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What about delivery to such a remote site?
The major components were delivered and then craned
into place. We minimised the usual pre-fabrication build
to reduce bulk for transportation. Everything was
flat-packed, or panelised. We monitor construction
costs from the schematic design stage through design
development and documentation stage. We would
usually spend more time on-site, a little bit less time in
the factory. The panelised system of floor, walls and roof
produces a precise fit on-site.
Are there any other differences from your more typical
pre-fab and assembly?
Most of our designs are based on a grid largely because
most materials are available in certain widths and lengths.
We utilize those economies to the benefit of the project
but outside of that it’s a pretty open book. We’re not
too constrained by widths because we can join
volumes together.
Pre-fabrication or modular construction appears to be
gaining real momentum but isn’t there still a lingering
prejudice against it?
Hopefully these projects help address those perceptions.
Our materials are at the premium end and factory
assembled under tightly controlled conditions. Certainly
it’s of a higher standard than a typical builder could
manage on-site. We use engineered products wherever
possible. Because our assemblies undergo a certain
amount of stress during transportation and craning,
they are almost over engineered.
How does your ARKit system measure up in cost against
the standard build?
Our system compares pretty well. Our real advantage is
a superior quality build. There are tight tolerances in our
factory and time-savings that avoid the typical on-site
issues. Although this was a partially on-site and factory
build, the construction program for the whole project was
around five months – including difficult winter conditions.
Built conventionally, stick by stick and given the issues of
Wye River and site access, it would have taken around 10
to 12 months to construct. While the cost is comparable,
our build quality is definitely superior.
A long, slot window to the
north and steep incline of site
provides an appreciable ribbon
of daylight and view.