A temporary fix?

Port consultant Gavin Lloyd of Gifford says that a fair amount of preliminary work is required before putting up a temporary structure - it really isn't a question of just "pitching a tent". Especially as "temporary" in engineering terms can mean a design life of 20 years.

Defining the exact aims and purpose of the structure often digs deep into the client's growth projections and profitability, says Mr Lloyd, adding clients often don't enter the process with an idea suited to their business plans.

Mark Taylor of Spaciotempo concurs, saying: "It is not a simple case of placing an order for a temporary shell," pointing out a 'partnership approach' is vital to get it right.

Mr Taylor says that one of the issues concerns technology: "With sensitive equipment it is critical that the client understands the environment that needs to be created by the structure." He goes on to add that people don't always know what they need straight off the bat - one build had to be extensively modified after initial installation to include thermal and insulation properties due to the nature of weather conditions at the port.

Consultants like Gifford often run computer simulations showing the characteristics, stock levels and flow of goods in order to develop a suitable design - also making sure that 'temporary' is the right way to go in the first place.

Mr Lloyd also advises, beyond site surveys, getting the nod from local authorities too - there may be sticky issues surrounding permissions, and it is a good idea to involve the planning authorities from the start to avoid problems later - even if the structure is on port grounds.

He adds that one of the most important evaluations to be made is the structure's design life. "It may well be the right, strategic answer over and above a permanent building, but there is still the big question of 'how do you design for a temporary life that will still be robust enough to take on the unexpected?'"

Mr Lloyd adds that the very nature of these structures means there is always a cost implication to better proofing or making a design robust against accidents or extremes - for example, custom built structures can be designed with superior load capabilities, but all of this cuts into the budget.

"On the other hand, if you ask the client if they will be happy to take on repairs, the answer is almost always 'No'."

Which may well send a client staggering back to the more permanent shelter of a traditional building which won't require the same attention. However the dynamic may be changing: Guillaume Hermineaud of Spaciotempo notes that in the last two years, rather than working directly with the port authorities, the trend has been toward direct dealings with operators and logistics companies.

Flexibility is another point in temporary structure's favour. "Because of their portable, modular design, relocating and reusing them is both easy and cost-effective," says Beth Wilson of Mahaffey. This makes them increasingly popular in the current state of the economy, especially as industrial ports often lack spare warehouse room. The port of Rouen, for example decided to bring in temporary structures as it gave them a speedy reaction to very varied cargo needs - including those that need extra height to circulate large vehicles.

Whether as a temporary or permanent installation, fabric structures have an immediate cost advantage over conventional buildings, because the intensive fabrication is completed before installation at the operating site - which means they also have relatively less impact "on the ground".

Heather Shearer from Quick Space adds that the ease and flexibility of the build is what appeals to many. "Because it is a modular design, we can transform a car-park into a fully floored, insulated warehouse in two days or so" she says, but it doesn't require heavy lifting equipment because it is all based on modular A frames.

"All the alloy uprights, steel sides, base plates, and ground bolts or pins are delivered onsite" she explains - there are no other foundations because the frames are attached directly to the pins. "Then these are erected - rather like pulling up the masts of ship in a bottle, so a small mobile crane or even fork-lift truck can do it." And while light, the structures are stable, with a high snow and wind-load capacity.

There are many types of temporary structures, from lightweight tensioned fabric to those cladded with steel or plastic panelling or systems that are a mixture of both, each coming with its own specific features. For example, if a membrane structure or roof is chosen, a lower resistance to the environment may be balanced by natural air circulation and daylight inside. There are, however, a great many versions and modifications offered by each company, including slide or roller-doors, heating and insulation, windows, mezzanine floors and more.

But one thing is consistent: virtually all give 'flexibility' to working spaces. Importantly, this modular approach also allows ports to have a second bite of the cherry - if they don't get the sizing or shape right first time round.

Mark Taylor says: "Clients do come back and request changes to the footprint of the building if they have overestimated or underestimated the requirement." Walls and partitions can be added or removed as the work demands and buildings can be gutter linked together to create more space while retaining the 'feel' of a single building.

But Ms Shearer adds that in her experience, people usually want to extend rather than contract. "It's like any cupboard at home - once you use it and fill it up, you always think you could do with a bit more."

Of course, with budget being the bottom line with so many affairs these days, if a port wants a building and at the start decides on a fixed-price approach, the ball-game changes appreciably. "If costs are nailed down before you start", points out Mr Lloyd "the plans have to be that much better".