Modular units allow for flexibility and economy

Press, 15 August 1984, Page 42

Modular units allow for flexibility and economy

The answer to instant accommodation problems is now on the market in the South Island.

A new company, Spacecom, has available for hire or purchase a flexible range of comfortable, portable, self-contained units that can be easily installed on any site. They have been expertly designed to satisfy any need for instant accommodation and can be transported on a normal size truck. Spacecom offers a comprehensive service, fulfilling the needs of everyone with their Portapac units, made in Christchurch and Belfast.

“The system is ideal for anyone looking for a solution to flexible accommodation in these times of econo-

mic uncertainty when people are not always prepared to build a more expensive, permanent unit,” says Mr John Harwood, a director of Spacecom.

“Our instant offices can be resold at a good value, thus keeping the owner’s options open for the future.” The units’ polystyrene panelling make them durable, requiring little maintenance, and they are well insulated, being warm in winter and cool in summer.

First developed for use as office accommodation, this modular system is now used extensively throughout the United Kingdom, the Continent and the United States.

In some cases, they are used as mobile homes.

They have a multitude of uses and are suitable for any location whether it is in the city or country, on a construction site or at the seaside.

They are used as security and drawing offices, libraries, laboratories, computer centres, classrooms, sales display areas, medical centres and for municipal projects. Mr Harwood believes the Portapac units have many uses in the tourist and leisure fields.

“They are ideal to put on a holiday site and be adapted to suit the owner’s needs,” he said.

Spacecom has realised there will be a demand in this area so they have designed two versions of the Portapac.

For those who want to turn the key and walk in there is the “L” version. Others may want a more economical unit which allows them to install such extras as floor coverings and the electrical wiring.

“A lot of people might want to finish off the units themselves in their own individual style. With the “E” version they can choose their own colour scheme,” Mr Harwood said.

The Spacecom units can be used as a bach and are more spacious and cheaper than a caravan.

The system is flexible and allows the units to be linked lengthwise in both a Ushape and an L-shape and with corridors between the longer sections. Linking and stacking can also produce two-storey buildings, with outside staircases and intermediate height constructions. Mr Harwood says the modern, clean-cut styling

lends itself to a variety of uses and makes it adaptable.

Windows are preglazed, .colour coated and have aluminium frames.

Shutters and Venetian blinds are available as optional extras.

Internal partitions are part glazed or solid and made of 50mm panels, the same as the walls and roof. The flooring is particle board nailed and glued to timber joists on timber beams. AU timber is pressure treated with preservative.

The units have four fixed jack legs constructed from heavy-duty, hoUow, squaresection steel and aUow for variable positioning by the use of steel pins and locating holes. The electrical installation complies with the New Zealand Electricity Department regulations. The electrical water and drainage connections on the site are the responsibiUty of the cUent. A wide range of buUt-in furniture, such as benches, cupboards, coat rails, desks and sink units is available.

Included in the optional extras are alternative window and door design, insect screens, Venetian blinds and curtains, tinted glass, vandal guards for windows and heating and air conditioning. Plumbed, in fittings for toilets, showers and washing facilities can be supplied. Spacecom supplies a full range of electrical fittings and appliances and can offer a choice of interior and exterior colour schemes.

Mr Harwood said the company was happy to talk over ideas the client might have, such as alternative requirements.