Modular elevators are a great solution for modular construction projects, but often for an overlooked reason. The obvious list of benefits includes: quality factory manufacturing, less congestion on the jobsite, and the crane is already a part of the project so there is additional convenience. Although those positives are real and are a great benefit there is another factor that makes our elevators the perfect choice for any modular project.
Modular projects come in many different forms when it come to vertical transportation. Some place units around the planned hoistway. You see this most often with the inclusion of a traditional elevator in the project. In that type of construction a hoistway and pit is poured or constructed early in the build. Units are then placed to surround the hoistway.
When permanent power is supplied, the elevator is installed in the hoistway one piece at a time by an elevator crew. This process is slow, interferes with other trades onsite, and puts the builder at the mercy of the elevator mechanic. A modular elevator is better due to its flexibility.
If you chose to go with the MEM System there is no real need for a massive redesign of the entire project. All you have to do is pour a pit to our dimensions and leave a hole for the modular elevator to slip inside the building where the hoistway would have been built. Below, is a short video that shows the space left for duplexed elevators. It is then just a matter of easy insertion.
You can also see in the video that the MEM Elevator System is capable of more than just low-rise. Shipped in approximate fifty foot sections, we can provide solutions for modular projects up to seven stories, depending on total travel.
Another way to include the MEM Elevator System into your modular project is to start with setting the modular elevator first thing. Depending on the hoistway height, modular elevators are self-supporting structures. The elevator is simply put in place. Then modules go around the unit. Its just that easy.
If it is a tall enough project to require two sections, the MEM Elevator System can go in the queue with all your other modules. You set the lower section first and then set modules around the hoistway. Then place the second section of the modular elevator once you get to that level. We just need to understand your timing in advance.
Because of the flexibility build into the MEM Elevator System they are applicable in nearly any type of construction for any type of buildings. Our elevators and large enough to accommodate medical facilities to small commercial quality solutions for ADA regulations.
This is especially true for modular projects.
Regardless of the general plan, we will be with you to give support in the process and will meet with you to make sure there is a clear understanding of any requirements. Just know that when you choose the MEM Elevator System you are getting a faster solution that reduces project interference. The units are always high-quality and there is always a team standing with you during the project.
If you would like more information regarding the MEM Elevator System for use in one of your projects please click the button below to request a Fast Track Quote. Also, you can request a factory tour to get a better perspective on the revolutionary MEM Elevator System.
MEM Gains Approval Across the US – Los Angeles, CA. – Last month Modular Elevator Manufacturing made big news regarding HCD approval in California. It gained official approval for models of their MEM Elevator System in the state. But, now MEM continues to break news in the elevator and modular industry as well by adding projects in Connecticut, Illinois, Detroit – Michigan, Indiana, and Georgia this quarter.
The MEM Elevator System is a complete commercial quality elevator. It is a hoistway or shaft produced in a factory out of tough 4X4 inch steel, wrapped in drywall. Inside it contains all the elevator components pre-installed in the manufacturing facility. This includes the doors, wiring, the elevator cab, and all the buttons or hall calls. It arrives on a truck and put in place in a matter of a couple hours. When given power it is started up in less than a week.
First, MEM has produced and placed well over 100 elevators in several states, mostly in California. As MEM continues to expand and grow, jurisdictions once closed have become open to us. Along with the traction elevator approval this means more opportunities for inclusion in nearly all jurisdictions across the US.
“This is a gamechanger.” According to David Torres, National Sales Manager. “National acceptance, recognition from HCD in California, and approval to place units in Illinois, Michigan and other locations expands our opportunities. But it also expands the possibilities of a better elevator system in most states and cities across America.”
“This is a game changer!”
David Torres – MEM National Sales Manager
Torres went on to say that with the national housing shortage, modular elevators can speed any type of project to a faster completion. Many of the ponderous steps involved with onsite installation are removed as the installation is moved to a factory setting.
The California Department of Housing and Community Development gave its approval for the MEM Elevator System HW2 – 3500 product earlier this month and it will be a game changer for the elevator and construction industry. The California HCD is the state agency responsible for overseeing the planning, development, and preservation of affordable housing, as well as managing various housing-related programs and policies in California. The HCD works on initiatives to provide safe, affordable housing for residents, promote sustainable community development, and address homelessness. They also support local governments with housing policy, zoning regulations, and funding for housing projects.
This is a game changer for Modular Elevator Manufacturing (MEM) to be approved by the HCD. It ensures that the elevators meet strict safety, building, and accessibility codes required by the state. This approval ensures that the elevators are compliant with California’s standards, particularly for modular homes and structures that often need specialized installations. Plus this speeds up the approval process by weeks if not months, significantly closing the time from concept to installation.
Here are a few key reasons why approval from HCD is so important:
This breakthrough in approval means that the MEM Elevator System structure no longer has to go through the local jurisdictional inspection process. In short, the approval by HCD is necessary for ensuring that MEM elevators are safe, compliant, and ready for use in California’s modular construction projects.
Although this is great news for Modular Elevator Manufacturing there are some restrictions that need to be explained. The designation is not on all MEM products. It is for only the HW2 – 3500. This is the best selling commercial modular elevator in California. But depending on your project it may have to go through the normal approval process.
The designation is also only for modular housing projects in California. Although, MEM distributes nationwide to a wide variety of vertical markets including, apartment complexes, commercial structures, school, colleges and universities, stadiums, hotels, medical facilities, and other types of industries, the HCD designation does not apply.
The building tie-ins are not a part of the HCD approval and must still undergo approval by the proper authorities.
It is however to good to know that the HCD has recognized the MEM Elevator System.
Finally, the construction industry will have an approved alternative to traditional elevators that slow the construction process. There is no more waiting on the elevator for projects that can use the HCD designation. As a result on these projects the elevator company will no longer get in the way and control the jobsite. Also, it speeds up the approval process by weeks if not months, significantly closing the time from concept to installation.
On a side note, the HCD designation is important for other reasons. It shows that the Modular Elevator Manufacturing process and approved products are of the highest quality. Also, they can meet stringent approval processes in most any jurisdiction. This has been seen in the many approved projects. Even in some jurisdictions that were thought to have been off limits in the past.
So, whether you are in California or any other state in the union you can be confident that the modular elevator you are purchasing is high-quality. They are even a high enough quality for approval in earthquake prone California.
If you would like more information regarding the MEM Elevator System for use in one of your projects please click the button below to request a Fast Track Quote. Also, you can request a factory tour to get a better perspective on the revolutionary MEM Elevator System.
There are distinct advantages to the use of modular elevators for parking structures. This is especially true when adding the MEM Elevator System to you next project. Conversely, adding a conventional elevator to a new or existing parking facility can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Beyond that the process can take months. The MEM Elevator System is an architectural solution, which effectively deals with these issues, saving you time and money. Those are distinct advantages of the modular elevator and set us apart from other alternatives.
The MEM Elevator System, is a prefabricated the hoistway which is manufactured off-site in a remote location. This allows the modular elevator to be manufactured in the plant simultaneously to the construction of the parking structure.
Unlike conventional elevators, modular elevators don’t need to be an inherent part of the parking structure they are servicing. Instead, they are easily attached to the existing structure. This often is on the exterior of the building without having to share the same foundation.
For an existing parking structure that is adding floors and needs a vertical transportation system, a modular elevator is the ideal solution. It extends the life of the parking facility when adding a modular elevator. You will lose no square footage – all while ensuring accessibility for everyone.
Also, placing the modular elevator on-site before the parking facility is fully built is possible. It can even can be used as the construction elevator – as long as power is available.
See, regulators typically require a temporary construction lift for projects over three stories. The alternative is an elevator to be installed at a job site. A permanent modular elevator can be used to meet these requirements. It then eliminates the need to rent and expense a temporary lift. That in itself demonstrates distinct advantages of the modular elevator.
Additionally, modular construction offers shorter build times; typically 50 to 60 percent less than a traditional on-site construction project. A modular elevator can be up and running before a conventional hoistway is built. This provides an earlier return on investment and lower professional fees.
The two most common vertical transportation solutions used in parking facilities are hydraulic and traction machine roomless (MRL) elevators. Both are available full-sized for commercial use and both are equal in performance and quality.
Hydraulic has the advantage of being easier to install and maintain. This makes them a less expensive choice in the long run. As a result hydro elevators are the recommendation we most often make. They are in use in parking structures between two-to-five stories and are available with holeless-twin or in-ground jacks. Holeless hydraulic elevators use above-ground cylinders and are used in sustainable or cost-sensitive projects with two to three floors. With the holeless elevators you can eliminate the unknowns related to drilling for in-ground jacks.
The in-ground hydraulic system can easily accommodate five stories or even higher. It provides a smooth ride and lower maintenance costs overall.
The traction MRL is an option, that offers little more than the hydraulic units. It is marginally faster (literally seconds) and can achieve higher total travel. However, the additional speed comes with a cost of higher maintenance fees.
It is important for the contractor to work closely with the modular elevator manufacturer. They should be involved when planning and installing a modular elevator for a successful installation. Logistics and timing play an important role in maximizing the financial opportunities that modular elevators afford. The MEM team offers support, coordination and communication in the process.
The first step in the installation process is pouring the concrete elevator pit. The anchor bolt template from MEM is useful for precise positioning. Second, once the elevator is set in place, it is attached to the anchor bolts and verified to be plumb. You now have a fully installed elevator.
Next, the fully-assembled modular equipment room is set into place. This installation process is usually completed by lunch time. No kidding.
After the elevator is set, electrical, fire and phone services are provided and final adjustments are completed. Upon inspection and approval by the appropriate jurisdictions, the elevator is ready for use in a matter of days.
As you can see modular elevators offer many benefits over conventional elevators. For all low and mid-rise applications in new and retrofit construction we are the preferred solution.
Lastly, we can customize the ready-to-use MEM Elevator System. In that way we can meet the needs of any project. And the end results are indistinguishable from conventional construction. They are also available with vandal resistant features because we all know a parking garage elevator needs to be tough. One thing for sure there are distinct advantages of the modular elevator for the parking industry.
We hope we have laid out a good argument for the advantages of the modular elevator for parking structures. So if you have any interest contact us at any time. We will help you think though potential uses. If you have a project in mind, click the Fast Track button below. You will be provided a thumbnail number and receive additional information. If you would like to see how we create the elevator, you can register for a Live Virtual Tour. Or come visit our factory in person. We would love to show off a bit.