Product Description
The unit is not only strong but is also simply constructed and easily transported to remote areas. The conditions of these remote areas have been considered in the design, the modpod© offering exceptional thermal and acoustic insulation. Strong and long lasting, simply constructed and transported, aesthetically pleasing and comfortable to live in are all elements that combine to create an exceptional product. Materials Used / Method The modpod© has been developed to satisfy the needs of the current demountable housing market. The simplicity of its design contrasts the sophistication of the materials used in the manufacture of the house. The frame of the house consists of a laser cut box steel structure. The panels are made from a honeycomb composite material rarely before used in Australian production. The glass cloth used in making this composite is a multi axial stitched cloth that traditionally reserved for high performance composite manufacture. The panels are vacuum formed to a pressure of one atmosphere, the result being that the panels are both tough, six times stronger than steel by weight, and at the same time extremely light. All modpod© are made using fire retardant resins.
The airspaces within the honeycomb cells and the airspace within the wall cavity provide thermal insulation. This reduces the electricity used for air-conditioning in hot climates. Likewise, the varying density of the materials through which sound waves must pass breaks the waves up in a similar way to double-glazing. The modpod© housing units have been completely designed by ModraHayes using technologies developed by Lotus Racing for Formula One Cars. The company employs matrix and sandwich construction that embraces weight reduction and advantages in strength. Honeycomb composite is a minimum of six times the strength of steel by weight. The modpod© can be specifically engineered to suit the clients purposes; such as bullet proofing for the defence force, and cyclone proofing for the mining industry in Western Australia
The relative lightness of this material is a carefully thought out element of the design. modpod© manufacturers ModraHayes have considered the cost of transport in the current demountable housing market. The modpod© system is designed within the standard dimensions of a 40ft shipping container and is therefore easily transported to remote sites via existing shipping container logistics. The unit is then deployed by pulling out the expansion units, easily creating a comfortable living area. The modpod© uses a container shipping twist lock system for anchoring to sites and transport. Cadds Minlaton and Warooka Transport Company have been engaged to handle delivering the Units. These companies have the infrastructure to transport our projected initial order of 100 Units. Interior Layout
The often-harsh climatic conditions in these remote areas have also been considered when selecting the material used for the panelling and interior of the modpod©. Although simplicity of design and construction, ease of transport and durability are all constituents in the choice of material, the exceptional thermal and acoustic insulation that the material offers has also been paramount. The interior of the modpod© can be designed individually to meet specific client needs – the honeycomb composite and polished fibreglass insides mean that an array of interior design configurations is available – that are again aesthetically pleasing and durable. The furniture and interior fittings are literally moulded into the unit offsite, to provide clients with an instant interior that is both stylish and modern.
The demountable housing market currently relies heavily on housing that was designed in the 1950’s. The modpod© offers a modern alternative at a competitive price. With current mining booms in South Australia, and housing shortages in the mining industry across Australia, especially in Western Australia, the current market for the product is veracious. Not only this, but the product will definably aid other industry.
The houses will be manufactured in Warooka, ten kilometres from Point Turton, on the Yorke Peninsula in South Australia, a rural community with little alternative employment to the farming and fishing industries. All other current employment services these industries. Considering the drought affectedness of the area, the project has the potential to offer employment to 150 local employees, with minimal training requirements for manufacture. The majority of young people move away from the area because of lack of work. Competitive advantage of the Modpod© There are a number of competitive advantages of the modpod© over what is currently available. To transport the unit will be one six of the cost of current demountables. This reduction of cost is attributed to the employment of existing Shipping Container logistics whereby the modpod© can be transported via road, rail or sea requiring no special modifications. Incorporated into these design logistics are standard twist locks and expanding and contracting nature of the product. By contrast, the current demountables require on site builders, movement with vehicles that are wide load and are not able to be shipped by rail or sea. These factors all contribute to the relative cost efficiency of the proposed product. The demountable housing market currently relies heavily on housing designed in the 1950’s. The modpod© is a modern version of these units; in form, function and manufacture. Ease of production in comparison to the current market standard is clear. The production material, lightweight plastic, ensures that the units may be assembled rapidly and in multiples. With the development of appropriate infrastructure and the assurance of intellectual property, the modpod© has the potential to meet worldwide demands. The material does not require paint, a factor that enhances the longevity of the product and its comparable aesthetics over time against its competitors.
The modernity of the modpod© concept against currently available units extends beyond the aesthetic of the unit to the interior, and with it its ‘liveability’. Because of the materials used in production, the modpod© will be both cooler in summer and warmer in winter (also reducing energy costs). The interior is both modern and offers practical consideration. The furniture is moulded into the interior construction and may be tailored to suit individual clients needs. Amenities that may be included are IT phone, IT Television and Satellite Broadband Access. ModraHayes experience with the product in commercial application of the technologies that will be employed by the modpod©, allow the company to surmise that not only will the product offer the aforementioned advantages but will outlast any existing product currently available.
If you would like to find out more about modpod©, please do not hesitate to contact us. |
The modpod© is a demountable accommodation system that has been designed for the mining and defence industries. This housing offers a superior alternative to that currently available. modpod© are moulded out of an aero military grade composite that offers strength and durability at a competitive price. 
