WESTON GROUP HAS TAKEN A REVOLUTIONARY APPROACH TO CONSTRUCTION BY SETTING UP AN ADVANCED OFFSITE MANUFACTURING FACILITY OPERATING UNDER THE BANNER OF BRITISH OFFSITE. INITIALLY CREATED TO FULFIL THEIR OWN REQUIREMENTS FOR MORE INTEGRATED OFFSITE TECHNOLOGIES FOR THEIR PROPERTY DIVISION WESTON HOMES – BRITISH OFFSITE NOW OPERATE AS AN INDEPENDENT COMPANY OFFERING ADVANCED FACTORY MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS TO DEVELOPERS ACROSS THE UK.
From a purpose built 75,000sq.ft state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, British Offsite specialise in the design and production of superstructures as well as the interior fit out solutions. This offers total synergy across the supply chain making their construction systems some of the most competitive in the market.
Developed to Address a Significant Need UNI Panel has been conceived to address a significant need to enable developers to progress reinforced concrete (RC) frame builds at a much faster pace to rapidly achieve a watertight envelope much earlier in the construction schedule.
The complete infill walling system is constructed from light steel frame, insulated and protected with weather performance sheathing boards, with factory fitted windows, sealed within the panels. UNI Panel is then insulated externally and fitted with either brick tie channels or helping hand brackets depending on the facade details.
Supporting a faster process for building RC frames, the panels also incorporate a head shutter which creates a perimeter for pouring the concrete floor above.
Vastly improving productivity by removing the external wall from the onsite environment into a qualitycontrolled manufacturing facility - the ground-breaking UNI Panel systems can help deliver projects faster, more economically and with levels of quality unequalled by traditional construction methods.
Research and Development
UNI Panel can be supplied in configurations to meet 60 minutes and 120 minutes fire testing certification. Fire resistance testing has been carried out by BRE Global in accordance with EN 1364-1:2015.
The research and development for the UNI Panel systems was undertaken with Weston Homes Technical, British Offsite Technical and Globe Tooling, supported by a number of material suppliers. British Offsite has also worked with Randek AB to design a purpose-built assembly line which will be the first of its kind to increase daily output by 600%. This line is due to be in operation in 2022.
Champions of Precision Being part of a developer led group, British Offsite has an in-depth understanding and unique insight into the challenges and exacting requirements of the construction sector.
Designing their own proof of concept manufacturing line, incorporating framing tables, automated screw bridges and three cranes – British Offsite can not only transfer products between the stations but also move the panels from horizontal to vertical as they transition through the line to aid the assembly. By assembling the frames horizontally in the factory on the framing tables, panels can be much larger than many other producers and so far, British Offsite has produced panels up to 3.4 m high and 9m long.
The UNI Panel product also high levels of precision and offsite added value due to the range of processes carried out on the line. Panelised systems are available from other producers, but few add the windows offsite and even fewer also add the insulation and facade support systems in the factory.
Operational Improvements
UNI Panel brings operational improvements and enhances productivity. By removing the construction of the external wall from the onsite environment into a controlled manufacturing facility, levels of quality are attained that are unrivalled by traditional construction methods. Delivered as a complete assembled unitised system, provides economies of scale, predictability of costs and building programme, as there are no delays from extreme weather conditions.
Using Design for Assembly and Manufacture (DfMA) protocols increases sustainability, as this approach value engineers the entire system ensuring the efficient use of materials and minimising waste.
All factory offcuts are recycled or reused and specification of the UNI Panel system, eliminates onsite waste. The factory fitting of all components achieves a highly airtight external walling system, enhancing energy efficiency, cutting heating requirements and reducing in-use carbon emissions for the lifetime of the building.
Born to Build - Proudly British
Part of the new high-tech manufacturing sector in the UK with a world class team, British Offsite are bringing the best of automotive manufacturing and the logistics industry to homebuilding.
For more information visit: www.britishoffsite.com
