Pandemic severely disrupts Auckland construction schedules: could this overseas solution transform the industry?
Following the recent move from Alert Level Four to Alert Level Three during this COVID outbreak, construction sites across Auckland have slowly begun reopening, while still having to follow government health and hygiene requirements.
Following the recent move from Alert Level Four to Alert Level Three during this COVID outbreak, construction sites across Auckland have slowly begun reopening, while still having to follow government health and hygiene requirements, such as: Safe construction management plans. For details, see YIJU’s report of 20 September. Many construction industry professionals say it will be difficult for progress to return quickly to pre-pandemic levels while cases remain!
Pandemic-related construction delays are inevitable, and builders need time to adapt to special working arrangements under the new protective measures. However, these delays and their additional costs are not the industry’s biggest current challenge.
Data released by CoreLogic in August shows that New Zealand construction costs are rising at their fastest pace in nearly 9 years. CoreLogic’s Cordell Housing Index Price (CHIP) recorded a 2.2% surge in residential construction costs in the June quarter, the largest increase since the index began. This pushed annual construction cost growth to 4.5%, up from 3.3% in March. CoreLogic NZ chief property economist Kelvin Davidson said the construction industry had been operating at full capacity for months. Reports of labour shortages and pressure on building material supply chains had kept emerging, and “these are now starting to show up more clearly in the higher construction costs builders have to charge their clients”.
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We could not help asking: Is there an effective way to shorten construction schedules while also addressing building material supply chain problems?
There is. At the recently held 2021 New Zealand International Building Expo, Argus Engineering impressed visitors with the latest technology from renowned German bathroom brand BRAVAT: a prefabricated complete bathroom solution!
What is a prefabricated complete bathroom?
According to Argus Engineering staff, a prefabricated bathroom, generally called a Unit Bathroom (UB), is manufactured industrially as a complete, integrated system for rapid installation on site. An integrated waterproof base combines with wall and ceiling panels to form an enclosed space, fitted with sanitaryware to create a self-contained bathroom unit. It accommodates washing, bathing, grooming and toilet use within a limited space. The earliest complete bathroom concept originated in the United States in 1938. It was later improved by the Japanese and used extensively in buildings for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. It subsequently developed considerably in Japan, where more than 80% of households now use complete bathrooms. Compared with the complex purchasing and construction processes of a traditional bathroom, a complete bathroom is like taking the showroom straight home.
What makes complete bathrooms stand out?
Traditional bathroom fit-outs commonly used in New Zealand involve relatively complex processes, and floors inevitably crack and deteriorate. Any leak can cause considerable inconvenience for residents. A complete bathroom needs only 2 workers and can be installed in as little as around 4 hours. Its integrated base effectively prevents leaks and has a service life of up to 20 years. Complete bathrooms also offer numerous other advantages, including thermal insulation and easy cleaning.
Complete bathrooms compared with traditional New Zealand bathroom fit-outs
Argus Engineering’s explanation made the benefits immediately clear to us. Labour alone offers considerable savings in time and cost. Building a traditional bathroom in New Zealand involves framing, plumbing and electrical work, waterproofing, plastering, installation and other processes, all demanding time and labour. BRAVAT’s complete bathroom requires only straightforward installation: 2 workers can finish in as little as 4 hours what would take a team at least 2 weeks, with consistent quality.
The advanced technology behind prefabricated bathrooms also extends beyond installation time and labour. Drawing on 20 years of research into people’s needs and accumulated technical expertise, BRAVAT’s Magic Block prefabricated bathrooms use preliminary research to consider every household member’s needs and design around their lifestyles. After selecting the most suitable combination of bathroom products, established prefabrication technology enables rapid, technologically advanced design and installation without harmful pollution.
# More thoughtful personalisation
Every detail is carefully designed for convenience and safety, taking account of different age groups. Examples include support fixtures that make daily life easier for older people, storage that keeps items beyond children’s reach, and features that help parents interact with their children.
# More considerate care for everyday life
Essential everyday functions are completed first. Toilet and bathing spaces can be finished on the first day of renovation, keeping daily routines intact.
# Connections planned for future needs
Provision is made in advance for future alterations or extensions as families grow and their needs and surroundings change. This makes later renovations easier and gives the space greater flexibility.
Why choose Argus Engineering?
As the New Zealand commercial products agent for Chinese brand Midea, Argus Engineering tailors products and services to local projects and provides a service platform for quality products. As part of Midea Group’s overseas network spanning 220 countries, it provides stable, reliable solutions and services for local projects, offering clients the best solutions throughout budgeting, design, installation and maintenance.
Before purchase: less hassle
A professional liaison team with extensive experience in New Zealand construction projects saves communication time and improves operational efficiency.
During purchase: confidence
As the New Zealand agent for premium German bathroom brand BRAVAT and Chinese brand Midea, Argus Engineering provides strong support through the best products and services for local construction projects.
After purchase: peace of mind
Professional installation supervision and after-sales service teams provide strong support for project operations.
Overall, Argus Engineering offers a one-stop solution.
