Commercial · FAQS
Commercial FAQs.
Education Building FAQs
What is the lifespan of a school portable?
The modular builds from Prebuilt are far from the school portables from years ago. Our constructions are built to last, with quality and longevity at the forefront of our design and building process. With our permanent modular school buildings, you can have the convenience of efficient timeframes and minimal disruptions, with high quality craftsmanship and durability in one build.
I’m interested in exploring using prefabricated buildings for an educational facility, where do I start?
Speak to a member of our Commercial team about your project. Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) is extremely important with modular construction. Our team can provide advice and insights into the buildability and optimisation of a modular design and construction approach.
How long do modular educational buildings typically take to construct?
Prebuilt work with their clients to deliver buildings according to the construction program. Depending on the size and complexity of the building, construction times may vary. On average, a 200sqm building will take between 14-16 weeks to construct in our factory.
What kind of education facilities has Prebuilt been involved in?
Prebuilt have vast experience delivering both small and large scale education projects. From Food Technology Centres and Rowing Hubs, to state-of-the-art Learning Centres with IT, recreation, science laboratories and presentation spaces, Prebuilt has ongoing relationships with a number of schools to deliver modular facilities.
Transport FAQs
I’m interested in exploring using prefabricated buildings for a transport infrastructure project, where do I start?
Prebuilt can assist in the early design phase to ensure an efficient modular design is achieved and selection and integration of appropriate finishes and materials are obtained. Prebuilt assists with detailed Revit, architectural, structural and services modelling, which enables coordination of the overall project BIM designed and modelled. Speak to our commercial team today about your project.
How long does train station prefab construction typically take?
Timing of the construction is coordinated to suit the railway occupation window. Due to this, offsite fabrication by Prebuilt has previously been completed in 8-12 weeks, with installation onsite completed in 1-2 days.
What experience does Prebuilt bring to working with infrastructure partners?
Prebuilt has completed train station buildings for over a dozen projects in Victoria as part of the Victorian Government's Level Crossing Removal initiative. These buildings have included customer service areas, driver, staff and public amenities and communications and equipment storage areas. These projects have been undertaken with principal contractors including CPB, John Holland, Laing O’Rouke and Lendlease.
What quality control building standards are adhered to during an infrastructure project such as train stations?
Prebuilt adheres to the design, documentation and specification of any infrastructure project as developed by the Alliance design team. Detail is reflected in Prebuilt’s quality plan, managed in accordance with our Quality Certification Program ISO 9001.
Community Building FAQs
I’m interested in exploring using prefabricated buildings for a community facility, where do I start?
Speak to our Commercial team about your next community facility. From Childcare and public service facilities, our team are experts in delivering solutions that work for your community requirements
Are modular community buildings as durable and long-lasting as traditionally constructed buildings?
Modular buildings are built with steel frame and timber infill, which means that they are typically more structurally sound and durable than traditional in-situ buildings. The rigid frame prevents any movement of the building which results in a longer lasting structure.
Does prebuilt work with local councils to ensure all regulations and compliance is met?
Prebuilt liaises with local councils from the early concept stage to building handover to ensure our designs always conform to regional planning controls, this always aims for an environmentally responsive outcome that integrates well with the surrounding area and provides a positive neighbourhood character response.
What quality control building standards are adhered to during an infrastructure project for community buildings?
Prebuilt operates under a Certified Quality Management System ISO9001. This means that all operations, procedures and processes are subject to a continuous improvement approach. Commercial buildings that serve the community are designed to always be compliant with objectives of the national construction code and associated Australian standards, this ensures their practicality for years to come which will run alongside its clever and aesthetic design.
Health Facilities FAQs
What is the benefit of using modular construction in healthcare?
A fast-tracked approach.
Minimal disturbance to residents/patients and healthcare operation due to the majority of work being undertaken off-site. While we are constructing your project in our factory, onsite works are taking place at the project site. We are able to transport and install our modules within 1-2 days typically and then complete final onsite works within weeks.
Fixed costs & cost savings
We do not start building until all of the design and documentation has been finalised. After which, we are able to accurately price your healthcare project before we start construction, ensuring your project falls within budget. Cost saving benefits can be achieved for healthcare projects with repetition based floorplans. This is ideal for patient rooms, accommodation facilities for patients or multiple treatment spaces with the same layout.
Sustainability
Modular construction is a sustainable way to build as it does not rely on traditional materials such as concrete or bricks. Prebuilt’s factory has a controlled recycling program, where plaster, tiles, steel and insulation are returned to approved recyclers. Using BIM systems, we are able to order exact quantities specific to each project, to reduce our wastage.
Tailored design solutions
We work closely with the client, architect and relevant consultants to ensure that all elements of the build are considered in the early planning stages of a healthcare facility's design. We work with DDA, hydraulic, electrical, lighting and building surveyors to reach the best outcome for your project and minimise changes down the track.
How long does a healthcare modular construction project typically take?
Modular construction is generally 40-50 per cent faster than traditional builds due to the majority of works taking place within a controlled factory environment. This also means building manufacture works can take place concurrently to site works, speeding the build timeline up even further. The construction phase is dependent on the size and scale of the project. On average the construction time of a healthcare facility can be achieved within months of completed IFC (issue for construction) documentation.
What kind of projects in Healthcare has Prebuilt had exposure to?
Prebuilt has worked with various healthcare providers to deliver accommodation, dining, interview/ patient rooms, conference spaces, consultation rooms, waiting rooms, physiotherapy and medical treatment rooms and reception areas.
Retail Buildings FAQs
I’m interested in exploring using a modular building, where do I start?
Get in touch with our friendly team to discuss your next project. We can talk you through options and show you other projects we have delivered across the retail and restaurant space.
Can Prebuilt offer custom design modular buildings for our retail store requirements?
Absolutely, we can work with your preferred architect to create a custom design for your store or we can help you assign an architect to work with. Each retail store should have a unique custom design that best suits the layout needs and aesthetic of the brand.
Does Prebuilt offer permanent or temporary modular retail buildings?
Prebuilt can create permanent or temporary buildings for retail businesses. For permanent buildings there will be slight adjustments to the structure and materials for longevity.
Commercial Buildings FAQs
What is the benefit of using modular construction in healthcare?
A fast-tracked approach.
Minimal disturbance to residents/patients and healthcare operation due to the majority of work being undertaken off-site. While we are constructing your project in our factory, onsite works are taking place at the project site. We are able to transport and install our modules within 1-2 days typically and then complete final onsite works within weeks.
Fixed costs & cost savings
We do not start building until all of the design and documentation has been finalised. After which, we are able to accurately price your healthcare project before we start construction, ensuring your project falls within budget. Cost saving benefits can be achieved for healthcare projects with repetition based floorplans. This is ideal for patient rooms, accommodation facilities for patients or multiple treatment spaces with the same layout.
Sustainability
Modular construction is a sustainable way to build as it does not rely on traditional materials such as concrete or bricks. Prebuilt’s factory has a controlled recycling program, where plaster, tiles, steel and insulation are returned to approved recyclers. Using BIM systems, we are able to order exact quantities specific to each project, to reduce our wastage.
Tailored design solutions
We work closely with the client, architect and relevant consultants to ensure that all elements of the build are considered in the early planning stages of a healthcare facility's design. We work with DDA, hydraulic, electrical, lighting and building surveyors to reach the best outcome for your project and minimise changes down the track.
How long does a healthcare modular construction project typically take?
Modular construction is generally 40-50 per cent faster than traditional builds due to the majority of works taking place within a controlled factory environment. This also means building manufacture works can take place concurrently to site works, speeding the build timeline up even further. The construction phase is dependent on the size and scale of the project. On average the construction time of a healthcare facility can be achieved within months of completed IFC (issue for construction) documentation.
I have an upcoming commercial project and would like to explore modular building. Where do I start?
The best time to think about modular building is early, when the design requirements can be worked in with the process. Start with a call to Prebuilt – we’ll be happy to discuss your project and how it could benefit from modular building.
What kind of education facilities has Prebuilt been involved in?
Prebuilt have vast experience delivering both small and large scale education projects. From Food Technology Centres and Rowing Hubs, to state-of-the-art Learning Centres with IT, recreation, science laboratories and presentation spaces, Prebuilt has ongoing relationships with a number of schools to deliver modular facilities.
I already have planning permission for my project, so the design is reasonably established. Can I still consider modular building?
Yes. Any building can be assessed for modular building. Please contact us to arrange an obligation-free conversation.
Will my design look like a modular building?
The look of a building is determined by the architect and the selection of external finishes. Our modular buildings look no different to a conventional build.
Will the building feel like a modular building?
Many people recall the bouncy floors and lack of thermal comfort in old portable temporary schoolrooms and associate this with all modular buildings. However, this does not need to be the case with good design. The feel of a building is a result of its design and construction methodology. All of our building elements are determined by the architect and structural designers to ensure your building is no different to a site-built structure. Our modular buildings comply with the NCC (National Construction Code) and the Building Code of Australia, and are subject to the same compliance requirements as a site-built structure
Is a modular building environmentally friendly?
Definitely! According to a report by Deloitte, which referenced findings from the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), building and construction are responsible for up to 30% of annual greenhouse gas emissions. We run your build as a manufacturing process, so from the front end design, using BIM modelling, we’re able to order the exact amount of material required. This process greatly reduces waste. In addition, Prebuilt’s 40,000sqm facility provides an efficient work environment for all our trades. Our facility uses 100kWh PV panels which supply virtually all the power for our factory, head office and Tesla charging point.
My client wants to explore using modular as a building methodology. What’s the best way to start?
Early! We’re happy to engage with your design team on an ECI (Early Contractor Involvement) basis to guide them through the particular requirements of using modular technology. This avoids reworking designs for modular requirements later in the process.
Are there any constraints on the design of modular buildings?
Not really. As “building blocks”, the methodology can be used to create any volume of the structure. There are some considerations for the spatial requirements for the structure of the modules. However, large open spans can be accommodated, and multiple level-height internal spaces can be achieved using Prebuilt’s engineering process.
