Eco-Friendly Modular Buildings

Introduction

Affresol Modular Buildings will provide you with an environmentally friendly building solution that is affordable and set in a considered biodiversity environment. Our modular buildings can be installed very quickly. They can subsequently be modified, and relocated, providing you with flexible space that is consistent with the current and changing needs of your organisation.

When you need a fit for purpose and sustainable modular building for your organisation, then a bespoke end to end solution from Affresol Modular Buildings is the only real choice.

Modular Building Technical Specification

Each Affresol Modular Building is constructed around a steel frame under strict quality controlled factory conditions. Each module conforms to accepted structural design principles and fully complies with the latest building regulations. Each building is supplied with an appropriate Buildings Control Certificate, a structural certificate and an Energy Performance Certificate.

Each module arrives on site complete with internal and external decoration, floor covering, lighting, and heating installed, plus other optional facilities (e.g. internal plumbing, kitchen, etc).

Frame

The structural frames of all Affresol Modular buildings are made from steel. The frame structure has been designed by independent structural engineers to cope with stresses far in excess of that required of a standard modular building.

External Walls

External walls are of durable sections made from Thermo Polymerized Rock (TPR™). The TPR™ sections are sealed and bolted together. The sections are also bolted to the steel frame thus ensuring the integrity of the whole structure. When the TPR™ panels are in place a complimentary cladding material is adhered to the external walling. This cladding can be Brick effect finish, Stone effect finish, or plain Render finish. This walling system offers protection against fire, extreme weather and accidental damage. The TPR™ panels are 100% recyclable at end of life.

Wall Insulation

The insulation that sits between the external wall and the internal wall is Tiger Foam.

Internal Walls

Our modular building internal wall linings are pre-finished vinyl faced plasterboard with cover strips at each joint in a wide variety of colours. Portable modular buildings can be linked to form larger complexes or stacked to form two-storey buildings. This flexibility can produce an open plan space or individual offices through the use of partition walls, vision panels and doors.

Floor

The floor is constructed on a rigid steel frame with 150mm of under floor thermal insulation. Above the insulation is a ply floor covering which offers a sturdy and robust feel. The floor is integrated into the structure of the building. A range of floor coverings are available, depending on the purpose of the building.

Roof

The roof construction uses timber from certified sources.

The roof joists (125 x 38 at 400mm centre's) span between 2 purpose designed steel support beams. The roof covering is an innovative long life roof tile that is manufactured from “recycled materials”. These roof tiles are attached to a 9.5mm WBP exterior grade plywood deck which is securely fixed to the roof joists. Glass fibre insulation mat laid between the joists provides the required insulation and a ceiling of 12mm plasterboard completes the structure. The roof construction attains an ext FAA fire rating to BS476 part 3 1975 and the ceiling has a class O classification to the building regulations part B appendix A. The roof pitch is set at 22°.

Rainwater runs directly into full length UPVC gutters along each side of the modular building. The gutter discharges via UPVC fall pipes into water butts or rainwater harvesting system (where appropriate).

Variations in fascia and soffit detail can be incorporated into the modular building design and manufacture.

The UPVC gutters and downpipes will be fixed after the modules have been installed. High levels of insulation are provided as an integral part of the roof construction.

External Doors

External door systems for all our modular buildings are available in all sizes and styles to meet your requirements.

Available in self coloured uPVC, natural timber and powder coated aluminum. External security facilities for doors can be provided to meet your specifications and requirements.

• uPVC double glazed.
• Aluminium powder coated double glazed.
• Soft/hardwood.
• Fire rated units.
• Steel/aluminium faced units Roller shutters for external or internal security to both doors and windows

Internal Doors

The doors can be half glazed or with vision panels in either single, double or one and half leaf size are hung on steel butt hinges fitted with SAA lever handles and latches with the frame finished with a primer and 2 coats of eggshell plaint.

Windows

In the interests of sustainability Affresol would recommend the use of windows that are argon gas filled. However, virtually any type of glazing can be included as part of our design service.

• uPVC double glazed.
• Aluminium powder coated, double glazed.
• Soft/hardwood Fire rated units.

Our buildings will accommodate windows of any size, (and we can include vent options but we recommend an automated heat exchange venting system).

The type of glazing depends on the usage and specification:

• Standard window glass.
• Toughened or laminated glass.
• Georgian wired polished plate.

Other options:

• Tinted glazing.
• Window blinds.

The Modular Building Solution

Each Affresol unit is designed using “PassivHaus” principles around a steel frame, and clad with TPR™ (Thermo Polymerized Rock). The term 'PassivHaus' refers to a specific construction standard for buildings which have excellent comfort conditions in both winter and summer.  These principles are being applied to the residential sector and to commercial, industrial and public buildings.

Affresol use these same “PassivHaus” guidelines in the following ways:

• Each building is designed and built using a step-by-step approach.
• Each building uses efficient components and a whole building ventilation system to achieve exceptionally low running costs.
• Each building is comfortable, healthy and sustainable.

Project Management / Groundwork’s / Biodiversity

Bespoke site investigations will be commissioned upon which complete structural scheme surveys will be produced, specific to the requirements of individual sites.

Affresol will only work with groundworks contractors who have a proven track record in delivering solutions that embrace all local biodiversity issues. Our Groundworks subcontractors are also able to provide a value engineered solution, with a preference to accept the design responsibility from an early stage. Our groundworks teams all have the experience and knowledge that has proven critical to meeting the client's requirements, which includes meticulous site management and supervision.

An integral part of the Affresol "early stage review" is to survey the site, part of which is to take account of the local bio diversity issues. This will include issues like protection of trees from accidental damage, ensuring any local wildlife habitat is preserved, and where possible the addition to the environment of bat boxes, bird boxes, dark foraging corridors etc.

When there is a requirement for landscaping design we try to model our solution on the, “low maintenance” no-dig – based on a natural ecosystem. We use a combination of perennial plants, shrubs, trees and climbers to create a multi-layered landscape environment to attract natural predators and pollinating insects.

Structural integrity

Peace of mind is guaranteed by the high levels of all-round performance achieved by the Affresol Modular buildings. Each building has been independently assessed so as to confirm that it meets the requirements of The Building Regulations (England and Wales), The Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations and other permanent building standards and codes of practice. Our Portable buildings have been designed and manufactured in the UK under a Quality Management System meeting the requirements of ISO 9001.

In addition, Affresol Modular Buildings offers a 15-year product and a 20-year structural warranty on all new Modular buildings.

Design Loads

Floor 3.00 k/Nm2 Roof 0.75k/Nm2 Basic wind speed (To meet requirements of BS 6399: Part 2)

Thermal Insulation

Walls, floor and roof are insulated with environmentally friendly CFC-free insulation so as to ensure an energy-efficient building.

Insulation Values

Buildings comply with The Building Regulations (England and Wales) and The Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations by the carbon emissions calculation method.

Elemental U-values (W/m2K)

• Floor 0.25
• Walls 0.20
• Roof 0.16

Fire Performance

Fire-engineered construction ensures safe fire performance. Non-combustible/fire retardant materials are used for all external cladding and internal lining of walls and ceilings, minimising the potential fire load. Walls and ceilings have Class O surfaces; roof decks have an FAA rating. The walls (from inside) and the combined roof and floor assembly (from underside, two-story buildings) have a 60 minute fire resistance and the under floor insulation slabs have a Class 1 surface spread of flame rating.

Heating

Affresol Modular buildings are insulated to a very high standard and all windows and external doors are equally well insulated.

As a result of the in situ insulation and thermal characteristics of the TPR™ (Thermo Polymerized Rock) superstructure there is not a huge requirement for heating in an Affresol Modular building. However, the building will require some heating. Affresol would recommend a heating system that will operate in two modes... “Summer” and “Winter” modes. Affresol Modular buildings can be fitted with a heat exchange ventilation system that extracts warm wet air to be replaced by fresh air.

The heating system is based around “Heat Pump” renewable technology. The Heat Pump itself can be powered by the electricity generated from a Solar Panel system. As a result each Affresol Modular building will have a near zero Carbon Footprint.

Dependent upon the use of the Modular building, Affresol, would normally expect the water heating to be taken care of by solar panels. If there is a situation where there is not enough hot water from the thermal store then the Heat Pump will come on line to provide reliable renewable heat energy for the additional hot water needs.

Affresol can install heating systems that are either cool/heat climate controlled air conditioning, or by a gas powered wet system with radiators. Wall mounted convector heaters with thermostat control and timers.

Every Affresol Modular building is supplied with an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)

Cool/Heat Climate Control Air Conditioning Units

Most conventional climate conditioning systems can be installed in our modular buildings, either ceiling mounted within a suspended ceiling, wall-mounted at high level or floor standing units. All systems have external condenser units as part of their operation.

Wet Heating Systems

We can supply and fit a full temperature controlled and timed heating system, usually gas powered but alternative supplies, such as oil, are an option.

Lighting

Any type of lighting arrangement can be installed within your modular building to meet your specifications. Where regulations require we also include emergency lighting in all of our buildings. Lighting can either be fitted surface mounted or recessed within a suspended ceiling. Affresol would recommend that energy saving fittings are installed.

Energy saving PIR on/off switching can also be fitted to help save costs and reduce energy consumption.

• Surface mounted fluorescent's with diffusers.
• Surface mounted CATT 2.
• Recessed lighting within a suspended ceiling.
• Spotlights Pendant fittings.
• Down lighters/Up lighters PIR option.

Water

Affresol anticipate that when there is a requirement for “wet” facilities in a modular building they will be fitted with a smart water meter linked to the local Water Utility Company via the internet.

It is important in any low energy Modular building that mains water is maintained at a sustainable level. In order to achieve this level, the sanitary ware in each Modular building will be selected to ensure the rate of water flow that is ample for the occupier’s requirements yet minimises waste.

Electrical

The home smart meter can also be linked to your chosen electricity supplier and it will monitor both the energy that is generated and sold with the photovoltaic panels and the energy that is bought in from your electricity supplier. The smart meters are linked to your energy display unit that will also provide the occupier with an instant summary the current energy used plus historical usage. All our modular buildings are pre-wired and delivered with all electrical connections and power sockets installed.

Three compartment trunking for computer systems, either at skirting level or dado height, can be fitted to meet your installation requirements. Floor boxes can also be included during the manufacture of your building along with BT /data points ready for cabling installation.

Certification: All modules are pre-tested to comply with current regulations, and are fully certified accordingly.

Alarm Systems

We can install fire and intruder alarm systems, either stand alone or to integrate with your existing system if required.

Fire Alarm

A fire alarm system is normally a requirement for all new buildings and we can include this as part of our service offering to you. Our quotation will include for all smoke and heat detectors, break glass points, sounders and control panel, all fully compliant to current regulations.

Intruder Alarm

We can include for a fully operational intruder alarm as part of the electrical installation of the building. Our quotation will include for your own particular requirements.

Transport and Handling

Our modular buildings are transported by lorry. Crane handling is facilitated by integral lifting points and the telescopic leg system enables single storey buildings to be positioned using the optional jack.

Affresol and the relevant subcontractors staff will provide full advice on the delivery and install procedure.