Enhanced GRP pods

The 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.

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 pods incorporate proven offsite technology that has been widely used in the student accommodation sector for many years. 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.

Design Features

The 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.

Cost Benefits

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.

Life cycle costing is also very important for build-to-rent housing providers. Offsite Solutions’ GRP pods have a life of at least 50 years and are extremely robust for the rental market, therefore offering significant life cycle cost benefits to developers and operators of PRS schemes.

Applications

• Build-to-rent housing
• Apartments
• Offsite residential schemes using modular construction
• Affordable housing

Optimising Production Efficiency

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.

Pod Construction

These 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.