How you can halve your project timeline with a modular building system
If you ask a Project Manager nicely, they’ll tell you the frustration that unexpected delays bring and their impact on the success of a project.
A variety of factors can throw out project schedules, some within our control and others that aren’t. Delays can be attributed to design alterations, weather elements, or variations to name a few.
As a general rule, it’s far more productive to focus on the elements you can control rather than those that you can’t.
Focusing on what we could control, ASCO developed the Stellar® modular building system to combat environmental factors and reduce installation complexities. Modular building systems simplify the installation process, whilst limiting room for errors and reduce the impact of external factors.
Why modular?
Our modular facilities are 100% assembled prior to being transported to site for installation.
Modular buildings offer more flexibility for customisation, whilst also being vandal resistant and low maintenance. They are simple to install, easier to maintain and provide a better user experience.
Not to mention the time saving; on previous projects, the modular buildings system has halved the project timeline.
So how exactly do they save time?
The modular building system can halve the project timeline, how is this possible?
While the site is being excavated and concrete is being poured, a modular facility is being fabricated in a controlled factory environment. Once site preparation is complete, the modular facility is ready to be sent to site for installation.
Each Stellar® building arrives to site 100% assembled and only requires a connection. This significantly limits time-on-site, reducing costs and potential OH&S logistics. The installation process can take from as little as 4 hours for a small single module to just a number of days for a large building. from start to finish. This is, of course, project dependant and larger, more complex facilities can take much longer to install.
The Case Study
Port Campbell, Victoria
Our Stellar® modular building system has given us the ability to deliver high-quality solutions whilst adhering to budgets, strict deadlines and geographical challenges.
In 2019, we delivered an accessible and culturally inclusive facility in Port Campbell, Victoria whilst adhering to a strict and limited deadline.
The Port Campbell community worked together to request and plan much-needed upgrades. The Shipwreck Park was undergoing a re-design including landscaping which would lead to increased foot traffic in the area.
As a result, the toilet facilities next to the park would require extensive upgrades to keep up with demand during the summer months, when they would see an influx of tourists.
The upgrades were to include a Changing Places facility, a number of squat pans as well as standard toilets all within the same facility. The timeline for this project was 3 months compared to the usual 6, which includes architectural design, structural design, drafting, and building permits, a process that in itself could take up to 6 months for regular traditional building methods.
Specifications:
The facility was designed to be inclusive and accessible for all residents and visitors, whilst being functional and low maintenance for Corangamite Shire. As such it would include;
Changing Places facility
The Changing Places facility was equipped with a changing table, hoist, privacy screen, large handwashing basin and handrails. Plus an extra-wide automatic door to suit access for all-terrain/beach wheelchairs.
This component of the amenities building can only be accessed with an MLAK key to ensuring it is only used by those who need it most.
You can learn more about Changing Places facilities, their features and requirements by reading our blogpost below:
“The 2020 Changing Places specifications and what they mean for your community”
Accessible Cubicle
This cubicle is wheelchair accessible and is equipped with handrails a baby change table, large handwashing basin and backrests. Any members of the public can access this cubicle without a key or permit required.
The complex also included a Parents Room containing two toilet pans divided by a partition and baby change facilities.
3 squat (European) cubicles
There were 3 Squat Cubicles within the facility with stainless steel pans to provide an option for users of different cultures ensuring their experience was as comfortable as possible.
2 ambient cubicles and 7 standard cubicles
The facility included X standard cubicles equipped with automatic stainless steel hand dryers and sharps disposal bins.
The result
Utilising the Stellar® modular building system resulted in significant time savings, this project would not have been completed on-time using the traditional site-building methodology. Without the use of the Stellar® modular building system this project would have taken double the time.
Modular construction meant that the facility was constructed offsite whilst demolition, drainage and concreting works were taking place on-site. Once the concrete was cured the building was ready to be sent to site for fixing and connection.
- Delivered to site in 4 modules on
- Installation was completed by a four-person team and the building was placed in one day
- The structure was completed in 3 days
- Fit-off to electrical and hydraulic services and floor coatings were completed after completion of the structure.
- Trades on-site included plumbers, concreters, carpenters and electricians.
This process resulted in a seamless operation which saw the building being ready in time for the grand opening of the upgraded precinct.
Since its opening, the facility has been heavily utilised by members of the public as well as tourists to the area.
Click here to learn more about our Stellar® range of public amenities buildings.
References:
Australian Bureau of Statistics (27 June 2017). “Port Campbell (State Suburb)“. 2016 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 28 January 2018.
