Style: April 06, 2018

46 STYLE | architecture
There are many advantages to prefabrication over and above more
traditional building systems:
1. Quality: because prefabrication is generally undertaken in a factory or
workshop away from the natural elements, there is better quality control.
2. Time: construction schedules can reduce as much of the construction is
undertaken off site, then delivered to be erected within short timeframes.
3. Cost: the repetition of building elements means economies of scale can
be achieved, and money is also saved by being on-site for less time.
4. Waste minimisation: there is generally less building waste in a well
thought through prefabricated process than occurs in a traditional on-site
construction.
5. Health and safety: because much of the construction work is in
a controlled workshop environment, with many building elements
constructed on the floor rather than at height, there tend to be fewer
construction-related accidents.
The London Bankside shows CitizenM’s modular hotel leadership.
In New Zealand we have many examples of prefabricated houses
(sometimes known as kitset houses) that are transported around the
country on the backs of trucks.
With the high cost of construction in New Zealand and the new
government’s desire to build 100,000 new houses in the next 10 years
through its KiwiBuild programme, prefabrication is a good solution to
deliver cheaper houses faster.
As an architect, I believe the major challenge will be creating designs
that are suitable to the changing demands of the owners’ profiles – we
require far more one and two bedroom houses than previously. These
designs need to respond not only to their occupants’ needs but also to
their individual sites, something that prefabricated houses haven’t been too
successful in achieving in the past.
Prefabricated or modular hotel construction is taking off around the
world. CitizenM, I believe, is the leader in this space and I have stayed at
their Bankside hotel in London and been impressed with the seamless
integration of the modular construction into the overall design.
I am still waiting with anticipation for the construction of the proposed
new hotel on the corner of Salisbury and Colombo streets. The Ramada
Encore will utilise prefabricated ‘pod’ hotel rooms manufactured in
Vietnam.
There are a number of specialist prefabricated modular bathroom
manufacturers in New Zealand including de Geest in Oamaru and Sapone
just north of Christchurch. We have used modular bathrooms in our hotel
projects with much success, with our clients sharing in all the benefits
described above.
I believe the increased use of prefabricated processes in New Zealand
and around the world will continue, delivering buildings of high quality
faster, cheaper and safer.
The proposed Ramada Encore Christchurch will be prefabricated.
We’re ready
when you
are!
Titles ready
right now!
You can start your new home in Canterbury’s most
sought after residential development right away!
Secure a section, and the next thing you know, you’ll be meeting with the builders and
taking the first step to making your plans a reality. We’ve partnered with Canterbury’s
leading home builders and can introduce you to the team that would fit your needs
best. Or you are welcome to use your own team.
With sections between 400 and 887m 2 , prices starting at $164,000 and titles
available right now - there’s no reason to delay your dreams any longer.
Sections available now.
Call Bruce Harvey 0800 667 849 or visit www.faringdon.co.nz
Visit our info centre, corner Goulds and East Maddisons Roads,
Wednesday to Sunday, 12pm - 4pm.
You’re home.