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Dr. Martin Schäfer: "More than 500 buildings as standard”
What is the story behind the modular system?
Schäfer: We performed an in-depth market analysis and during this process we calculated which building widths and heights are needed most frequently. We then combined these customer requirements with the necessary wind and snow loads. Furthermore, we graded the wide range of building geometries in such a way that a system was formed, which maps the list of the most appropriate building geometries by combining just a few components. The experience we have gained to date indicates that this was the right way to proceed.
How many options are available?
Schäfer: We have a total of over 500 buildings in the system as standard. We offer four different profiles with two different truss spacings. The buildings are built in up to 11 widths and 5 different eave heights. That makes 440 options already and a selection of single statics has also been added to the system. Nevertheless, we also tailor buildings to special customer requirements which are not met by the modular system.
How do customers benefit from this?
Schäfer: As we have already calculated so many statics and we have a “plan up our sleeve” for these, these are also inspected by TÜV, save our customers a great deal of time and money in spite of the extremely large selection.
How does the system accelerate the process?
Schäfer: We have prefabricated statics and construction drawings for each building geometry. Drawings for buildings specially tailored to customer requirements can be produced in a matter of minutes by our in-house developed drawing program by means of parameters. If a customer decides to purchase an aluminium building from us, these necessary documents are available to them straightaway. In the case of a steel building, a static must first of all be assembled, which may take around four to six weeks, if the structural engineer is not busy and is able to start on the calculations straightaway. In addition to this, construction and so-called factory drawings need to be created. All these times are now a thing of the past with our modular system.
How does the system affect building rental?
Schäfer: The modular system allows us to easily combine components with each other. This was certainly the plan as we developed it. For example, the roof membrane for a building with an unsupported width of 25 m can be used on any building with this width, regardless of the building length, height or wind and snow load. The same applies for trapezoidal sheets and ISO panels. Our components can be repeatedly recycled. Our various frame profiles can of course also be combined and reused. Due to the fact that we use a minimal number of components for many different building geometries, not to mention that we can re-use such components several times, this of course has a substantial effect on the building costs and allows us to keep our rental prices so reasonable.
Which warehouse sizes are possible?
Schäfer: The smallest building would have a width of 5 m and a length of 4 m and therefore a floor area of 20 m², additionally the smallest eave height could now be combined with 3.40 m. The largest building currently has a 40 m unsupported width with a minimum length of 30 m as well as an eave height of 6.40 m. It is however important to know that the length of our temporary buildings is not restricted, we have already erected buildings measuring lengths of 250 m. Projects of over 10,000m² therefore do not phase us. And if the 40 metre width is not quite enough for you: We also offer buildings with multiple bays.