Modular construction: PODs

The construction industry is undergoing radical change: a shortage of skilled workers, rising material costs and increasing time pressure in combination with higher quality requirements, are presenting planners, architects and construction companies with major challenges. At the same time, stricter regulations and increased environmental awareness are calling for more sustainable construction methods. Prefabricated bathrooms, so-called "PODs", meet these challenges holistically. 

PODs streamline construction by allowing bathroom units to be produced off-site while building work continues. This parallel process significantly reduces project timelines, minimises site traffic, and eliminates the need for complex trade coordination. For investors and project developers, this not only means faster completion, but also maximum planning security thanks to firmly calculable costs over the entire duration of the project. 

Manufactured under controlled conditions in Europe, PODs undergo rigorous quality checks, including leak testing, before delivery. This guarantees a level of consistency difficult to achieve on-site. Mock-ups allow architects and planners to refine designs early, while sealed delivery prevents damage and theft during installation.

Full Building Information Modelling (BIM) integration ensures accurate planning and seamless installation. All technical specifications, connection points and interfaces are stored in detail in the BIM models, minimising planning errors in the early project phases and ensuring a smooth integration into the overall building.  

PODs contribute to the sustainability of projects with optimised material use, minimal waste, and reduced packaging. Their modular design allows for easy renovation, adaptation, or reuse in future projects. These aspects support building owners and architects in meeting sustainability standards and extend the life cycle of the bathroom units well beyond their normal useful life. The complete documentation including EPDs facilitates certification in accordance with LEED or BREEAM - an increasingly important aspect in project development.

The steel frame construction method has established itself as the standard solution for prefabricated bathroom modules in Central Europe and is ideal for most project requirements. At less than half the weight of a concrete structure, it places significantly lower demands on the load-bearing capacity of the building structure. For special load requirements, a robust concrete structure is also possible, primarily used when, for example, large ventilation systems or heavy superstructures need to be taken into account. 

Even at the design stage, particular emphasis is placed on the future maintenance and servicing of the bathrooms. The individual arrangement of water and power connections for each unit and accessibility to maintenance shafts considerably simplifies service work. Facility Managers benefit from complete documentation of all installed products, including detailed wiring diagrams, and spare parts can be easily reordered.

With over 150,000 units installed worldwide in hotels, healthcare facilities, and high-end residential developments, prefabricated bathrooms set new standards in efficiency, quality, and sustainability. Providing expert guidance from initial planning through every stage of the project, from selecting LAUFEN products to final installation.