Retirement apartments, Sandhurst

Project:                 Fleur-de-Lys, Sandhurst              
Sector:                  Retirement apartments             
Client:                   Renaissance Retirement             
Main Contractor:  Hackwood           
Pod Type:             Steel-framed pods for ensuite shower rooms into timber frame           
Number of pods:  44          

The Project

This project for Renaissance Retirement at Sandhurst in Berkshire is one of three luxury retirement schemes for the developer that are using Offsite Solutions’ high specification, factory-built ensuite shower rooms. The development provides 42 spacious retirement apartments set in landscaped gardens.

We have also manufactured shower pods for two further Renaissance developments in Wimborne, Dorset and Crowthorne in Berkshire.

The Bathroom Pod Solution

Offsite Solutions has manufactured 44 steel-framed bathroom pods for the project - our first timber-framed residential development.

Each ensuite shower room is fully fitted out offsite for a consistently higher standard of finish and quality and features:

• Ceramic-tiled finishes
• Walk-in rain dance showers with digitally-controlled thermostats
• Premium sanitaryware and fittings
• A mirrored cabinet.

The timber-framed structure for each scheme has been engineered to create a recess in the cassette floor for the installation of the bathroom pods. This solution allows the application of factory-built bathrooms to work within a timber frame, whilst ensuring level access floors.

The Customer Perspective

Graham Snowley, Contracts Manager, Hackwood:

“This is the first time we have used factory-built bathrooms and we have found them to be a brilliant solution. The approach really takes the pain out of bathroom construction. It saves a huge amount of work on site and we have been able to dispense with several processes.”

“The quality of bathroom pods is superior and more consistent compared to site-based construction – the fitting of pans and basins, for example, is more accurate in a factory environment. The use of pods eliminates at least six different trades and reduces construction time for the bathrooms to just three hours for the service connections – a significant time saving.”

Nick Watkins, Development Director, Renaissance Retirement:

“The use of pods gives us certainty in both product quality and completion, and with no compromise on bathroom design and finish.”

“The labour market, particularly for finishing trades, is very challenging for developers and contractors, particularly in the South East. The impact of these market fluctuations is completely removed if bathroom construction is carried out offsite. Offsite Solutions’ factory set up is impressive and their products are manufactured to a high standard.”

Bathroom Pods for Residential Schemes

There is now unprecedented demand for bathroom pods in the residential sector – for high-end apartment schemes, mixed-use developments, social housing and build-to-rent. This shift towards offsite is driven by the shortage of skilled labour, particularly in the South East; issues with consistent quality, and the construction industry’s poor delivery record with budget overruns and project delays.

The use of an offsite solution for bathroom construction reduces the number of activities and trades on site. This achieves significant programme savings, quality improvements and reductions in waste of up to 50 per cent compared to site-based construction.

The production line environment of pod manufacture provides consistently higher quality standards and much greater certainty of delivery on time and on budget. Pre-delivery testing is rigorous and quality assurance procedures are stringent for ready-to-use installation.