Debunking common myths about portable buildings
As building and construction techniques evolve, those involved in the planning and supply of accommodation are gaining access to a broader variety of potential solutions than ever before - and the growing prominence of portable and modular buildings is at the forefront of this trend.
The availability of high-quality prefabricated cabins, buildings and houses represents a major development for businesses in numerous fields, making it possible to accommodate large numbers of people in areas with limited pre-existing infrastructure, without the need for months of prior planning. However, due to the relative newness of the market, numerous misconceptions about this type of accommodation still persist, which may be stopping some professionals from exploring the full range of benefits they can provide.
As such, it’s worth examining some of the common myths that exist around portable buildings and determining whether there’s any real truth to them - or whether this kind of prefab accommodation may actually have much more to offer than you may have otherwise realised.
They’re unsafe or of poor quality
One of the most common myths surrounding portable and modular buildings is the idea they are less safe or less robust than conventional structures, due to the speed at which they are built, and a lack of understanding of the manufacturing principles that underpin this relatively new form of construction.
In reality, portable accommodation is developed according to strict safety codes and regulations, following industry-approved standards of production, methodology and material use. At Bunkabin, our cabins are developed to comply with all the relevant building regulations from Local Authority Building Control, and because we manufacture our own units, we can guarantee that these standards will be exceeded for the entire lifespan of the unit. Ultimately, this ensures that users are always kept as safe and secure as possible.
They’re cold and uncomfortable
For those with a limited understanding of how portable accommodation works, the idea of a prefab cabin may conjure up images of a draughty, rickety shack with poor insulation and limited methods for controlling the temperature and comfort levels inside. In truth, time spent inside a modern portable cabin can be every bit as comfortable as any other form of shelter.
The construction techniques used in the production of contemporary portable and modular buildings means they can now offer high-end sealing properties that protect against the elements and provide excellent thermal insulation. At Bunkabin, our units also offer a thermostatically-controlled environment and tubular heaters, meaning users can always find the right level of comfort, whether it’s summer or winter.
They’re environmentally unfriendly
Concerns about the sustainability performance of portable and modular buildings are usually rooted in a lack of awareness about just how economical and environmentally-friendly this type of accommodation can be. These units are created in controlled factory environments, with resources and timescales carefully allocated to maximise efficiency and reduce waste, so in many ways the production of portable buildings is much greener than traditional forms of outdoor construction.
Moreover, when they’re in use, their excellent heat retention and relatively low energy consumption means they are able to reduce the carbon footprint of the site; Bunkabin also takes steps to ensure that multiple units can be transported on a single wagon load, meaning they offer green benefits even during transit.
They’re spartan and utilitarian
Another common assumption about portable cabins is that they are sparsely equipped and lacking in many of the conventional creature comforts one might expect from a hotel or a purpose-built dormitory. However, many modern portable units contain a full suite of furnishings and appliances, meaning they can provide a cozy living environment for an extended period of time.
For example, Bunkabin’s Junior Deluxe Sleeper units feature en-suite bathroom facilities with showers, flushing toilets and a heated towel rail, as well as space for multiple beds, shelving units, a corner television unit and thermostatic heating. Our more advanced units include additional luxuries such as fridges, cooking appliances and LED task lighting, meaning that time spent in a portable building can be just as comfortable as any other kind of accommodation.
They’re limited in use
Many perceive portable buildings to have a limited number of applications, seeing them as purely a temporary accommodation solution for construction businesses or those carrying out project-based work, to be used on a short-term basis only. While it is true that many organisations rely on portable accommodation for this kind of purpose, it’s far from the only possible application of these versatile units.
At Bunkabin, our range of portable buildings include not only sleeper units, but also dedicated diner, shower and toilet facilities, meaning that our units can be used to create self-contained living areas for a wide range of functions. They are used to offer accommodation for festival and event-goers, or to provide additional living space for university and college students; they can also be utilised by sports and leisure facilities, and by the Ministry of Defence to provide flexible accommodation for servicemen and women.
As more and more users from different backgrounds get to grips with portable and modular buildings, it is likely that these common myths will become less prominent, and awareness will increase of the multifaceted benefits this type of accommodation has to offer.
