Offsite Solutions, the UK’s leading pod manufacturer, has launched a new range of bathroom pods specifically designed for the build-to-rent residential sector.
A UK industry first, the floorless GRP pods have been estimated to reduce operating costs by over 50 per cent compared to traditionally built bathrooms.
These enhanced GRP pods have two key features:
- A floorless option – This allows the pods to be installed directly onto the floor slab to achieve continuous level floors throughout. This solution minimises floor build-up for each storey and is ideal for schemes where there is no underfloor heating in the apartments.
- Strong aesthetic – An attractive porcelain tile-effect finish can be achieved which is integral to the pod carcase. This avoids the need for grout and tiles in the wet areas, significantly reducing ongoing maintenance. Other interior design options include recesses, panels inset with back-painted glass or coloured acrylic, porcelain-tiled feature walls, fitted cabinets and solid surface vanity shelves.
Over the life of the pods, the operating cost saving is estimated to be at least 50 per cent less compared to in-situ bathroom construction and the capital costs are around 15 to 20 per cent less than steel-framed pods – helping developers and operators to meet their budgetary aspirations and reduce future costs.
According to James Stephens, Managing Director of Offsite Solutions, “The new enhanced GRP pods have been developed to meet two principal specification requirements for build-to-rent homes – the option to supply the pods without floors to minimise floor build-up and a tile-effect finish to take the aesthetic appearance to a new level. We think this is a really exciting innovation. These elements, together with the reduced operating and capital costs, make this new type of pods a really compelling product offering.”
“We have manufactured GRP pods for many years and this proven offsite technology has been widely used in the student accommodation sector. GRP composite pods are specified by developers and contractors for projects where robustness, longevity, ease of maintenance and lower capital and operating costs are the primary considerations.”
“Life cycle costing is also very important for build-to-rent housing providers – as it is to developers and operators of hotels and student accommodation. Our GRP pods have a life of at least 50 years and are extremely robust, therefore offering significant life cycle cost benefits for private rental and other schemes. More research is needed but from feedback we have received from our customers, the cost benefits of GRP pods compared to in-situ constructed bathrooms are considerable.”
A bespoke GRP pod can be developed to meet the precise specification requirements of accommodation providers. This design can then be rolled out on multiple schemes to generate additional cost savings in tooling. As with all areas of offsite manufacture, standardisation is key to optimising production efficiency, so this type of pod is best suited to housing projects requiring fewer bathroom footprints.
Offsite Solutions’ GRP bathroom pods have a panelised construction which is unique in the UK. This creates vertical walls and 90° corners to allow easier integration and the use of standard door sets to avoid further work on site. This solution further improves aesthetics by avoiding tapered walls which you have with pods created from single GRP moulds.
The new enhanced GRP pods are delivered to site fully fitted with shower cubicle or bath with overhead shower, toilet, basin, cabinetry and fittings such as towel rail, lighting, mirror and vanity shelf.
Offsite Solutions offers the UK’s largest range of pods to suit many different building types and applications. Options include steel-framed bathroom pods with porcelain-tiled finishes for high-end apartments, PRS, student residences and hotels; robust and low maintenance GRP composite shower pods for student accommodation, build-to-rent, care homes, social housing and healthcare; hybrid pods for specialist projects, and award-winning demountable GRP pods for ease of installation in refurbishment schemes.
Offsite Solutions has also developed steel-framed utility pods for apartments or studios for build-to-rent or build-to-sell developments.
For further information, visit www.offsitesolutions.com/floorlessGRP, call 01278 780807 or email info(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)offsitesolutions.com.