Key milestone reached as first modules are delivered for installation at student accommodation in Coventry

Sherbourne House student accommodation development in Coventry, reached a key milestone this week, with the arrival on site of the first modular units being used in the scheme. The modules have been constructed off site and are delivered and installed as complete units including all finishes, fittings and furniture.

This modular five storey student building is an extension of the current student accommodation.  A total of 145 modules, some of which feature oriel windows, are being delivered and installed.  These include studio bedrooms, accessible studio bedrooms, stair cores, lobby, reception areas, a common room, plant room and laundry room.

K2 Consultancy and K2 Rider Hunt are providing project management and cost consultancy services respectively, working with our client from initial concept design through to completion. This has included to date overseeing design development, planning permission award and procurement of the construction works to the current construction phase. The works are progressing under the JCT Design and Build form of contract.

 Richard Mould, Associate at K2 Rider Hunt commented: 

"We chose this method as our client had a very tight programme to achieve the desired completion date in time for the student intake in September 2016.  Modular construction is typically a quicker method compared to a traditional method of construction on site and, therefore, it was considered that modular construction offered the best opportunity to achieve the preferred completion date. In addition, the design of the scheme lent itself to a modular construction."

We asked Richard a few more questions about the modular schemes for Student Accommodation:

Do you think this is the way forward for future student accommodation schemes in terms of cost efficiency and timing?  

"Modular construction is a more expensive method of construction. However, in the current market, the cost differential between modular and traditional construction has reduced and therefore currently modular construction may offer a viable alternative for client’s looking to achieve programme savings. However, there are other factors, for example, design limitations, that need to be considered when advising on the proposed method of construction."

Would we recommend this to other clients and other schemes? 

"In the right circumstances modular construction can provide programme benefits to a client, however, this needs to be considered alongside the project design and target costs. In the current market conditions, it is a method of construction that is worth considering." 

Sherbourne House is conveniently located for students at Coventry University with the campus only a 15-minute walk away. Completion of the extension is due by September 2016.

Each room module has been carefully designed by Fraser Brown MacKenna Architects and Elements Europe under the Main Contractor, J R Pickstock, ensuring that the design is aesthetically pleasing yet affordable.