With bills set to rise by 80% this autumn, improving the energy efficiency of UK buildings is the most effective way to respond to rising prices. After several years in the making, sustainability and energy efficiency are at the heart of the MODULHAUS™ innovation.
Right from the initial concept stages, the decision was reached to develop a modular interim housing solution that would exceed the Future Homes Standard to relieve the burden of ongoing expenses associated with traditional temporary accommodation and negate fuel poverty. Created to meet the need for rapid-build housing, VOLUMETRIC™ has designed and developed this award-winning energy-efficient and secure modular accommodation solution. These high-tech modular homes are now being used to great effect by local authorities and charities across the country for people who find themselves homeless and by NHS estates for onsite keyworker accommodation.
Energy-Efficient and Future-Proof Solution
Facilitating off-grid living, a revolutionary Energy Centre developed by VOLUMETRIC™, meets the energy requirements of up to six modules. This intelligent technology is digitally connected to each module – instantly responding to demands for hot water, heating, and energy requirements. Although modules have mains connection, the Energy Centre can meet demands at most times of the year as energy generated during the day is stored in battery cells until required. Surplus energy goes back into the grid, carbon offsetting and creating net zero living.
Modules achieve exceptional U-values (as low as 0.09W/m²K), in addition the airtightness achieved in using a volumetric modular approach enhances in-use energy efficiency and reduces carbon emissions for the lifetime of the building. Results of 3m³/hr/m² air loss at a 50 Pa are being routinely achieved during factory testing as part of QA procedures. With EPC rating A and B and emissions as low as 229.5KG CO2/year, modules are factory fitted with sustainable technologies, low energy lighting and white goods together with controlled flow shower mixers and dual flush cisterns to minimise energy and water consumption.
The embodied carbon assessment for MODULHAUS™ has been undertaken based on RICS and British Standard guidance. This includes information from relevant Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), publicly available carbon data. LABC Assured with a 60-year BOPAS Certified design-life, MODULHAUS™ homes are futureproofed for Building Regulation changes and achieve 17% lower whole-life carbon impact than equivalent timber frame dwellings of the same size.
Modules are designed with a Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) layout and allow for the highest levels of offsite added benefits, with a Pre- Manufacture Value (PMV) exceeding 90%, by adopting the maximum level of up-stream sub-assembly/pre-kitting and assuring consistent quality through robust manufacturing and assembly methods.
Volumetric modular technology can help deliver sustainability credentials in the entire construction value chain to improve resource and productivity efficiency. Designs are digitally constructed and virtually tested before moving onto the manufacturing phase. Any surplus materials are recycled or reused, virtually eliminating landfill waste. Materials are protected from moisture and extreme weather conditions, reducing the risk of disposal through water ingress and damage. Whilst widely recognised that volumetric modular technology has the potential to reduce overall construction programmes, it is not often acknowledged this approach can reduce up to 90% of site generated waste when compared with traditional construction methods.
Robust Processes and Quality Checks
All units undergo fully traceable factory inspections and test plans linked to unique serial numbers, with site installation inspection and test plans provided for maximum confidence. Optional extras and modifications are available to enhance the service with various purchase and lease arrangements to suit different sites and budgets. All options are available with a choice of fully integrated routine and reactive maintenance services. The development and installation process has been optimised, from factory environment assembly to ground works, to ensure quality checks at each step. All units undergo a fully traceable factory inspection and test plan linked to a unique serial number, and VOLUMETRIC™ provides site installation supervision to ensure end to end quality control.
Long-Term Adaptable Solution
With single, double, and family options available, VOLUMETRIC™ work with local authorities, councils, NHS estates, project managers, and charities to deliver homes offering outstanding energy-efficiency and award-winning functional performance. Modules are delivered in one load to site 100% complete, ready for simple commissioning and connecting.
Depending on site layouts and stacking requirements, modules can be installed in a matter of hours, enhancing operational improvements. Fully relocatable, MODULHAUS™ provides a long-term adaptable solution to meet many unique requirements. High energy prices pose a significant financial risk to local authorities, charities and NHS estates budgets, MODULHAUS™ homes offer an investment in interim housing that is cost-effective, future-proof, and sustainable with running costs of less than £10/week.
For more information visit: www.volumetric.co.uk
Read the full article, go to Offsite Magazine
