Comments Off on Thurston Group secures Constructionline Gold status!
We are delighted to have received verification of the new Gold Standard Constructionline accreditation this week and thought we would explain what that means to us and to our customers.
Constructionline is the UK’s largest register of contractors, consultants and material suppliers for the construction industry. It brings together thousands of buyers and accredited suppliers and aims to reduce the risk that can be introduced for any buying organisation within the built environment supply chain.
This new tiered approach to supplier assessment gives buyers a more robust risk management and increases their confidence by providing real-time updates on their entire supply chain from a single platform.
Extending the questionnaire beyond the standard PAS 91 questions to the Common Assessment Standard means it provides buyers the confidence we operate to the new legislation such as Modern Slavery, Anti-Bribery and Corruption, and Equal Opportunities. On-premise audits add the necessary level of scrutiny appropriate for high-value and high-risk projects.
Our Constructionline Gold Accreditation membership plays a vital role in improving and simplifying the PQQ process. Constructionline’s extended and verified question set allows us to save time at the PQQ stage of procurement. It demonstrates to our customers that we have been pre-approved in ethical standards, and that they can have complete confidence in our abilities.
The Gold Standard accreditation not only provides suppliers like Thurston Group with more access to procurement teams and buyers in both the public and private sectors, This demonstrates that organisations such as ours are aligned to the highest possible industry and government standards.
Providing an increasing level of risk management, the enhanced membership levels are in demand from buyers looking for increased assurance that their supply chain is not introducing additional risk into their business.
It helps us to identify forthcoming construction projects and reduces time spent on paperwork as all our information is already listed on the Constructionline database.
It also provides Health and Safety SIPP and Social Value certification, demonstrating to buyers that we comply with the very highest possible standards and that we have been subjected to increased scrutiny around governance and risk management.
Comments Off on What are the Cost Benefits of Modular Construction?
Modular construction is not a new idea – there have been waves of interest from the construction centre over the years. Prefabs from the 1950s and 60s are still around, for example.
But today’s modular construction benefits from technological improvements, innovative sustainable solutions for the life cycle of a building project and significant cost savings. And it’s for these reasons that modular construction is right now attracting massive amounts of interest and investment.
The cost of modular construction offers significant savings
Construction is one of the biggest sectors in the world, and so any significant change in the way that work is done can have major repercussions on global productivity.
Previously, modular construction went through boom times when particular needs cropped up. So, in the US and the UK, prefabs were popular in the post-War years, to fulfil a need for fast, relatively cheap accommodation and building.
Following these short-term flurries of building prefabricated buildings, they fell out of favour. However, the increased quality and technologically driven modular construction methods are successful in changing customer perception – and certainly picking up investor interest.
Modular construction isn’t a product – it’s a process
Economic challenges are being experienced just about everywhere in the world, due to a run of unprecedented situations. From the pandemic to global supply chain issues, there is an urgent need for affordable and reliable building methods.
In this blogpost, we’re going to dig deeper into the cost benefits of modular construction. There are multiple cost benefits to modular construction that absolutely improve affordability.
If we start by thinking of modular construction not as a single end product, but rather the entire process, it gives a clearer picture of its overall cost-effectiveness. The kinds of turnkey modular construction solutions we offer at Thurston aren’t just about the delivered product, but the entire project through the materials used, the time taken and the quality.
Because we build largely off-site, we can control the schedule, the work time and the efficiency of the process in a way that isn’t possible with traditional construction methodology.
Modular units are, of course, constructed to the same strict standards and regulatory codes as conventional builds, but there are more opportunities to streamline the process and save costs in that way.
5 reasons modular construction offer cost benefits
Modular construction is much faster than conventional building and can take half the time usually needed for on-site methods. Let’s break the cost savings down further:
No extraneous design costs
While there are, of course, options for bespoke design choices, modular construction largely sticks to standardised designs. The client, whether a healthcare institution, educational site or residential project, can dispense with an architect while still getting a sleek and tested design.
For residential projects, we have in-house design advisors who can ensure whatever is needed from the special design and costs can be produced. However, design costs are generally much lower than with a standard construction project.
Reliably sourced and costed materials
Modular construction companies have established and trusted partnerships all along the supply chain. This means far fewer – if any – delays, no question of ‘just in time delivery of any essential parts or components.
These kinds of delays can add costs onto a construction project, so the fact that modular construction mitigates them lowers the risk of costs spiralling. This also means that there’s no need for clients to budget for contingencies – they can pay a set amount and have confidence that the project will be fulfilled.
Reliability of the workforce
Modular construction tends to work with salaried technicians and builders, while construction projects that roll out on-site usually use multiple subcontractors. As modular construction takes place off-site on a production line, there are never any gaps or schedule conflicts.
All of this improves efficiency and speed of build, which has a knock-positive impact on the cost.
Energy costs are lower
This is where the sustainability of modular construction adds to the benefits of cost savings. Modular units are built to be sustainable and minimise energy wastage. Modular constructions are airtight, which means that less gas and electricity is used to heat and cool them when in use.
This is particularly useful at a time of soaring energy costs, and for buildings that are heavily used, can represent a significant saving.
Less disruption on site
Most of the modular construction work takes place off site. This then minimises any disruption and mess caused to the site. When the units are ready, there will be groundwork and crane work to hoist the units into place. However, this represents far less time on site and less clean up necessary. All of which helps to cut costs.
Modern modular construction comes with a range of benefits
Overall, there is no doubt that modular construction can save costs across the board. From labour costs to wastage, and from time lost on site to supply chain disruptions, these kinds of problems are far less likely to impact a project cost.
Offsite construction saves money, and thanks to today’s technology and super-efficient management systems, results in a resilient and long-lasting building product. Less time taken to complete the project, efficient supply chains and a reliable workforce combine to ensure that modular construction gives the client the best possible return on investment.
For more information about modular construction and its benefits, or to discuss the modular process that could help you, get in touch with us today.
Comments Off on Why is Modular Housing Green and How Does it Improve Sustainability?
Thurston has been in the construction industry for more than 50 years. Over the years, we’ve evolved along with the UK’s construction sector with innovative approaches to sustainability.
Today, one of the biggest challenges facing construction is the determinantal environmental impact of many of the traditional industrial work practices. Our off-site modular housing construction processes minimise waste, energy use and contribute significantly to reducing the environmental damage caused by traditional building methods.
Why is modular housing ‘green’?
Green construction strategies are no longer a ‘nice to have’. In 2022, they are essential. Modular housing offers a solution that uses material efficiently, lowers the project’s carbon footprint (sometimes to zero-carbon) and minimises waste. Here’s why this is so important.
Since the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century, our collective rush towards progress has brought enormous benefits to society. But at a significant cost to the environment.
At the most recent UN Climate Change Conference (COP26 in November 2021), the sense of urgency in tackling emissions was emphasised by delegates from all around the world. While the conference did result in a step forward in a global effort to lower emissions, geo-political pressures mean that success is far from assured.
The UK, along with all other delegates, signed the Glasgow Climate Pact, which revises and reiterates Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) to align with the original target set in the Paris Agreement in 2015.
At Government level, much has been pledged. At ground level, however, we can directly influence construction in a sustainable and positive way.
Modular construction lessens environmental damage
This is where modular housing comes in. We pioneered an off-site modular housing construction process that is greener, faster, and cheaper. Because we manufacturer buildings in a controlled way, we can streamline the entire process and keep energy usage to a minimum.
Modular construction allows us to pro-actively analyse every kWh of energy we use, consume as little as possible throughout the process, and use renewable sources where possible. We can also control the supply chain and deliver buildings in bulk, which slashes the vehicle emissions generated per project.
An innovative approach to the developing needs of the construction industry has always underpinned what we do at Thurston. And, as the evidence for man-made climate change has ramped up, so have our solutions for clients who want to be part of the solution rather than the problem.
In addition to the manufacturing technology and improved control over the production process that modular housing allows, it’s also conducive to waste reduction. During the manufacture of the modular housing, we can virtually eliminate waste, which is a huge plus for sustainability.
Modular construction is certified by BREEAM
All of the modular construction solutions available from Thurston are BREEAM certified. BREEAM has been around since 1990 and is a range of globally recognised certification and validation systems specifically for sustainable construction.
BREEAM takes the kind of holistic approach to sustainability, which means it doesn’t just certify our net zero and emission reduction credentials, but all ESG and health goals. Owned and facilitated by the BRE Group, BREEAM’s certification is based on the science and provides the world’s leading stamp of approval for modular construction and on throughout the lifetime of the building’s occupation and use.
Modular construction is 50% more efficient in terms of energy usage, 30% more efficient for waster usage and 40% more efficient in terms of raw material usage.
Due to the increase in focus on materials that contribute to the wellbeing of the future occupants, there are fewer chemicals released into the atmosphere.
Materials can be accurately measured and used during manufacturing, which vastly reduces waste. And because strict guidelines are used on the manufacturing site, far less is wasted throughout the whole lifecycle of the project.
Modular housing uses raw material far more efficiently than traditional construction. In fact, efficiency is increased by at least 40% during manufacturing.
Energy usage is controlled during production and operation. Modular housing is well designed to be self-sustainable. For example, solar powered homes lower energy consumption up around 72%.
Offsite modular construction and manufacturing already contributes to a significant number of new builds around the world. Modular homes are the green option and in our opinion the future of sustainable housing construction.
For the construction industry, sustainability goes far beyond buzzwords and big promises. To be truly green and sustainable, businesses within the sector must balance social, environmental, and economic parameters.
For more information about modular offices and their benefits, or to discuss the modular process that could help you , get in touch with us today.
Comments Off on Why You Should Consider Modular Commercial Buildings For Multiple Offices
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses have been scrutinising the purpose of ‘traditional’ offices and how they are used. So much is now being made of Modular Construction which is currently on the rise worldwide, with Modular Commercial Buildings being the fastest growing sector in this market.
This presents an opportunity for your businesses to adopt a more flexible approach when it comes to increasing your office space. There are several reasons why we ‘re likely to see an increase in office space in future.
Smaller Suburban Offices
After the pandemic, employees may be hesitant to travel longer distances in busy trains to work at companies’ Headquarters. Especially if they don’t have office space in their homes, they’ll need an office space to do their jobs. Therefore, we may see the rise of smaller office spaces located in the suburban areas where companies or employees can rent a desk.
Advantages of modular commercial buildings for multiple offices
Here are some of the advantages of Modular Commercial Buildings for multiple offices so that you can increase your office space, or use it differently.
Lower cost: A Modular Commercial building is usually more cost-effective than traditional construction methods, which can be beneficial for start-ups or to help you to get more stretch from your budget.
Speedy construction: You don’t have to worry about the weather halting a modular building construction, because the manufacturing process takes care of that. Thurston Group modular office buildings are manufactured and built in our warehouses so they are ready to be installed.
Fully customisable: Modular office spaces can be fully customised with your corporate branding, including colours and logo. This can help to boost your visual brand identity with employees, customers and visitors.
Modern design: Modular commercial buildings are typically aesthetically pleasing and constructed using modern and sustainable materials with a range of finishes.
Room for modification: A big benefit of modular commercial buildings is that it is possible for you to change the internal layout of a modular commercial building, depending on its design. For example, you can remove or adjust interior walls in some modular office buildings to better suit how you want to use the space.
The future of modular offices
It makes sense to expect growth in flexible office spaces in the coming years, and modular office buildings, with their speedy construction, lower cost, and flexibility, will be at the forefront of this growth.
For more information about modular offices and their benefits, or to discuss the modular process that could help you achieve your multiple offices dream, get in touch with us today.