@inproceedings { , title = {A comparison of modern methods of bathroom construction: a project case study.}, abstract = {Volumetric modules are often employed as an efficient and effective means of constructing highly serviced areas in buildings such as bathroom, kitchens and structures to house mechanical plant and equipment. Recent developments in structurally integrated volumetric pod concepts have seen a shift towards small format modules with the ability to be configured to provide alternative architectural solutions as part of a product family architecture. However, without careful consideration of the procurement strategy for such products, cost variation can arise from additional labour and materials required to make good and mend the results of design and construction process decisions that may not have been undertaken in concurrence. Using the unique case of a city centre project constructed using volumetric bathroom pods and a series of pre-engineered component kits (supplied by the pod manufacturer) an unusual financial comparison of two modern methods of bathroom construction is presented. The data emanating from the unit of study includes manufacturers production cost data and site based sub-contractors labour and material costs and considers the context of the construction in terms of new-build and building refurbishment. This is then used to provide an economic comparison of the use of volumetric pods and simpler pre-engineered component kits. Significant cost variation has occurred and the benefits of using off-site manufactured bathroom pods have been eroded due to specific procurement decisions and the complexity of the interface procedure with other trades and on-site constructed building elements. Using this method of comparison, those considering implementing modern methods of construction for bathroom and washroom facilities are provided with procurement strategy guidance in obtaining improved control over labour and material costs through using the modern methods of construction presented. Keywords: Buildability, innovation, prefabrication, standardisation, cost.}, conference = {Association of Researchers in Construction Management Annual Conference}, note = {Conference dates: 7th-9th September 2009 School: sch\_eng}, organization = {Nottingham, Unities Kingdom}, pages = {1173-1182}, publicationstatus = {Published}, url = {http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/id/eprint/7756}, keyword = {690 Buildings, 691 Building materials, TH Building construction, Buildability, innovation, prefabrication, standardisation, cost}, year = {2009}, author = {Taylor, Mark D and Fisher, Amy and Wamuziri, Sam} }