The floorless GRP pods have been estimated to reduce operating costs by over 50% compared to traditionally built bathrooms.

The enhanced GRP pods have two key features:

• A floorless option – This allows the pods to be installed directly onto the floor slab to achieve continuous level floors throughout. This solution minimises floor build-up for each storey and is ideal for schemes where there is no underfloor heating in the apartments.
• Strong aesthetic – An attractive porcelain tile-effect finish can be achieved which is integral to the pod carcase. This avoids the need for grout and tiles in the wet areas, significantly reducing ongoing maintenance. Other interior design options include recesses, panels inset with back-painted glass or coloured acrylic, porcelain-tiled feature walls, fitted cabinets and solid surface vanity shelves.

Over the life of the pods, the operating cost saving is estimated to be at least 50% compared to in-situ bathroom construction and the capital costs are around 15 to 20 per cent less than steel-framed pods.

James Stephens, Managing Director of Offsite Solutions said: “The new enhanced GRP pods have been developed to meet two principle specification requirements for build-to-rent homes – the option to supply the pods without floors to minimise floor build-up and a tile-effect finish to take the aesthetic appearance to a new level.

“We think this is a really exciting innovation. These elements, together with the reduced operating and capital costs, make this new type of pods a really compelling product offering.

“We have manufactured GRP pods for many years and this proven offsite technology has been widely used in the student accommodation sector.

“GRP composite pods are specified by developers and contractors for projects where robustness, longevity, ease of maintenance and lower capital and operating costs are the primary considerations.”

“Life cycle costing is also very important for build-to-rent housing providers – as it is to developers and operators of hotels and student accommodation.

“Our GRP pods have a life of at least 50 years and are extremely robust, therefore offering significant life cycle cost benefits for private rental and other schemes.

“More research is needed but from feedback we have received from our customers, the cost benefits of GRP pods compared to in-situ constructed bathrooms are considerable.”