The West Wing, Cardiff

Project:                      West Wing, Cardiff   
Sector:                       Student accommodation
Client:                        Mace
Main Contractor:      Galliford Try      
Pod Type:                  GRP composite ensuite shower pods    
Number of pods:      609   

The Project

Built by Galliford Try, the West Wing in Cardiff is a 10-storey building, which provides a range of high specification student accommodation as ensuite bedrooms, studios with kitchenettes and penthouse apartments. There will be an on-site media room, gym and yoga studio, private dining and study areas.

This scheme, and a second Mace development in Exeter, is due to be completed in time for the start of the new academic year.

The Bathroom Pod Solution

Offsite Solutions supplied 609 ensuite shower pods for the West Wing in a £1.35m contract.

The Offsite Solutions design team worked closely with Mace to develop a standardised ensuite pod solution which can be used on multiple student schemes. This GRP composite pod which is fully fitted out in the factory, has only left and right-hand variations for maximum efficiency in manufacturing.

The shower pod developed with Mace features:

• An attractive, low maintenance tile-effect finish
• Sliding polished aluminium and glass shower screen
• Wall-mounted dual flush toilet
• Ecotherm thermostatic shower
• Glass shelf to the wash basin and a black opal-effect vanity shelf
• Amtico flooring
• Towel rail, contemporary mixer tap, soap dish and shaver socket.

The Customer Perspective

Oliver Gardiner, Development Director, Mace:

“Pods are a brilliant solution for our student projects. As a business we are committed to modern methods of construction, which includes pod technology. Pods give us the benefit of fast and efficient bathroom installation combined with fantastic quality ensuites for an outstanding student living experience.”

GRP Composite Bathroom Pods

GRP composite bathroom pods are specified for projects where robustness, longevity and ease of maintenance are primary considerations. These pods are widely used in the student accommodation, affordable housing, military, healthcare and hotel sectors.

Offsite Solutions uses a panelised construction for its GRP bathroom pods, which is unique in the UK. This creates vertical walls and 90° corners for easier integration and the use of standard door sets which removes the need for further work on site. This design also improves aesthetics by avoiding tapered walls which you have with pods created from single GRP moulds. A realistic tile-effect finish and recesses can be incorporated into the design of these bathroom pods for further visual appeal.

Images courtsey of Mace.