Modular Build
With the first "Yorkon" modular built unit now trading at Ditton, the future looks bright for further modular builds.
With 500 sqft sections arriving on the back of a lorry in 40 minute intervals, a 4000 sqft store can be watertight within a day. The whole process from order to erection on site takes only 16 weeks and represents great time savings for the Society. This process can be seen on the adjacent slide show.
As the units are constructed under controlled factory conditions there are environmental benefits of modular construction techniques. Less time on site means less energy used and less pollution. Yorkon claim that having the units constructed in this way results in up to 90% fewer vehicle movements and a 46% increase in site safety.
The designs are flexible enabling us to meet planning officers’ expectations. This also enables us to order an enhanced shell with lighting, floor coverings and even cold rooms, manager’s offices and tills etc. already fitted.
During the 16 week lead time the site is prepared in the usual way, creating a grid of pad foundations so that the units can simply be craned off the lorry and lowered into place. The units are bolted together, the roof joints capped, and services connected.
1 - The Site.
Demolition and necessary ground works were completed in eleven weeks during which time the modular units were being assembled at Yorkon's factory.
2 - The first section arrives.
3 - Touch down.
The sections are lowered onto a grid of pad foundations. The photograph above shows a section containing the cold rooms and manager's office.
4 - A giant jigsaw.
Each module is bolted to the next.
5 - Enhanced shell.
The floor finish is laid in the factory.
6 - Another section arrives.
7 - One more to go.
8 - The final piece!
The final section has the automatic doors already in place.
9 - Launch day.
The build was finished with United Co-operative's bespoke bull nose fascia detail.