Streamlining a design and creating a series of identical repeatable components allows factories to mass produce elements that are easy to transport and quick to assemble. Pod technology creates substantial building elements that form a 'volumetric space' but are generally non-loadbearing. Pods can be bathrooms, shower rooms, kitchens, utility cupboards and office washrooms. They are usually craned into a building during super-structure erection; however, they can also be retrospectively installed via external cladding apertures and lift shafts or delivered as flat-pack assemblies.
Pods are commonly steel frame, composite or made from glass reinforced plastic (GRP). The construction of the pod generally includes the plasterboard, ceramic or porcelain tiles, sanitary and brassware. Pod technology is robust, low maintenance and cost effective – a perfect solution for student accommodation, custodial, healthcare and education premises. Pods are usually bespoke to a project in terms of shape, size and specification and are connected easily onsite via a 'plug and play' concept.
Steel framed pod walls are typically made of plywood and plasterboard meaning that finishes can be stripped back when/if necessary and retiled as per any normal/traditional bathroom. It is also possible for pods to come in flat-pack kits. Following a detailed site survey, these kits are fully assembled in the factory, then broken down into components and delivered to site. Panel sizes are carefully selected to ensure full access is achievable even via standard door openings and stairways.
Unlike traditional building methods, where a multitude of trades needs to be co-ordinated e.g. electricians, plumbers, plasterers or tilers, factory-fitted pods require little supervision onsite, and finished pods can be integrated into any structural frame – timber, steel or concrete.
QUICK LINKS:
> View projects using pod technology
> View suppliers using pod technology on the Offsite Supplier Directory
