News

15/11/2007 – Yorkon Launches Design Tool for Off-site Construction

Award-winning modular building specialist and Portakabin subsidiary, Yorkon, has launched a new design tool to help architects and contractors work with off-site construction.

The design pack is available in interactive pdf format and contains a comprehensive guide to steel-framed modular construction, module size ranges and options for staircases and lifts. For CAD users, there are easy-to-use files to help architects develop a building design for a specific project, and produce fast and accurate drawings.

The design guide has been developed by Yorkon in response to the increasing interest from architects and contractors in modular building. In order to maximise the benefits of off-site construction, it is essential that specifiers develop a good understanding of the system and the process, and design for modular rather than site-based construction from the outset.

design guide Other new developments recently launched by Yorkon include an expanded range of design options to give specifiers greater flexibility in aesthetics and building layout than ever before. These options include:

faceted modules for curved façades, shaped atria and feature entrances
the facility to build from one to six storeys high with an open plan system
clear unrestricted internal spans of up to 12m for complete flexibility in space planning
a wider range of façade treatments and claddings to add interest to the building envelope, from terracotta tiles and cedar boarding to full height curtain walling and brise soleil sunshading
standard flat, barrel vaulted or pitched roofs, and floor to soffit heights of 2.6m, 2.8m or 3.25m.

For a copy of the new design pack, architects and specifiers can call 0845 2000 123 or email contact@yorkon.co.uk.

Editor's Notes

1. The Yorkon approach to off-site construction offers a number of clear advantages over site-based building methods:

enhanced thermal efficiency and greater sustainability
significantly reduced waste
programme times reduced by up to 50 per cent
greater cost control
less disruption
safety improved by up to 46 per cent
earlier occupation
guaranteed quality
greater design flexibility
less risk for the client - more than 96 per cent of Yorkon projects have been completed on time and 94 per cent on budget over the past five years - well exceeding construction industry averages

2. Off-site construction involves the manufacture of steel-framed modules in a controlled factory environment, using production line technology, whilst the foundation works are completed on site. The modules are delivered to site by road where they are craned into position in just a few days ready for fitting out.