Modular canopy for rapid deployment cells project

Twinfix have been working with Algeco on a new, exciting project. Algeco, Europe’s leading modular building solutions brand was awarded a Framework contract totalling £21.9m to supply secure units to the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), with the option to order further units. As part of the supply of these secure modular units, Algeco have asked Twinfix to design, supply and install walkway covers along the front of each modular section and in communal areas to completely cover the space, providing a crossing place.

Meeting short term demands

The Rapid Deployment Cells Project requires Algeco to provide ‘safe and decent accommodation’. Algeco’s Cannock facility will manufacture the cells utilising DFMA (Design for Manufacturing and Assembly) and Lean Manufacturing techniques. The company will install and commission a variety of units including sleeper accommodation, accessible accommodation, and ancillary units at multiple locations around the country. MoJ secured funding to design and build 1,000 additional temporary prison places, the majority of these will be delivered throughout this year. The Rapid Deployment Cells Project was initiated to create a new design that can be quickly deployed to a variety of sites to help meet the short term demands of the prison estate.

Minister for Prisons and Probation Damian Hinds said:

“Prison cells protect the public by making sure we have enough space to put dangerous offenders behind bars – that’s why we’re investing £4 billion to deliver 20,000 extra places. We’re rolling out a thousand Rapid Deployment Cells to create extra spaces quickly while we press ahead with the biggest expansion of prisons in over a century – building six new jails and creating thousands of additional cells by renovating and expanding existing sites.”

Twinfix are very proud to be asked to be part of this exciting project and worked to design a bespoke system to meet our clients exacting requirements. As our canopy was to be attached to Algeco’s secure modular units, we needed to ensure that the design included some adjustability to allow and compensate for any tolerance in the modular unit’s installation. The finished canopy was to have secure discreet fixings coloured to match the main structure and provide a clean line to the secure facility.

The tests of time

As our product is made of long-lasting aluminium, we knew that longevity of the design wouldn’t be a problem. The canopy is a modular design and prefabricated off- site, making it quick and easy to assemble on site with minimal disruption. Lightweight aluminium is easily to handle, transport and requires minimal maintenance over its lifetime. Our customisable modular design can be altered to suit specific needs of the client, changes can include size, shape, and colour.

Initially, we installed our design at HMP Norwich. We strive to continuously improve and innovate, and we used this as a learning experience, making a few minor adjustments to the design to facilitate speedier installation. At HMP Hollesley Bay, which was our second installation, we applied this learning, making small adjustments to the design, enabling us to install the entire system in just over eight weeks, bringing the canopy installation in, ahead of schedule and on budget.

A well-oiled machine.

As a requirement for this work, our team had to undergo enhanced DBS and background checks. With everything approved our team prepared themselves by refreshing their skills with Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWP’S) and developing a Safe System of Work. This ensured everyone was aware of the hazards, especially those associated with working at height. By making sure each member of our team was part of the solution, it meant when the time came to install on site, the team were a well-oiled machine.

Vicky Evans, Twinfix Director said: “We are thrilled to be part of this new project, working with Algeco. We are excited to be using our new product and a new application, whilst remaining true to our roots. We continue to look at all opportunities to provide sustainable and cost-effective solutions to our clients and work collaboratively with our supply chain partners.”