CAMEO CASE STUDY
174
Wolverhampton University student accommodation –
world’s tallest modular building takes shape
Main drivers/constraints
Important new urban residential project, which emphasises the
benefits of offsite manufacture
At up to 25 storeys, the buildings are the tallest modular constructions
in the world and represent a massive step forward in this technology
A study was made by SCI of the sustainability benefits of the new form
of construction
The whole construction period was an ambitious 15 months starting in
July 2008 to meet the start of the academic year in 2009.
Project information
The Vision Modular structures building systems is extended up to 25 storeys. The urban residential project
emphasises the benefits of offsite manufacture. The client, on behalf of Wolverhampton University,
commissioned three multi-storey student residences, which are purpose designed and built in modular
construction.
The project is located next to the main railway line north of the centre of Wolverhampton and the buildings
will significantly enhance the local environment and become an important focal point. All three blocks are
constructed either on a concrete ground slab or first floor podium. A novel feature of the construction is the
use of integral corridors manufactured within the modules, which has the advantage of reducing the number
of separate components, creates a weather tight envelope and eliminates damage to finished modules.
There are three separate blocks in the first phase of this project and a further block planned. Cladding is in the
form of ground supported brickwork at the lower levels and a mixture of insulated render, composite panels and
rain-screen metallic panels at the upper levels. The lightweight cladding was installed without scaffolding using
hoist towers. The project was monitored by regular site visits to ascertain the rate of installation of the modules,
site productivity, number of major deliveries of components and materials and waste created.
Benefits achieved
World’s tallest modular building at 25 storeys high
Speed of construction increased by 40 per cent
Fully modular construction sits on podium level
Fire resistance of 120 minutes
Modules include an integral corridor
Wind loads are transferred by diaphragm
action to concrete core
Rapid construction programme – modules
installed at an average rate of 7.5 per day.
Project team
Client: Victoria Hall Ltd
Architects: O’Connell East Architects
Consulting Engineers: Bailey Johnson
Hayes and Barrett Mahoney Consulting
Contractor: Fleming Construction
Modules: Vision Modular Systems
Contact information
Vision Modular Systems UK
Southampton international Business
Park, George Curl Way, Southampton
Hampshire, S018 2RZ
Tel: 02380 30236 Fax:02380 302001
Email: info@visionmodular.co.uk
Discovering
www.buildoffsite.com
Acknowledgements
The Steel Construction Institute
BCS582/Case studies residential
174