prefabnz fab€¦ · sustainability. we wanted to work with and be seen publicly to support a...

K U M E U A R T S C E N T R E

E C O P O D R E V I S I T E D

P R E F A B N Z

FABH O M E S & B U I L D I N G S

I S S U E \ 1

A number of years ago while on OE in Europe, Steve Brackebush,

manager of Eco Pod Concepts, discovered his passion for alternative

high-quality building. Eco Pods are stylish, designer transportable

buildings - designed by an architect, and pre-built in their factory

located just north of Auckland. Here at PNZ, we love the grand openings

of innovative and clever builds. But we wanted to revisit some of those

builds and find out how they stood up to the rigours of life. Installed in

mid-March 2019, the Kumeu Art Centre’s (KAC) community of art lovers

and artists excitedly welcomed their new Eco Pod to be used as a gallery

and workshop.

With enormous growth around the Kumeu region, demand increased

for the facilities and services of the not-for-profit Arts Centre. They

needed additional space to provide an extra gallery for exhibiting

artists’ works, as well as a workshop space for community events and

activities, plus feature a bathroom, kitchenette, and office space.

E CO P O D R E V I S I T E D : K U M E U ' S B U S Y A R T S C E N T R E W O R K S H O P, G A L L E R Y. . . A N D O CC A S I O N A L C R E C H E !

P R E F A B N Z

P A G E 0 5P R E F A B N Z F A B H O M E S & B U I L D I N G SP A G E 0 4 P R E F A B N Z F A B H O M E S & B U I L D I N G S

This was no small feat considering the understandably tight budget

and meeting KAC’s core value for minimalizing environmental impact.

On average, this busy centre has 120 people a week using the Eco Pod

space, with event days seeing 50+ people utilising the gallery.

D E L I V E R I N G O N

CO R E VA LU E S

P R E F A B N Z


For our revisit, we wanted to know if the Eco

Pods met those expectations and held up

to the busy life as a workshop, gallery and,

unexpectedly, as a part-time crèche.

When we asked Jago Neal from KAC to pick

their top three positives from the Eco Pod

process, it seems getting the basics right

is still what matters most. “It came in on

schedule and under budget, provided all

the requirements of the space, and thirdly,

it’s durable in function and form.” Time and

again people want the basics of a great build

experience, reinforcing the strengths of

prefabrication.

KAC’s most enjoyed feature of the Eco Pod

has been the warm, modern and attractive

detailing. The high ceilings in the gallery

and workroom making it feel spacious and

inviting. “We love the indoor/outdoor flow

which has made it ideal for events such as

exhibition openings. Having the kitchenette

close to the gallery helps keep everything

Getting the basics

right, time and

time again.

P R E F A B N Z


"The natural, organis aesthetic

appeal of the Eco Pod ties into the

overall image and brand identity

we're wanting to project."

Kumeu Arts Centre provides workshops including space for music classes.

contained in one area. And the covered

outdoor space has also been fantastic! A

pleasant surprise has been the quietness

inside the Eco Pod; it creates a nice, calm

atmosphere for certain art-based activities

such as our weaving workshops - creating a

'homely' atmosphere which makes people

feel welcome and comfortable.”

“In hindsight, we may have tried to allocate

more room to the cupboard attached to the

workroom as it now serves as my office. Eco

Pods were not made aware of our intention to

use the additional room in this way and may

have been able to incorporate this more into

the design stage.”

“In terms of value for money, it scores highly.

The design met our requirements well and it

has good functionality. And importantly, as a

gallery and Arts Centre, it has good aesthetic

value and has enhanced the look and feel

of the whole Centre and external space. Our

community has responded very well to the

Eco Pods, with visitors often commenting on

the look of the Eco Pods and in particular the

finishing, such as the 'negative detailing' on

the interior walls. They also remark on how

quickly they were installed on-site. Many say

they would like to live in one!”

“Another factor that affected our decision

to use Eco Pod was the value we place on

sustainability. We wanted to work with and be

seen publicly to support a greener company.

The natural, organic aesthetic appeal of the

Eco Pods ties into the overall image and brand

identity we wanted to project.”


space for Kumeu incorporating more public

art and beautification and integrating with

more green space, walkways and cycleways

connecting to the wider area. The Eco Pods

will be at the heart of this and their natural

and modern design can help determine the

look of the bigger project. For example, we

have begun bringing the colour of the Pods'

exterior into a new mural on the older depot

building and some of the wooden paneling

will tie in nicely to the new performance

platform which has just been completed by

the council. In the future, I envisage more

Eco Pods being used around the 'Hub' for

individual studios, artists in residency, or

workrooms to expand our vision.”

With two galleries and the

Huapai Hub, it has become

more of a destination.

And the million dollar question, how

has Eco Pod stood up to the rigors of

life? “It's done well. It's easy to clean and

tough. The workroom even serves as a

crèche once a week and hasn't come

to too much harm.” If there ever were a

benchmark test, we think a combined

workshop come occasional crèche may

well be the toughest!

Any future ambitions for further

construction? “Part of our strategic plan

involves creating a creative, cultural

community hub with ourselves at the

core - to become a part of a 'town center'

"It's done well. It's easy to

clean and tough."

Two modules were built offsite, clad and lined in NZ Pine, fully insulated and Built-to-Code, with

a 6 week build time and designed for wheelchair accessibility with flush doorways and accessible

bathroom.


A R C H I T E C T U R A L LY D E S I G N E D

The centre currently offers a full calendar of exhibitions, classes and

workshops for children and adults. Activities range from painting,

ceramics, to language lessons and meditation.

Minimalist design with durable

materials never fades, it'll still

be trending for a long time and

remain looking good over time.


The good folks at Eco Pod let us in on the challenges faced, what helped make this project a

success and offered some good advice.

What were the prefabrication construction advantages for the project?

• It’s a watertight construction, meaning no risk of rots or mould inside the building envelope.

• It’s simply faster and cheaper. By taking advantage of economies of scale with materials and

labour getting allocated across multiple projects at once all in one location. It keeps the project

within time and budget constraints.

• We have better quality control, with the project manager and build team always onsite to ensure

proper process is followed and sub-contractors are sticking to the brief.

• There’s less disturbance at the destination site, so the Arts Centre and surrounding facilities

could continue to operate normally without constant interruption from construction noise and

pollution.

• We provide a reliable source of product, with a proven track record and project history.

• Our proven methods satisfy Auckland Council Amenities service provider requirements, so there

are no hassles… or delays.

Any adaptation that contributed to the success of the project?

• Use of Screwpile foundations for simple, fast and affordable installation.

How were prefabricated elements delivered to site? Any issues?

• Delivered by Hiab truck, and installed in just two days. The only challenge we faced on this project

was during delivery. We had narrow roads with parked vehicles making it challenging for the truck

drivers.

What was the on-site assembly process?

There were two builders on site to connect the pods to foundation Screwpiles and install weather

tightness flashings. We then built the deck on site.

Challenges faced, project success

and some good ol' fashioned

advice.

C L E V E R LY D E S I G N E D

Built offsite, the two Eco Pods were transported on-site, lifted off the

back of trucks, to be cleverly joined together.


Tell us about the materials used?

The following materials and products were used, with a strong emphasis on

durability, quality, locally sourced, practicality and well-being.

• Earthwool insulation for high insulation using recycled fibre,

• Double glazed aluminium joinery providing structural strength, longevity and

insulation,

• Vinyl flooring for practicality and durability,

• Shadowclad exterior cladding for longevity, structural bracing and affordability,

• Interior natural ply lining for workshop space and white painted ply to create

gallery walls,

• Stein bathroom ware for quality and elegant furnishing; Methven fixings for

durability, style and supporting local manufacturers.

• Steel screwpile foundations (sourced from Sweden via Stopdigging) for low

impact, fast and affordable foundations.

Size m2: 54m2 (two 3x9m modules)

Architecturally designed,

environmentally friendly,

transportable buildings

For a person looking to get an Eco Pod, what is the process?

• Tell us what your requirements are.

• We draft a floor plan and provide an estimated project cost, this step can be reiterated based on

design or scope modifications.

• We then submit a PIM to the relevant Council(s), and then provide architectural details based on

the specific site and plan for the Building Consent.

• Construction then takes 6-8 weeks, meanwhile onsite works such as drainage and foundations

can take place, followed by installation and signoff from Council.

Any tips for those looking to build?

• Try to get a price on the finished project before it starts, and note any exclusions, seeing if these

can also be accounted for or factored in to avoid any unexpected costs

• It’s worth getting an energy modeller to calculate the thermal efficiency of the proposed build,

as this heating is the highest running cost of a home, second is water, unless it’s covered in

rates already, which means good energy and water rated fixings and appliances can make a big

difference.

• If components of the build project can be prefabricated, it’s worth considering since costing can

be more easily predicted and generally come out cheaper.

• Don’t forget to get several quotes for any job!

Project Team

John Watts, Chester Construction (Project Manager)

Red Rabbit (Architects)

Eco Pod Concepts Ltd ; Steve Brackebush (Prefab Manufacturer)


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