The current pace of change in offsite technology and the emergence of new construction options is unprecedented. Creagh Concrete is in that mix, representing a combination of innovation with a solid track record in offsite manufacturing. Here they outline how they are pushing back the boundaries with offsite concrete systems.
“Investors not only benefit from revenue gained by the early occupation of units but, also, from the mobility of their capital resource. Quite simply, shorter build times mean developers can complete more projects with the same pot of finance. The market for custodial accommodation has also been open to offsite for some time now and we are engaging there too.” Rapidres is a good example of the application of structural cross wall design, which is ideally suited to multi-storey projects where the layout is replicated consistently across each floor. While most projects will have variation of layout in mixed use spaces on the ground floor, this is routinely dealt with by the use of a structural podium which forms the base for the offsite structure.
Several factors are driving interest in offsite, with contracts being signed at a rate not previously experienced by the industry. The acceleration in this market is partly explained by the well-reported pressures in housing, driving continued growth in the pool of investment available for apartment schemes in the private rental sector. Add to that the nationwide demand for newbuild student accommodation and you begin to understand why offsite construction in the multi-storey residential market has established such a solid base.
Creagh are championing the use of precast concrete through the application of their Rapidres fastrack build system, which is currently winning residential apartment projects of up to 22 storeys. According to Managing Director, Seamus McKeague, the funding arrangements for the private rental sector favour offsite for faster turnaround on projects. “We are seeing strong interest in our rapid build concrete systems because developers now understand the true value of slashing programme times,” says Seamus.
While precast structures have been around for a long time, it is the development of more choice in high quality exterior finishes which is contributing to their current popularity. The factory applied, exterior finishes of high performance, insulated concrete, sandwich wall panels can match that of virtually any other build type. These now include various brick finishes plus an array of smooth, etched, patterned and even printed concrete finishes with additional options for profiles and textures.
These choices unlock the market for systems like Rapidres because developers are now able to break free from the idea that offsite manufacture is a limiting factor in the design, an important fact as individuality is increasingly an important factor when creating desirable living spaces.
The panelised factory manufacture facilitates the rapid rate of assembly on site however the reduced programme times are also driven by additional features in this style of construction. As each floor is assembled, it creates a safe, contained workspace for follow-on trades which can commence work whilst the subsequent floors are still being installed. The envelope will also be weathertight early in the build, as doors and windows can be pre-fitted offsite.
Like many of the alternative offsite construction options, Rapidres also dramatically reduces the need for wet trades on site. The high quality finish on the interior walls are pre-painted with a mist coat while pre-fitted electrical conduits, back boxes and the use of bathroom pods reduce the workload for trades on site. Externally, the factory finish and pre-installed windows negate the need for scaffolding, further boosting efficiency and making an important contribution to enhanced health and safety on site.
The inherent structural characteristics of concrete enable Creagh to pre-fit items such as balcony supports. This facilitates the fast installation of balconies which can be pre-assembled on the ground prior to being craned into position and secured. The advantages of concrete precast offsite solutions, however, go far beyond just the speed of construction, creating differentiation from most other systems.
Precast concrete brings big acoustic benefits, as its characteristics provide excellent barriers to sound, providing acoustic separation between living spaces and from external noise. These inherent features can result in cost savings as they reduce the need for supplementary noise control measures. Similarly, concrete’s thermal mass can make a significant difference to how a building performs, particularly with regards to reducing the risk of overheating and the potential to reduce energy costs associated with heating and cooling.
Another area where concrete excels is in fire performance, as its non-combustible nature reduces potential spread of fire, providing an important safety benefit for residents and protection for the building itself. This risk reduction can be an attractive selling feature to both the developer and their clients.
Concrete is a tried and tested material with outstanding robustness and durability. The self-finished surfaces offer longevity of service advantages over other built-up systems and are more resilient against wear and tear or deliberate damage than the materials used in alternative lightweight offsite builds. Taken together, the combination of efficiency in the build phase with the whole of life benefits, makes Rapidres a highly attractive proposition for developers seeking offsite speed without compromise in finished build quality and performance.
