Archetech Issue 40 2019 | Page 52

‘ALUPROF SUPPORTS MODULARISATION CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY’ Not a new technology, but a design approach which continues to grow in popularity. Recent projects competed with Aluprof systems show what it possible and the benefits that this approach can bring. The construction industry has used modules, such as bathroom ‘pods’, for many years where a repetitive build, such as a hotel has many of the same elements. There is a big benefit of producing these off-site in a controlled environment where specialist equipment is available and good levels of quality control. Simply delivered to site, lifted into place and services already provided and in place to simply link-up. Modularisation has now gone further to complete walls for rooms which can be produced with openings with fitted windows creating Wojciech Brożyna - Managing Director Aluprof UK a waterproof and structural unit. Some of these larger room ‘pods’ can be produced as complete rooms with finishes and furniture complete. Protected adequately against the elements, each unit is transported to site and simply lifted into place usually on a prepared structural grid. The concept of the ‘pod’ hotel has been constructed in the USA, the rooms are generally smaller than average, so more rooms can be accommodated for any given city space, but quality of the rooms is higher with finishes lasting longer, in turn this makes these rooms more cost effective for the guest. In the USA they have even produced small apartments on this basis which are known as ‘pod pads’.