Off-site Construction – The future of Cleanrooms

The introduction of off-site cleanroom construction is just one of the latest innovations to be introduced to the cleanroom industry by leading cleanroom manufacturer, Connect 2 Cleanrooms in-line with other industries / sectors, who are adopting this modern method of construction, seen by key players and the government as crucial to improving efficiency, cost, quality and sustainability.

The Growth of Off-site Construction

The use of off-site construction methods is growing internationally due to improved customer perceptions and its value in the UK is £1.5bn, which is projected to grow to £6bn (UKCES, 2013). This equates to 7% share of the construction industries £90bn annual contribution to the UK economy (HM Government 2013).

Internationally there is momentum to build more off-site and it has been identified by the UK government as a vehicle for the delivery of a more sustainable built environment.  Building offsite is a change in construction culture towards a process of continuous improvement with enhanced productivity and as a result it requires being underpinned with research, innovation and training.

Also known as off-site prefabrication (OSP), off-site manufacture (OSM) and as a modern method of construction (MMC), off-site construction has been used in mass production of housing since the early twentieth century.

Pioneering off-site construction methods in the Cleanroom Industry

As the leading manufacturer in modular cleanrooms, Connect 2 Cleanrooms remain forward thinking, focussing on new solutions to ensure product quality and customer choice.  With over 15 years’ experience they are pioneering new technologies in off-site construction, in-line with other industries.  A first in the modular cleanroom manufacturing sector!

- Improved safety
- Low cost
- Low risk
- Improved timescales

The off-site construction method can be used for a variety of cleanroom purposes including large open spaces with no internal supports.  Using pre-fabricated panels in preference to the frame system, the apertures and fixtures will be prepared off-site to minimise time, reduce safety risks and minimise the need for the specialist trades on site, e.g. electricians.

As a more cost effective solution for clients the off-site method allows you to stay within your allocated budget and control lead times, as decisions are made well before the installation date.  More time is allocated to the complex and critical design stage, which ensures accuracy and reduces the installation time on site, minimising business disruption, as well as offering a cleaner, safer and less congested site.

More suited to major construction where areas are clear of equipment, the off-site construction method can be offered where a strong preference to GMP sectors is required, as the structure allows for a fully flush finish. This is achieved due to there being no ledges, using floor to wall, wall to wall and ceiling to wall coving and a fully bonded floor.

Why choose off-site construction for your cleanroom?

The biggest advantage to off-site construction is thought to be the decreased construction time on site, together with increased quality, a more consistent product and reduced snagging and defects.  Combined, this construction method can offer you significant financial benefits through increased value, efficiency and sustainability.
The reduction in installation time means less business disruption reducing or eliminating business process downtime.  Along with increased quality, less snagging and defects, and reduced waste, this sustainable approach to offsite construction of cleanrooms is the future.  Offsite systems correspond to a reduction in waste of between 20% and 40% (WRAP, 2008)

- Simultaneous design engineering & off-site construction reduces timescales from 30%-50%
- Prevents project creep
- Protects your budget

Sources:

- Building Offsite.  An Introduction by Dr Robert Hairstans, Edinburgh Napier University
- Offsite Production in the UK Construction Industry – HSE
- Offsite is key to construction 2025 – Building4Change