EXPERT TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE BEST PORTABLE CABIN

Choosing the best portable cabin for your site requires careful planning, balancing the needs of your business, your workforce and any specific requirements linked to your project. Portable cabins provide reliable accommodation and welfare amenities, but selecting the most appropriate solution for your space and workforce demands thorough research.

In this guide, we'll draw on our experience as a veteran supplier of high-quality UK-made portable units to construction sites,universities and events, to talk you through the types of portable cabins available, and how to choose the best units for your needs.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT TYPE OF PORTABLE CABIN

Depending on the demands of your project, you will almost always be able to source and install portable cabins in suitable sizes and configurations - whether you require temporary worker accommodation, a temporary office or specialist modular facilities. Choosing the right type of portable building can contribute to the success of your project by providing essential amenities efficiently and cost-effectively.

Here are the main types of portable cabins and their key features:

Sleeper cabins

One of the most common uses for portable cabins is as site sleepers for on-site workers. Installing site sleepers on your site will reduce hotel accommodation costs, avoid travel-based delays and improve project turnaround times. Sleeper cabins are designed to offer comfort, convenience and versatility, and they are often the most affordable way to house on-site workers.

Sleeper cabins vary in size and layout, depending on the number of occupants they can accommodate and the facilities they include. Many offer en suite toilet facilities and showers for maximum convenience. Options range from single sleeper cabins that provide privacy and a restful night’s sleep for one inhabitant, to twin sleeper cabins cabins for multiple occupants. Bespoke sleeper units are also available for those who require extra storage space. These units come with vinyl flooring for easy maintenance, and a larger workstation to enhance day-to-day living.

Shower cabins

For construction sites without en suite facilities, separate shower cabins are essential for employee comfort and hygene. Employment law requires that suitable washing facilities are provided when staff reside on-site for work purposes. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) outlines that these must be readily accessible, clean and provide hot and cold running water, soap and drying facilities. Failure to meet these standards can result in regulatory enforcement action, fines or project delays.

Shower cabins typically feature multiple heated showers, gender-separated amenities and lockable doors for privacy and security. Installing dedicated shower facilities not only supports compliance with health and safety law but also improves worker morale and welfare.

Toilet cabins

Toilets are mandatory under employment regulations for those working on-site for extended periods. Employers must provide accessible and hygienic toilet facilities, or face legal penalties under health and safety legislation.

Toilet cabins can be installed as stand-alone units or combined with shower blocks, depending on the size and layout of your site. Facilities can be gender-divided and securely locked to maintain privacy. When planning your welfare facilities, it is important to consider future expansion and the potential for increasing site headcount, so that your toilet cabins continue to meet the needs of your workforce over time.

Social cabins

Portable cabins offer more than just practical amenities; they can also serve as vital communal spaces on-site. Modular buildings such as diners offer shelter from the elements, providing workers with a comfortable area to prepare food, rest and socialise.

In harsh weather conditions - whether heavy rain, extreme cold or intense heat - social cabins are more than a convenience; they are an occupational necessity. Without adequate welfare space, workers' health and safety may be compromised, exposing your businesses to liability risks under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.

By offering designated social cabins, your businesses can accommodate worker needs and boost morale, productivity and retention during demanding projects.

HOW TO CHOOSE A PORTABLE CABIN

Identifying the facilities you require should be the first step before designing your site layout. Selecting cabins to fit around a pre-designed space can limit your options and create compromises in welfare provision.

Sleeper cabins, modular buildings and welfare facilities come in a range of standard and bespoke specifications. Planning in advance enables you to choose units that accommodate your full workforce, offer sufficient amenities and fit the space available without creating cramped or unsafe conditions.

For example:

• Workers living on-site will need sleeper cabins, toilet facilities, shower blocks and dining spaces.
• If accommodation is not necessary, temporary offices, toilet cabins and changing rooms may be sufficient.

A good cabin lease firm will be able to supply specifications, including cabin dimensions, internal layouts, stock reference details and customisation options for heating, vinyl flooring, security features, windows and more.

Facilities should be centrally located where possible, with safe, well-lit pathways between buildings. Care should be taken to separate pedestrian and vehicle traffic, maintaining a clear site layout that supports worker safety and accessibility.

Cutting corners on welfare and accommodation provision to save space or budget can expose your business to legal and financial risk. Investing in the right portable building solution is a forward-thinking step that protects your workforce and the future of your project.

WHY CHOOSE PORTABLE CABINS?

Some businesses choose to accommodate workers in hotels. However, this approach can be expensive, inconvenient and impractical - especially when workers must travel daily between the hotel and the site.

Choosing the best portable cabin solution offers an affordable, flexible and convenient alternative. Units can be installed directly on or adjacent to your construction site or project location, minimising travel time, improving productivity and maintaining better oversight of worker welfare.

Bunkabin offers a range of high-quality portable cabins and modular building solutions that meet modern specifications for comfort, durability and security. Our cabins feature robust materials, energy-efficient heating, durable vinyl flooring and customisable layouts to meet your project's unique requirements.

We understand that businesses require a balance between affordability and quality. With a focus on cost-effective solutions and rapid delivery, our cabins can accommodate the needs of any workforce, whether you need facilities for a small construction team, a major infrastructure project or even longer-term student accommodation.

If you would like to explore our full range of portable cabins, view case studies of past projects, or request specifications for your future site, visit the Our Cabins page. You can also get in touch with us today by calling 0345 456 7899 or filling out an online contact form.