General Info
How do I determine if a bathroom pod is suitable for my project?
Bathroom pods are delivered as fully finished, self-contained units designed for integration with the building’s structural and MEP systems.
What are the programme and coordination advantages compared to in-situ construction?
Bathroom pods reduce site complexity by combining trades into a factory-finished unit, improving quality, reducing labour and rework, and enabling predictable installation and cost certainty.
What installation rate can typically be achieved on a high-rise project?
Bathroom pod installation rates on high-rise projects depend on logistics, crane access, and floor sequencing, typically aligning with one floor cycle per structural progression.
How many pods have you delivered to date?
Sterchele has delivered over 80,000 prefabricated bathroom pods across Europe for major residential, commercial, and healthcare projects, proving its large-scale production capability.
Pricing, Quotes, and Specifications
What is the weight of a bathroom pod?
Pod weight depends on configuration and structural system.
Can bathroom pods include windows or non-standard door configurations?
Window and door openings are pre-formed during manufacturing, including the option for full-height and sliding systems. Subframe alignment is coordinated with the pod wall and façade build-up. All penetrations and structural modifications are planned before production to ensure dimensional accuracy, compliance, and proper integration with the building envelope.
What are typical wall and base thicknesses?
The pod construction is finalized during the design coordination phase. Available base options include a standard concrete base (approximately 2400 kg/m³), a lightweight concrete base (approximately 1800 kg/m³), and steel/tubular structural alternatives for projects with weight restrictions. Typical floor build-ups are around 90 mm for the standard configuration and 110 mm for walk-in shower or embedded drainage configurations. These dimensions include 10 mm neoprene support pads and a minimum 5 mm leveling tolerance. Final dimensions are provided in approved-for-construction drawings before manufacturing begins.
How is fire performance managed within the pod and at service interfaces?
Fire performance requirements are addressed during the design development phase in line with the project’s fire strategy. This includes selecting materials that meet specified fire classifications, coordinating service penetrations, aligning with the Principal Contractor’s fire-stopping strategy, and clearly defining responsibilities between the pod manufacturer and building envelope contractor. Sterchele supports compliance by providing technical information and material data but does not act as the fire strategy designer. All interface coordination is completed before manufacturing to ensure dimensional accuracy and regulatory compliance.
How is acoustic performance addressed?
Acoustic performance is coordinated according to the project’s acoustic requirements and building specifications. Measures may include selecting concrete or lightweight bases to meet mass requirements, incorporating isolation details between the pod base and structural slab, and coordinating with surrounding floor and ceiling systems. Where applicable, designs are aligned with Part E performance targets. Acoustic considerations are integrated into the design review process to ensure compatibility with the building’s overall acoustic strategy.
Regulations and Certifications
What UK standards and regulations do bathroom pods comply with?
Sterchele bathroom pods are designed in line with UK Building Regulations and project-specific requirements, including Parts A, B, G, H, and M where applicable. Compliance is ensured through material selection, coordinated design reviews, and documented inspections.
How do bathroom pods support Higher-Risk Building (HRB) requirements under the Building Safety Act?
Bathroom pods support Higher-Risk Building (HRB) requirements by providing structured design data, formal approval stages, factory QA records, and coordinated testing and inspection. They also supply as-built documentation aligned with project information systems, improving traceability and reducing construction variability.
How are pods integrated into Gateway 2 and Gateway 3 processes?
For Gateway 2 and Gateway 3 processes, Sterchele supports compliance by providing coordinated technical information, including design drawings, specifications, factory inspection records, MEP testing certification, and as-built documentation. These outputs assist the Principal Designer and Principal Contractor, while Sterchele does not handle submissions directly.
How is documentation managed to support the Golden Thread of information?
Documentation is managed across design, manufacture, and inspection stages, including drawings, QA records, testing results, material traceability, and as-built information. These records can be integrated into digital systems to support the Golden Thread of information.
What quality management systems are in place?
Bathroom pods are produced under ISO 9001 quality management systems, including defined production inspections, dimensional checks before dispatch, photographic documentation, and non-conformity reporting. Additional certifications may apply based on project requirements, with documentation supporting traceability and the Golden Thread.
Design and Manufacturing
Can pods be integrated into refurbishment or retrofit schemes?
Bathroom pods can be used in retrofit projects, subject to structural and access validation. Key checks include existing floor load capacity, crane or lifting feasibility, route width and manoeuvring clearance, and integration with existing risers and service routes. Early-stage surveys are required to confirm dimensional compatibility and define installation sequencing.
How are Testing & Inspection (T&I) stages structured?
Testing and inspection are carried out in two stages: factory verification before dispatch and on-site inspection and functional testing after installation and service connection. All inspection records are documented and can be integrated into the project’s digital QA system to ensure full traceability and accountability.
How are late-stage design changes managed?
Late-stage changes are managed through a formal variation control process. Each change is assessed for structural impact, service coordination, compliance requirements, and programme implications. When required, updated drawings and documentation are issued before manufacture or installation to ensure alignment with approved design information.
What is your typical production capacity?
Sterchele operates controlled factory production lines dedicated to prefabricated bathroom pods, with capacity allocated based on confirmed project programmes. Production is planned during the pre-construction stage and aligned with project sequencing, tower-by-tower progression, and floor-by-floor installation strategies. Capacity supports high-rise residential, PRS schemes, student accommodation, and hospitality projects. For concurrent projects, delivery slots are formally scheduled to ensure continuous manufacturing and programme stability. The company has delivered over 80,000 bathroom pods across the UK and Europe, demonstrating scalable and repeatable production capability.
Transport, Delivery, and Installation
Are there dimensional or transport limitations?
Bathroom pods are typically delivered using standard UK trailers. One external dimension is generally kept under 2.45 m, while the second may extend up to 4 m. For larger configurations, split modular solutions or specialist transport arrangements are used. Transport planning is coordinated during the pre-construction stage to ensure alignment with site access strategy.
What are typical delivery lead times?
Delivery lead times for bathroom pods depend on whether a mock-up is required. With a mock-up, the process is typically around 17 weeks from order and final design approval, including 5 weeks for mock-up production and approval and 12 weeks for serial production and delivery. Without a mock-up, lead time is approximately 14 weeks from final design approval. Delivery sequencing is aligned with the site programme to support tower-by-tower installation planning.
How are pods protected during transport?
Bathroom pods are protected during transport through multiple protective measures. Each unit is fully shrink-wrapped in polyethylene, fitted with a temporary metal door, and supplied with additional protective sheeting. These measures safeguard the pods from weather exposure, handling damage, and short-term site storage risks. Condition is verified through a joint inspection upon delivery.
What is the typical unloading time per pod?
The typical unloading time for bathroom pods is approximately 10 minutes per unit. The method depends on site conditions and can involve either crane lift (top unloading) or forklift lateral unloading. This approach supports efficient and controlled logistics, particularly in constrained urban sites.
How are pods positioned on site?
The text explains two main methods for positioning pods on site: top-down installation, where pods are placed before the upper slab is cast and integrated during the structural phase, and post-structure rolling installation, where pods are lifted into place by crane or platform and rolled into position before façade completion. The chosen method is determined during pre-construction coordination to match the building sequence.
What site preparation is required?
The site preparation for pod installation requires a level and structurally verified floor slab, with marked neoprene support locations. Recessed installations must be coordinated early in the design phase. Neoprene pads help accommodate minor tolerances and ensure proper alignment with surrounding floor finishes.
How are pods moved safely on site?
Pods are safely moved on site using certified lifting systems, including lifting bushings and defined anchor points. Depending on weight and configuration, handling may involve cranes or forklifts. The lifting strategy is agreed in advance to ensure safe installation.
How are pods labelled and tracked?
Each pod is assigned a unique serial number to ensure full traceability throughout manufacture, delivery, installation, and quality assurance processes. This system supports floor allocation verification and maintains compliance with Golden Thread documentation requirements.
Who is responsible for connections between the pod and building services?
Responsibility for pod-to-building service connections is defined by the project scope. Typically, Sterchele manufactures and tests the pod, while the appointed M&E contractor completes on-site connections. Interface roles are coordinated during design to ensure alignment, with Sterchele supporting inspections when included in the scope.
Warranty, Maintenance, and Customer Support
How are damages or non-conformities managed?
Damages or non-conformities are managed through a three-stage QA process including factory inspection, 360° photographic documentation before dispatch, and joint on-site delivery inspection. Any issues are recorded and resolved through defined rectification procedures aligned with project quality systems.
What guarantees and warranties are provided?
Pods include a 10-year guarantee for structural and waterproofing elements, while equipment and sanitary fixtures are covered for 2–5 years depending on the manufacturer. Warranty coverage starts from the goods order date, with documentation provided in the final handover pack.
What maintenance is required after handover?
After handover, pod maintenance is similar to conventional bathrooms but simplified through design features such as centralised service ducts, accessible connections, and removable plumbing components. A project-specific O&M manual supports efficient lifecycle management.
How do you manage programme risk if site sequencing changes?
Programme risk from site sequencing changes is managed through structured variation and rescheduling processes, including revised installation reviews, adjusted delivery batches, and production reallocation. Coordination with the main contractor ensures alignment, while early communication helps minimise disruption and maintain control of programme and costs.