Category: Bathroom Improvement

Now more than ever, it’s important for manufacturers to support the building industry’s collective goal of using resources more efficiently and reducing material waste. While SurePods is known for its four S’s of prefab – simplicity, safety, speed and superior quality – one equally important benefit is our “silent S,” sustainability. SurePods bathroom pods help save approximately three cubic yards of waste on projects and can result in approximately $500 a month in electricity savings.

But that’s just the start. In honor of Earth Day, we’re highlighting three ways SurePods modular prefab bathroom pods can help reduce a project’s carbon footprint:

Building with recycled materials and reducing material waste: Modular bathroom pod components are largely comprised of steel and wall board – two building materials that can be produced using recycled content. SurePods relies on 100% recycled steel and 97% recycled wall board to manufacture custom bathroom pods. Thanks to precision manufacturing afforded by a factory-controlled setting, correct amounts of material are ordered and unnecessary material waste is largely eliminated. In the instance a project does yield excess material scraps, SurePods is able to repurpose it in other in-house projects.

Using durable, high-quality materials to conserve resources over the long term: In addition to reducing material waste during initial construction, high-quality prefabricated modular bathrooms help building owners conserve resources over the long-term; especially when it comes time to renovate and refresh high-use facilities. SurePods manufactures its bathroom pods using durable materials like a fully waterproof and crack-proof ceiling and USG Fiberock Aqua-Tough interior panels. Such materials provide a solid foundation for future bathroom upgrades and eliminate the need for drywall replacement. Consider the number of bathrooms in multifamily apartments, hospitals and hotel rooms, and how often they are used. By eliminating the need for unnecessary renovations in the short and long term, building materials and resources can be easily conserved.

Leaning on precision manufacturing to improve air quality and energy efficiency: One surprising green building benefit of modular prefabricated bathrooms is its role in improving air quality by reducing the potential for harmful molds. Factory-controlled environments allow for more accurate construction techniques. The Modular Building Institute explains that modular construction can improve indoor air quality because, “the modular structure is substantially completed in a factory-controlled setting using dry materials, [so] the potential for high levels of moisture being trapped in the new construction is eliminated.”

Electrical, plumbing, finishes and everything in between is constructed to exact project specifications offsite. This means that modular bathroom pods built in a factory can have tighter joints and air filtration, which, in application, allows for better wall insulation and optimized energy efficiency. Pods are also purposefully designed with energy-savings in mind. Energy efficient LEDs, low-energy consumption occupancy sensors and water-conserving fixtures, such as low-flow plumbing fixtures, are just a few examples of design features that help conserve resources and energy.

If you think your project could benefit from the green building benefits SurePods offers, let’s talk. To get started, contact us at [email protected].

In a recently published article chronicling “How L.A. built homeless housing in just 4 weeks,” Fast Company gives credit where credit is due – noting that “modular construction is becoming a popular way to quickly build affordable and supportive housing.”

Despite the challenges of building new construction in a dense urban environment like Los Angeles, the article notes that “the process of constructing the housing units was fast, with the steel modules craned into place in just four weeks.”

Further supporting the case for adoption of modular building methods in California, an opinion column published by The Orange County Register, “Modular housing could be an answer to the housing crisis,” echoes a similar sentiment. The author explains how “modular construction offers a potential solution to one of the most vexing aspects of California’s housing crisis — the extremely high costs of building apartments meant to house low- and moderate-income families.”

Interestingly, despite public statements in support of modular, Bisnow notes that “modular construction is used in only about 5% of commercial and residential development projects in the United States,” in a feature titled, “Developers Still Reluctant To Go Whole-Hog With Modular Construction.”

While areas like the West Coast are benefitting from modular building techniques, what’s holding developers back as a whole? According to The Dodge Data & Analytics Prefabrication and Modular Construction 2020 report, “the top obstacle in the U.S. for the adoption of modular construction is that company owners aren’t interested in the technique — possibly the old stigma rearing its head.”

“There’s still somewhat of a stigma to it. People hear modular or off-site construction and they instantly think ‘mobile home,’ which is kind of funny, considering that we use modular construction to build very high-end luxury townhomes,” Resolute Capital Partners Managing Director Candace Powell said.

While modular and prefab building methods continue to gain momentum as an efficient, practical and cost-effective solution to challenges associated with affordable housing on the West Coast, the benefits of the building technique span much further. SurePods has been operating in the high-end and luxury development space for over a decade, with several completed hospitality, healthcare and residential projects across North America.

Check out our portfolio of stunning multifamily residential and hospitality projects and get in touch if you think modular bathroom pods sound like a match for your next project. We have a checklist of technical issues we review with the project team based on our extensive experience to make projects seamless. Contact us at [email protected].

After a year spent at home, many are eager to get out and safely enjoy a long-awaited vacation. According to the latest research by Cars.com, 57% of Americans plan to take a trip this spring (up 32% from 2020) and 70% are opting to drive to their destinations. The data is unsurprising – in Oct. 2020, a survey conducted by Hilton revealed that 94% of Americans plan to travel once restrictions are lifted.

As one of the earliest adopters of modular prefab building solutions, the hospitality industry has played an important role in SurePods’ success. In fact, the first project to include SurePods’ modular bathroom pods is a hotel that opened 15 years ago.

We’re eager to support the brands and partners that have helped us become the company we are today. With that in mind, we’re taking a look back at some of the recent hospitality projects that feature SurePods bathroom pods. From the Pacific Northwest and sunny Southern California to the Bluegrass State of Kentucky, below are three stunning hotels with SurePods modular bathroom pods:

Los Angeles, California: Opened February 2017, the Wilshire Grand Intercontinental Hotel engaged SurePods to prefabricate 698-bathroom pods for the 73-story upscale hotel, which is recognized as the tallest building east of the Mississippi River.

Seattle, Washington: The Emerald City’s construction and real estate market has been hot for quite some time, as evidenced by dozens of cranes throughout downtown and impressive growth of tech companies headquartered on the West Coast. Seattle-based American Life, the developer of the 23-story Embassy Suites by Hilton Seattle Downtown Pioneer Square, enlisted SurePods to prefabricate 282 bathroom units to shorten its construction schedule amid a tight local skilled labor market.

Louisville, Kentucky: Designed by renowned architecture firm HKS, the Omni Louisville Hotel is situated in the heart of downtown and soars 30-stories tall. Opened May 2018, SurePods prefabricated 575 bathrooms for the vibrant downtown destination, which is considered the tallest hotel in Louisville.

If you’re a developer or hotelier looking to make up for lost time in 2020, let’s talk. Contact us at [email protected].

What do apartments, university dormitories and assisted living facilities have in common? In most instances, a high volume of repeatable units.

In a recent feature on the rise of modular construction, Building Design + Construction (BD+C) acknowledges that “for developers, the rising cost of traditional construction is intersecting with the shrinking cost of modular, making the latter more appealing than ever.”

This is especially true when it comes to bathroom units, which typically require the complex coordination of hiring and scheduling 8 – 12 construction trades ranging from plumbing, electrical, painting, tiling and drywall. As multi-unit housing developers look to innovative solutions to make up for lost time in 2020, modular methods continue to deliver.

Below are three ways SurePods prefabricated modular bathrooms can support developers and contractors looking to make the most of modular construction for multi-unit housing projects:

Accelerating Construction Timelines

“The basic concepts of modular design are not new,” continues BD+C, noting that prefabrication has “been hailed for decades as a solution to inefficiencies, drawn-out timelines and rising construction costs.” SurePods is known for accelerating construction schedules by 10% or more by eliminating bathroom punch lists, which often results in faster revenue generation for multifamily housing projects – prospective residents can sign leases and move in earlier.

Optimizing Material and Labor Resources

Thanks to the precision manufacturing afforded by a factory-controlled setting, material waste is largely eliminated. Bringing construction indoors to a climate-controlled setting also offers a more comfortable, safer work environment. SurePods’ multitude of automated systems contribute to the unmatched efficiency of the manufacturing process.

Eliminating the Bathroom Punch List

In most multi-unit projects, bathroom reworks account for about 60% of punch lists. Prefabricating bathroom pods offsite not only eliminates the coordination of multiple trades, but also eliminates the enormous risk of damaging previously completed work. This keeps quality high and projects moving.

If you’re a developer or contractor involved in multi-family construction and have a project that would make a great fit for pods, let’s talk. Contact us at [email protected].

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While it goes without saying, the healthcare industry experienced previously unimaginable challenges and demands over the past year. As urgent shifts in priorities directly impacted construction methods, healthcare facilities turned to innovative solutions to meet needs and increase capacities. Building Design + Construction reports that “healthcare, in fact, was one of the few nonresidential building types that showed year-to-year increases in construction spending over the first 10 months of 2020,” according to Census Bureau estimates.

To address the urgent need for flexible space and increase capacity for isolation rooms now and in the future, healthcare leaders and facility managers are increasingly turning to modular building methods for quick, efficient and effective solutions. Prefab manufacturers are rising to the moment and pushing the boundaries of what’s doable, from design and production to delivery and installation. For example, SurePods and its prefab partners DPR Construction and Digital Building Components are able to erect an entire semi-permanent hospital wing in just four weeks.

Thanks to state-of-the-art equipment and a factory-controlled environment, rapidly deployable modular solutions are also well-suited to meet healthcare facilities’ long-term needs. Modular building methods not only provide more control over costs, quality and construction schedules, but also reduce labor and disturbances on existing hospital campuses. Project demand shows healthcare facilities are taking note of these advantages. Case in point, prior to 2020, SurePods had already completed more than 2,000 hospital bathrooms for six different hospitals. By April 2020, more than 1,600 additional hospital bathroom pods were in some stage of production or pre-con for nine new hospitals across the United States. In fact, several healthcare networks have further simplified their construction processes by standardizing SurePods’ patient bathroom designs systemwide.

The healthcare industry’s swift adoption of modular building methods continues to push the boundaries of prefab construction. If SurePods’ modular bathroom pods or rapid deployment solutions sound like a match for your healthcare project, let’s talk. Contact us at [email protected].

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.aboutbathroomdecor.com/?p=562

Many preconceived notions and misconceptions prevent building professionals from making the leap to time- and labor-saving modular construction methods. Some envision a unit that’s only a step above a jobsite trailer, or a bulky, boxy structure that takes up valuable space. Thanks to advances in manufacturing methods, today’s modular bathroom pods are virtually indistinguishable from a site-built units.

In this week’s SurePods closeup, we’re debunking two common modular misconceptions:

Misconception #1: prefab bathrooms come with thick floor assemblies

Contrary to popular belief, modular bathrooms’ subfloors, like SurePods’, can be considerably thin. Rather than having to depress or modify the slab in anyway, crews can simply slide the prefabricated pod into place when they arrive at the construction site. Teams then only have to install a custom-engineered sloping floor threshold, as they would do with any on-site built bathroom. The threshold ensures that the transition between the flooring inside and outside of a prefab pod is ADA compliant.

While many residential and commercial applications don’t require slab depression, healthcare is the one exception. Sometimes, healthcare projects require the bathroom to be a wet room, where the floors are sloped to a drain in the center of the floor, and the entire bathroom works like a shower pan. This allows employees to completely hose out the room, utilizing the center drain. In these instances, healthcare contractors would need to plan for a slab depression to accommodate that slope within SurePods’ floor system. This is a key reason why Revit® BIM conflict analysis is a part of the pre-construction process with SurePods.

Misconception #2: prefab bathrooms require an increased vertical clearance

While you might guess that prefab, modular bathrooms require an increased vertical clearance space to maneuver into position and to place, the standard 104 in. (8’ 8” in clear) top of slab to bottom of ceiling height common in commercial project scenarios is adequate to accommodate bathroom pods. Once prefab bathroom pods are in place, the mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) trades make the connections to the building’s mechanical systems, the exterior of the pods are sheetrocked and then floor thresholds are installed.

Regardless of project type, the key finding success with modular methods is to reach out to the manufacturer early. Early analysis with engineers and project teams is essential to ensure all parties understand how to properly integrate prefabrication into the architects’ and contractors’ vision. Problem-solving can occur before construction even begins, saving valuable time and resources.

If you think your project is a match for SurePods as we head into 2021, let’s talk. We have a checklist of technical issues we review with the project team based on our extensive experience to make projects seamless. To get started, contact us at [email protected].

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.aboutbathroomdecor.com/?p=547

Building design professionals are all too familiar with the complications associated with having multiple points of contact during the construction process. And when it comes to bathroom design and construction, these complications can seem exaggerated. Electrical, plumbing and finishing work – ranging from drywall to painting – can require up to 10 construction trades working in an area of about 50 to 100 square feet. Scheduling, miscommunication and onsite reworks can inevitably lead to construction delays, which can adversely affect a building’s target opening date and revenue generation.

To support project architects’ design goals and reduce unnecessary headaches during the bathroom construction process, SurePods prefabricated units provide simplicity from start to finish – check out four ways below:

Single point of procurement: From pre-construction to project completion, design teams work with a single point of contact to concept and create modular bathroom pods. By engaging SurePods early in the design process, project architects are able to communicate design goals without the added confusion that comes from working with multiple contacts. This also makes it easier to stay on track when it comes budgets and target opening dates, as the factory-controlled setting allows for more accurate construction techniques.

Ease of design collaboration: SurePods utilizes Revit, a modelling software for designers, engineers and architects, for building information modeling (BIM). By creating a 3D image of modular bathroom pods during the pre-con phase, all parties involved are able to to visualize the design and make necessary adjustments prior to production. Not only does this help with the design decision-making process, but it also ensures that all building and design professionals are working from the same point of reference.

“SurePods uses the same Revit for BIM electronic data we use, so sharing the designs back and forth is simple and easy,” said Greg Mueller, CEO and principal, Tucker Sadler Architects. “They also generate a complete package for permitting, which speeds up our drawing time.”

Simply put, since modular bathrooms are pre-designed and agreed upon, they are a known solution. There’s no need to change an order or dip into an owner’s contingency fund.

Simplicity on the factory floor: By utilizing Revit in collaboration with project architects, SurePods’ 3D bathroom models translate directly into machine code. Then, production robots can manufacture bathroom pods with laser precision – literally. With automated computer numerical control (CNC) machines, SurePods can essentially “hit print” and produce several bathroom pods per day to exact project specifications.

Plug-and-play installation: Once the pods are manufactured, they are wrapped in waterproof and weatherproof packaging and delivered to the jobsite. Since bathroom pods are forged by machines for dimensional accuracy and produced with high quality materials, they arrive at the jobsite in excellent condition, ready for installation. SurePods can install and deliver up to 30 units per day with a plug-and-play process similar to interlocking Legos, minimizing installation time and essentially eliminating bathroom punch lists. By coordinating a just-in-time delivery approach, projects can continue to run smoothly without unexpected delays hindering the construction process.

https://youtu.be/D72k-3zhzbQ

If you think your project is a match for SurePods, let’s talk. We have a checklist of technical issues we review with the project team based on our extensive experience. To get started, contact us at surepods.com/contact.

When life becomes stressful, the need to withdraw and recharge becomes stronger than ever. If you are looking to lower your day-to-day stress levels, the colour palette of your bathroom can help soothe anxieties and stresses from your day.

Besides, what’s a better activity to entice clam than a hot soak in a soothing tub surrounded by a beautiful haven?

It’s no secret that colour influences our emotions. So, whether you’re seeking to regain some Zen or just sick of gazing at the same old walls. Here are five modern bathroom designs featuring the most soothing palettes to inspire your next bathroom renovation.

 

Natural Bathroom Renovation

As technology continues to pervade every area of our lives, more and more of us are yearning for nature like never before and seeking innovative methods to incorporate organic materials into our homes. Particularly, this natural design aesthetic is seen in many coastal homes and Bathroom Renovations in Newcastle, as the style perfectly reflects the easy-going lifestyles many of us beach-side Aussies live.

Although, the ocean view is not required! As this modern Bathroom Renovation Terrey Hills encompasses a natural aesthetic even in the suburbs. With the large skylight as its main focal feature, a glorious amount of sunlight creeps in, making the space seem brighter and larger, with a fresh and inviting feel.

We recommend avoiding picking too many vivid and strong features to ensure a relaxing atmosphere. Instead, choose one or two features’ colours, like this natural bathroom renovation, which includes a good balance of earthy hues and browns, mixed with clean tones like silver and white.

 

Serene Bathroom Renovation

Often inspired by ‘a day spa’, there’s something about a minimalist and calming serene palette that can transform a bathroom into a haven. The serene bathroom design evokes clean, classic, and incredibly relaxing feelings, with little restraint and a good quantity of marble, resulting in a breathtakingly tranquil finish.

Even though this modern bathroom design is popular with sea-side homes, we are seeing many suburban bathroom renovations in Penrith and across Western Sydney wanting to upgrade their spaces to a more relaxing and luxurious bathroom design.

Although this Bathroom Renovation in Kellyville Ridge is far from the beach, the design is inspired by ‘the day spa’ aesthetic. With a soft and harmonising colour palette, this modern bathroom design screams serene, generating a sense of poise inside this suburban home. Particularly with serene modern bathroom designs, it’s all about colour harmony. The more subdued and less striking a palette is, the more relaxing the bathroom may be.

 

Escape Bathroom Renovation

The escape bathroom is a quiet retreat within the home, inspired by our favourite vacation spots. These modern bathroom designs create a solid and well-balanced room with stunning natural features and straightforward finishes.

With soft natural light and earthy tones, the minimalism of the escape bathroom heightens your senses. So it’s simple to understand why you’ll want to make this meditative bathroom a focal point in your house.

Again, even though this modern bathroom design is popular with sea-side homes, many small bathroom renovations in Redfern and across Sydney’s highly populated CBD incorporates the escape design in their urban spaces as a way to retreat from the hustle and bustle of city living.

In particular, this Bathroom Renovation Redfern creates an escape aesthetic with wooden cabinetry and wood-like tiles. It’s an unexpected but successful escape design pairing.

We love the matching curved bathroom installations in this Bathroom Renovation Redfern from the circular bathtub, rounded basin sink, spherical fixtures to the towel rack. In combination, these round features really softens the ambience of the modern bathroom design and provides optimum relaxation for its users.

Our design team largely focuses on incorporating wood as a feature into most escape bathrooms as this style is fundamentally inspired by ‘nature’ to create a peaceful bathroom. When combined with a bathroom’s usually cold atmosphere, the wood adds warmth and makes the space much more welcoming.

 

Vintage Bathroom Renovation

Our vintage bathroom renovations give homeowners the traditional appearance and feel of yesteryear while still allowing for a luxurious but modern design. Vintage aesthetics are found all around Sydney, from Bathroom Renovations in Penrith to bathroom renovations in Redfern. The best-designed vintage bathrooms have a meticulous balance between period elegance and traditional appeal without compromising modern convenience.

This Bathroom Renovation Mount Colah marries old and new styles with careful placement of dark tiles in the main area against a neutral marble backdrop, seamlessly creating a perfect monochrome bathroom.

The vanity in particular highlights the sprinkles of vintage styling throughout this bathroom, with a mix of old-fashioned cabinetry and traditional knobs, contrasted to the modern vessel sink and contemporary stone vanity top.

Matte black is a stunning feature in this modern bathroom design, as a matt finish gives real colour depth as it reflects the least amount of light, producing a feeling of stillness. In addition, Low-sheen or matt finishes will help blur sharp edges and hard surfaces in spaces by absorbing and softening the light. This creates a gentle, blanketing effect ideal for any peaceful bathroom renovation.

 

Timeless Bathroom Renovation

The term “timeless” is frequently used to describe elegance and sophistication. Our timeless modern bathroom designs incorporate high-quality fabrics, accessories, and colours for a traditional and elegant look that will last a lifetime. Such a classic and ageless design is perfect for any home in Sydney – from bathroom renovations Penrith and all the way to Redfern –  the timeless bathroom creates a sense of luxury anywhere while maintaining the practicality and use of the space.

This timeless Bathroom Renovation Riverview features the perfect variation of whites. This assorted but clean colour palette is seen throughout the modern bathroom design, from the sink bowl to the vanity top to the hexagon feature tiles. In combination, the glossy layers of white on the cabinets and vanity shine unapologetically while adding texture and warmth into the room. Even though today’s typical bathroom trend is matte tiles, the lustrous spa-like finish of these polished tiles feels much more expensive.

With such exquisite colours and luxury accents presented in this bathroom renovation, it’s clear the timeless bathroom design evokes soothing feelings. Cucumber slices may be added for a quick reduction of stress!

 

Begin Your Bathroom Renovation with Novalé

Colour is your most potent weapon when it comes to transforming the look and feel of a room. We hope these five modern bathroom designs have helped you narrow down what colour palette you want in your bathroom renovation with Novalé!

A colour palette doesn’t have to be expensive! Just a simple splash of colour or some eye-catching floor tiles can instantly bring character and fun into your modern bathroom design. So, whether you are looking for Bathroom Renovations Redfern or Bathroom Renovations Newcastle, Novalé’s highly experienced teams are available to help you produce a beautiful and highly functional modern bathroom design in Sydney.

When beginning research on bathroom renovators for your modern bathroom design and renovation project, consider including Novalé Bathrooms in your shortlist. We offer bathroom renovations from Bathroom Renovations Penrith to Bathroom Renovations Redfern. For a complete list of the Areas We Service, see here.

Our teams are ready to start building you a fantastic modern bathroom design. We implement a unique 4 step bathroom renovation process, and we encourage potential customers to read the 12 reasons to choose Novalé. Additionally, you can read our testimonials and reviews to learn about the experience others have had to renovate with Novalé. For more information on how we transform your bathroom, please get in contact with the Novalé team on 1800 NOVALÉ.

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