30 Mar Engineered mobile units: the solution for any environment
EVOLUTION OF A CONCEPT
Modular mobile structures have evolved in sync with the new requirements of liveability, business, and personal security.
Much more than just a technological modernisation, the whole concept has changed! A journey that mirrors the evolution of humanity, its way of life and its interaction with the external environment, alongside advancements in industrial and industrialisation processes.
Thanks to their versatility, these multifaceted structures are able to meet today’s diverse needs.
Conceived initially as containers for the industrial, commercial and goods transportation sectors, modular mobile units have evolved to take on more ambitious responsibilities. They now revolutionise and bring a futuristic touch to tasks like spatial organisation and physical security, even in the civil sector.
Until now, these units were mainly considered for traditional purposes related to shipbuilding:
- transformation cabins (extreme environments, construction sites)
- power distribution and lighting systems (tunnels, mines, worksites, large-scale projects)
- equipped shelters for industrial use
- refuge chambers for hazardous underground workplaces like mines and tunnel construction sites
Today, we can reimagine these modular mobile units for new scenarios and applications:
- Housing units for workers in hostile environments (e.g. deserts or polar regions)
- Structures equipped for emergency situations designed to protect the safety of people working underground in tunnels and mines
- Housing units in sparsely urbanised areas
- Housing units equipped for use in hazardous situations and for military/strategic purposes (e.g. the structure can be buried to create a completely concealed storage facility)
- Housing units for use in the tourism industry (especially in areas where traditional building is prohibited) and, within this, a new concept of unconventional luxury accommodation.
- Structures designed for exhibition and cultural activities at trade fairs, commercial areas and sports events.
- Structures for new types of social interaction, such as pop-up coffee shops or restaurants
- Structures for temporary stores (leading fashion brands like Adidas, H&M and Tiffany have chosen these types of structures to make an innovative and surprising presence on the market)
- Integrative structures for increasing space within existing buildings, particularly in densely populated areas or places facing bureaucratic building challenges
- Housing modules for a new era in contemporary living, featuring a sophisticated design, cutting-edge interior architecture and the use of eco-sustainable materials)
ALL GOOD REASONS
Fixed structures are increasingly being replaced by modular mobile units to meet today’s needs for transport and operational adaptability in both civil and industrial sectors.
The current and future focus is on modularity and on the search for solutions to:
√ streamline the commissioning process
√ rely on predefined construction timelines
√ rely on assured, lower costs
√ reduce environmental impact
The complexity of business activities, the growing need for companies to expand their global presence, even in unexplored or difficult geographical areas, the undertaking of large-scale construction and reconstruction projects, the need to protect human life in all working environments, the increasingly limited time and resources, and the quest for an environmentally sustainable future collectively compel companies and public entities to adopt efficient tools aimed at effectively managing projects. Whether these projects involve building a plant, launching a new business or establishing operations in a foreign country, the objective is to overcome challenges such as excessive bureaucracy, difficulties in securing skilled labour on site, risks associated with the safety of workers engaged in dangerous activities, and potential delays in the commencement of commercial activities.
Mobile units represent a tangible solution to today’s economic, social and environmental challenges.
Let’s consider two priority issues of our time: urbanisation and environmental impact
SUSTAINABLE URBANISATION
A global phenomenon marked by exponential growth that affects both industrialised and emerging countries with high population density, as well as developing countries where construction and liveability risks are very high. This is especially true for Africa, where, as amply justified by the OECD and the United Nations Development Programmes, there is a pressing need for a sustainable structural transformation to establish the foundations for robust commercial development and provide stability to local living conditions.
A low-cost urbanisation system that fosters a socio-economic network by creating the essential conditions for a civilised society.
Creating the necessary infrastructures and services for collective well-being, even in challenging environments or extreme geo-climatic conditions can be achieved rapidly and cost-effectively through mobile solutions, such as transformation cabins for electrification, water purification units, refrigerated shelters for diverse commercial activities, as well as structures for schools and hospitals. All purpose-built in full compliance with the health and safety regulations. Units designed not only for individual uses, but also for the demands of entire urban agglomerations.
The most effective approach for creating new spaces quickly, safely and comfortably!
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Pollution caused by traditional construction inevitably affects the entire natural ecosystem (water, air, land) due to the combustion of fuel in machinery and the use of toxic materials on construction sites – often involving non-renewable and difficult to dispose of resources. These practices have severe consequences for the natural habitat of many animal species.
The modular construction approach provides a concrete means of objectively reducing pollution. This is achieved through the reuse and recycling of materials, thus preserving the environment and mitigating irreversible damage to the ecosystem and the human species.
Mobile units represent the ideal combination of design freedom and maximum customisation (flexibility), ensuring high levels of quality thanks to the engineering standards achieved (innovation). They also offer definite time-scales and cost-effectiveness (efficiency).
What are the features and advantages of modular structures?
CUSTOMISATION: flexibility to accommodate specific customisation requests or needs
EFFICIENCY: lower costs, certainty in costs and optimisation of resources
SPEED: short and defined construction and installation times
VERSATILITY: adaptability to any environment (urban, tropical, desert, construction sites, mines, tunnels, large works) and to any use (civil, commercial) with efficient space optimisation. They can be dismantled and reused for future purposes.
RELIABILITY: solid, highly resistant and durable enough for multiple purposes.
DYNAMICITY: technologically evolving and adaptable to new requirements. Simple and easy to expand using standard modular modules.
SAFETY: certified and compliant with international safety and building regulations, similar to the conventional building industry. No detail is overlooked or sacrificed!
EASE OF TRANSPORTATION: easy to transport by road, rail or ship, without the need for specific procedures. Loading and unloading operations are extremely streamlined.
AUTONOMY: can be assembled anywhere and are ready to use, operating autonomously from a hydro-energy point of view.
RELY ON THOSE WHO GUARANTEE HIGH QUALITY STANDARDS
The anticipated surge in the use of these solutions is expected to bring about increasingly advanced offerings to meet the growing needs. This change in approach will impact not only multinational companies but also small and medium-sized manufacturing companies.
Key factors in choosing a solution revolve around the reliability and flexibility offered by the manufacturer.
WE WALTER, a leader in the field of engineered mobile units for over 50 years, embraces the present and anticipates the future.
The company operates in three main areas: industrial, civil and defence.
By industrialising the process, it specialises in the design and construction of tailor-made, turnkey engineered mobile units, such as technological shelters, refuge chambers and transformation cabins. All meticulously designed to operate in any environment, while providing a consistent guarantee of reliability and optimal functioning. All strictly certified and compliant with specific international standards.
WE WALTER manufactures insulated, armoured, air-conditioned, highly soundproof, fireproof, pressurised mobile units designed for full operation even in the most extreme conditions and full autonomy (stand-alone mode) even in catastrophic events such as natural gas dispersion, fires, explosions with smoke leakage, rock falls, avalanches, floods, connected to mining and tunnelling activities (roads, railway lines, pipelines, mines) or in situations of defence against terrorist attacks. They are built to resist explosions, fire, bullets and are equipped with air purification systems, toilet facilities, and advanced filtering systems for radioactive, chemical and bacteriological polluting substances.