Global interest in modular buildings in the sports and leisure sector
Before we start looking at the uses for modular construction in the UK’s sports and leisure sector, it’s worth looking at it use in Qatar too.
The World Cup is coming up and the flagship stadium in Qatar – called Stadium 974 – is a one of a kind modular design. This is indicative of the wider trend for modular building all around the world.
Back in the UK, modular construction is used for all kinds of buildings for the sports and leisure sector. And the reasons why are clear – lower costs, less disruption, a shorter lead time and a super wide range of building types are available.
At Thurston, we work with clients in sports and leisure and provide buildings of all kinds of layout and configurations. They’re all built to last and benefit from our galvanised steel modular building system with its 60 year guarantee.
Benefits of modular construction for the sports and leisure sector
The Thurston turnkey solution for the sports and leisure industry starts initially from a consultancy, that then follows all the way through to design, build, on-site construction, installation and then occupation.
Every building is ready for use immediately, and as up to 95% of the building construction takes place within our factories, the disruption to the site is minimal. This is particularly important for many of the sports facilities as they tend to be additions to existing parks, pitches or sports grounds.
We offer a wide range of external and internal finishes, so that the client and end users can have exactly what they need. Specialist facilities, such as wet rooms and changing rooms can be incorporated, so whether it’s a dance studio or a changing room for a football ground, there is a modular solution available.
Why clients in the sports and leisure sector choose Thurston
The combination of thorough, professional consultancy along with a process that takes roughly half the time of a ‘traditional’ construction project are some of the man reasons why we work in this sector.
Our project managers work directly with the client, local authorities and planning departments to ensure everything from planning permission to building regulation compliance is completed.
It’s the simplest, most cost effective way to add state of the art, sustainable buildings to a site, with minimal disruption. The flexibility in design and construction is also a big draw.
We can create bespoke designs that provide exactly what our clients need for all kinds of different uses in this sector. And, because it’s built off-site, we have control over the project cycle. Traditional construction methods that take place on-site are disrupted by external events, such as poor weather.
Modular construction mitigates most of the issues that cause building projects to stagnate. There is also the green credentials of modular construction – a dramatic reduction in waste materials, for example.
3 popular uses for modular construction in sports and leisure
1. Sports changing rooms
Modular construction uses innovative technologies to cut down the project timeline, lower costs and create standard and bespoke designs, to make it as sustainable as possible.
You end up with a building that is largely indistinguishable from a traditional build. All of which is perfect for team changing rooms at a rugby or football club.
There is a large choice of layout, size, design, internal and external finishes, so it can match any other buildings already on site if necessary. Space can be designed around the needs of the client and be equipped with all of the necessary fixtures and fittings.
From lockers to separate changing rooms to kit storage areas and a separate office space for officials, there’s everything a team could need. Should the team decide to expand the facilities in future, it’s simple to do.
2. Gyms
Whether as an addition to a leisure centre or as a stand alone unit, modular construction is ideal for gyms.
Thanks to the flexibility with design and configuration, the client will be able to find something that caters to their specific needs. It could be more of a dance fitness studio with space for a few ellipticals, or it could be a fully outfitted gym complete with all the necessary equipment.
Everything from flooring to ventilation can be designed to fit the brief, and as it’s a relatively short project cycle, the gym will be ready to go much faster than with traditional methods.
3. Educational sporting facilities
The education sector is increasingly recognising the value of modular construction when it comes to refreshing sports and leisure facilities.
More academies and schools across the UK are opening their own sports centres and managed gyms. These are usually not only available to the attendees of the school, but also to local members of the community as an income generator.
Data from Sport England shows that 39% of all sports facilities nationwide are provided by educational establishments. Furthermore, 77% of all sports halls in the country are actually on school or university sites.
Almost two-thirds of sports facilities within Education are available in some form to the community. All of which makes modular construction the obvious choice.
Modular construction of sporting facilities is the most cost-effective, sustainable and minimally invasive way to create a space that will go on to generate income for the establishment.
There are many more uses within this sector for modular construction. Check out our case studies to find out more.