Game Changer in Modular Construction
A new lightweight volumetric modular system by the Hickory Group UB (Unitised Building) has entered the Australian market, which according to Bligh Tanner Director, Paul Easingwood, is a game changer in modular construction.
‘Although modular construction has been around for decades, this system demonstrates an Australian-first in true lightweight volumetric modular construction,’ he said.
According to Easingwood, the system offers a number of project benefits including significant programme savings, vastly reduced waste, lower embodied energy and a huge reduction in the weight of the structure.
Having worked on multiple medium rise developments throughout the United Kingdom, Easingwood can see parallels between the Hickory Group’s system and those used in the UK.
‘The UB modular units and the system I have used a lot in the UK are not restricted to a fixed width or length, but are bespoke to the development, more adaptable and versatile. Because of this, the UB system can be better articulated to non linear sites, with irregular in-situ cores to turn awkward corners, and navigate bends and road alignments in pre-existing tight urban sites,’ he explains.
According to Easingwood, the system offers greater flexibility for architects and designers in planning layouts and room arrangements and generates better site efficiency and area usage over pre-existing dimensioned modular units.
Furthermore, the system allows greater upfront choice of finishes and cladding fixtures, as opposed to working with a pre-developed modular system with limited scope for modification.
‘This type of adaptable modular system can unlock difficult constrained urban sites, and reduce construction impact on surrounding infrastructure, whilst bringing all manner of positive sustainable benefits to a development,’ says Easingwood.
Click here for more information on Hickory Group UB
Image courtesy the Hickory Group
Source: Architecture & Design
