The modpodTM demountable modular Accommodation, Service and Storage solution was originally designed for the mining and defence industries. However, it has much broader application to a wider variety of markets and product solutions, see Table 1.

The modpodTM offers a superior alternative to the traditional product solutions ranging from Atco Huts, to converted steel containers, to modular housing solutions. The modpodTM are constructed out of an aero military grade composite hybrid solution that offers superior strength and durability but with the benefit of reduced weight.

The modpodTM is not only strong but is also simply constructed, designed for Mass Production, and easily transported to remote areas. The harsh environmental conditions of these remote areas, from hot dry dusty deserts, to cold wet Arctic or Antarctic tundra, have been considered in the design and construction of the modpodTM, with the modpodTM offering exceptional thermal and acoustic insulation. Strong and long lasting, simply constructed and easily transported, aesthetically pleasing and comfortable to live in, are all elements that combine to create an exceptional product for modular Accommodation, Service and Storage

modpodTM Materials and Construction Method

The simplicity of its design contrasts with the sophistication of the materials used in the manufacture of the modpodTM. The frame of the modpodTM consists of a laser cut box steel structure. The modpodTM panels are made from a hybrid honeycomb composite material rarely before used in Australian production. The panels are vacuum formed to a pressure of one atmosphere, the result being that the modpodTM walls are both tough, six times stronger than steel by weight, and at the same time extremely light.

The consequence of the modpodTM wall design is a three layer composite hybrid structure that provides extremely effective thermal and acoustic insulation qualities and great strength. The air gap within the honeycomb cells and the air gap between Layer 1 and Layer 3 provide additional thermal and acoustic insulation. Layer 1 is a multiaxial structural E glass honeycomb composite panel. Layer 2 is a laser cut box steel frame that acts as a skeleton for the entire modpodTM structure and also provides the air gap between layers 1 and 3. Layer 3 is a second multiaxial structural E glass honeycomb composite panel.

The themal insulation qualities provided by the design of the modpodTM structure, reduces the amount of electricity required for split system air conditioning to maintain a consistent livable temperature within the modpodTM.

All modpod are made using fire retardant resins and so will not burn nor produce toxic fumes when exposed to the extremes of an Australian bushfire. The modpodTM requires little maintenance and in particular will never need painting in its lifetime.

modpod Transport as easy as Shipping a Container

For the purposes for ease of transportation, the modpodTM uses the outer dimensions of standard 20ft or 40ft High Cube shipping containers and standard container twist lock feet. The twist lock feet allow for secure fixing during transport as well as secure fixing to specially designed modpodTM footings for long term or short term on site installation. The modpodTM footing products are available for short or long term installations on variable ground ranging from unprepared sites, to cyclone proof footings on well prepared civil sites. The container design also provides for Crane Lifting Points at the extremities of the modpodTM roof, and fork lift slots below the modpodTM.

The advantage of using any container standards for transportation
is that it enables any modpodTM to be simply plugged in to any transport vehicle that has been designed to carry standard shipping containers. This allows the modpodTM to be shipped via Road, Rail, Sea or Air in exactly the same way as any other shipping container. In particular when shipping by road, there is no requirement for special road escort foof day transport, and no requirement for police permit.

The modpod identified in this post is built using the 20ft High Cube Container dimensions and weighs only 2800kg with all of the furniture and modern conveniences installed in the modpodTM. This allows for the use of much smaller lifting devices in the process of loading and unloading the modpodTM. A single 3T forklift can be shipped on a flat bed trailer to allow clients to load and unload the modpodTM.