A new Space Age?

24 August 2020

Everyone needs more space, it seems. But I’m not talking about people’s lofts or wardrobes, or Elon Musk’s rocket company: demand is from construction sites that need additional welfare facilities and temporary offices to ensure physical distancing.

I’ve mentioned this surge in several posts already and it shows no signs of diminishing. One national hirer tells me that demand for site accommodation is at record levels, with utilisation above 90%.

Working flat out

Cabins designed to accommodate six workers are now being used for just three or two people. Some sites are even specifying one per person, and manufacturers are working flat out to meet demand.

Furthermore, a number of contractors say they don’t envisage changing their on-site policies to combat coronavirus for quite some time, perhaps not until 2022. So with this demand for extra site accommodation, you could almost say that are we entering a new Space Age.

AJC EasyCabin is one of the manufacturers that have geared up production, and its sales director, Lisa Gillett, says that interest in solar technology is also growing.

Much more efficient

“Modern solar panels are so much more efficient now that you can benefit from them even in overcast conditions. We quote customers with prices for a standard cabin and also with a solar upgrade, and more and more are choosing the latter,” she tells me.

Lisa adds that AJC has been conducting site trials of an integrated installation to show the environmental benefits and cost savings. The setup includes the manufacturer’s Solar Pod which uses solar panels to charge a battery; this provides power, backed up by a generator.

Welfare cabins on the test site also have roof mounted solar panels and the system includes a Power Pod, a standalone battery pack that stores surplus energy and reduces generator operation.

(Photo: Nixon Hire)