, and was very pleased with the overall look of the room and the bathroom facility.” |