A comparison of modern methods of bathroom construction: a project case study.
Year: 2009
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: Volumetric modules are often employed as an efficient and effective means ofconstructing highly serviced areas in buildings such as bathroom, kitchens andstructures to house mechanical plant and equipment. Recent developments instructurally integrated volumetric pod concepts have seen a shift towards small formatmodules with the ability to be configured to provide alternative architectural solutionsas part of a product family architecture. However, without careful consideration ofthe procurement strategy for such products, cost variation can arise from additionallabour and materials required to make good and mend the results of design andconstruction process decisions that may not have been undertaken in concurrence.Using the unique case of a city centre project constructed using volumetric bathroompods and a series of pre-engineered component kits (supplied by the podmanufacturer) an unusual financial comparison of two modern methods of bathroomconstruction is presented. The data emanating from the unit of study includesmanufacturers production cost data and site based sub-contractors labour and materialcosts and considers the context of the construction in terms of new-build and buildingrefurbishment. This is then used to provide an economic comparison of the use ofvolumetric pods and simpler pre-engineered component kits. Significant costvariation has occurred and the benefits of using off-site manufactured bathroom podshave been eroded due to specific procurement decisions and the complexity of theinterface procedure with other trades and on-site constructed building elements.Using this method of comparison, those considering implementing modern methodsof construction for bathroom and washroom facilities are provided with procurementstrategy guidance in obtaining improved control over labour and material coststhrough using the modern methods of construction presented.Keywords: Buildability, innovation, prefabrication, standardisation, cost.
Institution: Edinburgh Napier University
Language: English
Subfield: Building and Construction
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W433245141