Portakabin working with University of Bristol on additional teaching space

Market-leading modular construction company, Portakabin has installed new teaching spaces on the challenging University of Bristol site with just a 40cm clearance during delivery.

After temporary loss of teaching space in early 2018, the University of Bristol appointed Portakabin to provide an additional teaching facility in time for the new academic year in September.

Despite the limited space for construction works on the University site, Portakabin created more than 700m2 of teaching space on the campus by using modular construction methods.

The two-storey teaching facility can accommodate up to 300 students in two lecture rooms. Student welfare facilities are provided on both floors and the building is fully DDA compliant throughout.

Toby Sidebotham, Hire and Service Manager at Portakabin said, “The University of Bristol site was a challenge, but thanks to our modular delivery and installation methods, we were able to provide the University with a large building by installing 22 modules over five days.

“Access to the site was particularly challenging, as each module has a height of 3.5m and the access point was a maximum of 3.9m. Our expert team worked within this 40cm clearance by using a forklift truck to manoeuver the modules through the tight access point and into the open space where a crane lifted the modules into place. It was amazing to watch the team get each module through the gap and into place so smoothly.”

University of Bristol Project Officer Chris Haire said, “Portakabin accepted the challenge of delivering these teaching spaces by September 2018, and committed to this date from day one. The Portakabin pre-contract team worked closely with the University and design team to ensure the building would meet the teaching needs of our students and staff. Once on site the works have gone well, with a road closure required for delivery of the modules being opened a week early. Most importantly the works have been well managed in a safe environment”.

posted by Portakabin