Single Living Accommodation Modernisation

Modular buildings can provide prime solution for SLAM

When complete, the Defence Estates £1bn SLAM (Single living Accommodation modernisation) project will mark the end of barrack accommodation, as we know it. SLAM will see the creation of 45,000 bed spaces over the next decade. The question is how?

The emergence of Prime Contracting has set the challenge for all to deliver better value in the building solutions produced. Higher quality, reduced build times, innovation and better whole life costs, delivered through collaborative working practices are pre-requisite to the Prime Contracting ethic.

Rollalong has continued to reinforce its position as an established supplier to the MOD of highly effective, modular building solutions with projects such as the recent provision of new offices for the Defence Estates' South East Prime Contracting team at Aldershot and a purpose designed test pilot training facility at Boscombe Down, providing excellent examples. But it is in the field of providing single living accommodation that Rollalong has developed proven expertise.

In recent months Rollalong has invested heavily in the development of the Module-8 Frame structure, an engineered modular structure fabricated from a heavy gauge hot rolled steel, with a structural robustness designed to comply with counter terrorist measures.

This modular structure can be designed to provide a 'cellular' or a sectional modular solution, however, single living accommodation building designs are typically based upon a highly repetitious room plan, which naturally lends itself to a cellular solution

Typical room designs encompass a single bed, fitted wardrobes, cupboard, desk-space and en-suite bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. All services are fitted in the controlled factory environment including, mechanical, electrical, telephone and television aerial installations. Once complete the unit is transported to site and installed as a 'turnkey' accommodation solution.

For example;

Faced with the problem of old and poorly maintained living quarters and the need to accommodate around 250 Senior Ranks and Officers at its Joint Services Unit at Northwood, the MOD operating through WS Atkins Defence Estates, chose Rollalong to supply a modular building solution for this first phase of providing better living standards.

The accommodation consists of highly specified single fully fitted en-suite rooms housed in two, double storey buildings which had to be installed in a confined terraced site. They also incorporate communal domestic facilities such as drying rooms, bathrooms, washing machines, kitchenettes and store-rooms. Central heating and hot water is provided by a gas fired boiler in each building, and individual thermostatically controlled radiators in each room contribute to energy savings.

Rollalong was also successful in securing the second phase of the contract which covered the supply and installation of a three-storey 5,700 square metre modular building, embracing junior ranks accommodation, including 256 bedrooms and municipal areas. This building replaced living quarters built post second world war and in need of upgrading.

Rollalong provided a turnkey solution including building services, linked to an existing central BMS system, mechanical and electrical installations, external ground works, landscaping and path lighting. On-going maintenance is also provided.

At BDV Ludgershall, Rollalong secured a £3.2 million order to provide living accommodation, mess and recreation facilities for the MOD. The order was secured through the Symonds Group Limited, and encompassed the manufacture and installation of six modular buildings with surrounding ground works and enabling works.