Foremans has relocated a 23,000sqft office building that provided temporary office space for National Air Traffic Services at Swanick in Hampshire. 

The Requirement

The modular building was put in place for Arlington Business Services to accommodate 120 staff over a 15-month period, while NATS’ new facility was constructed at the Solent Business Park.

The Solution

The removal of the building was completed in less than a month. This included the removal of floor coverings, light fittings and suspended ceilings, decommissioning air conditioning units, electric systems and plumbing, dismantling the building into its modular units and craning them onto lorries for transportation away from the site.

The building is now being refurbished at Foremans’ production centre and re-used for either temporary or permanent facilities. Applications include offices, airports, hospitals, schools and universities.

A Sustainable Approach to Construction

“The sheer scale of this two-storey building would have had massive landfill implications if it had been demolished”, explained David Johnson, Managing Director of Foremans. “We are able to deliver a more environmentally sustainable approach to the removal of modular buildings, involving the refurbishment and if necessary, the reconfiguration of the scheme before relocating it to one or more different sites.” He added, “This innovative method of recycling buildings minimises wastage and allows other organisations to benefit from the speed, quality and safety of off-site construction.

We are keen to talk to other organisations that have modular buildings, which are surplus to their requirements, and will work with them to undertake the safe dismantling and removal operations with the minimum disruption.”

Health and Safety – A Critical Issue

The demolition of any building has major health and safety implications. On this project, which was located adjacent to a staff car park, Foremans carried out full risk assessments and agreed method statements with the client for all potentially hazardous activities before work started on site and in line with Construction Design and Management Regulations (CDM). Foremans’ professional approach to health and safety was critical in their selection for this contract.

Commenting on the contract, Mike Hunt of SGB Rovacabin, said, “We were impressed with the plans for this major logistical operation. Foremans offered a swift, well thought out, and efficient solution. They took responsibility for a whole range of tasks, including evaluation of the building, scheduling the programme of works for removal and implementing the programme. The need to limit disruption and find a safe and cost-effective solution were key drivers in the decision to appoint Foremans to dismantle and relocate the building, as opposed to employing the services of a demolition contractor.”