The Depot, Exeter

Project:                      The Depot, Exeter                
Sector:                       Student accommodation 
Client:                        Mace
Main Contractor:      Sir Robert McAlpine      
Pod Type:                  GRP composite ensuite shower pods    
Number of pods:      569   

The Project

The Depot in Exeter is a mixed-use eight-storey regeneration development set around a central landscaped courtyard and providing student rooms as a mixture of apartments, studio-style living and cluster accommodation. On-site amenities include study spaces, games room, lounge and 20,000 sqft of retail space for shops, restaurants and bars.

This is Offsite Solutions’ second pod project for Mace. It has manufactured a total of 1,178 bathroom pods for two new student housing schemes in contracts worth over £2.6 million.

The Bathroom Pod Solution

Working with main contractor Sir Robert McAlpine, Offsite Solutions manufactured 569 bathroom pods for this project, which were craned into position over a six-month period as the building was constructed.

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.

The pods are pre-fitted with a 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:

“The Offsite Solutions team were easy to work with and highly flexible at every stage. As part of the product development process, they manufactured a sample pod for us to experience at first hand which was very beneficial.”

“Pods give us the benefit of fast and efficient bathroom installation combined with fantastic quality ensuites for an outstanding student living experience.”

GRP Composite Ensuite Shower 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.