MEM Honored With Awards of Distinction – The Modular Building Institute is the premier organization when it comes to modular construction. They are the voice for the industry so when they speak, it is important. At their annual World of Modular Conference and awards banquet they spoke loudly when the MEM Elevator System took home two accolades. For the first time in the 40 year history of the organization, a modular elevator company walked away with trophies in two different categories.
The nominees that won where on two vastly different modular projects and demonstrates the flexibility of our modular elevator.
The first project is actually two unique types of facilities in one at the UCLA Olive View Medical Center. The Restorative Care Village and the Recuperative Care Center for short-term residential care. The architects made sure that the entire modular project including the elevators were welcoming, yet secure and safe. This was a 6 elevator and 6 machine room build for Modular Elevator Manufacturing. Five of the units were placed on the exterior walls of the project. The sixth was designed to fit in the middle of the building and be surrounded by modules.
With six elevators going into a building project in a short time there are always challenges. The modular elevators in this case did not interrupt the compressed building schedule by improving manufacturing processes and timing in house. This allowed for the elevator units to be ready for the set as needed by the delivery schedule and the construction crew onsite. This meant that there was no additional congestion during the build or slowdown in setting units. In most builds with multiple elevators the installation process slows and interrupts other trades onsite.
It is always difficult to quantify savings, however Clay Hubble – Project Superintendent for Abbott Construction put a fine point on the savings. He indicated that, “The MEM elevator allowed us to move up the whole process. Everyone can be pushed forward in sequence. Normally the elevator slows everything down. You have framers, rock and tape crews, floor prep, flooring, painters, electricians, sprinklers. They usually come out and work to the elevator openings on each floor. Then they have to stop.
With the fully installed modular elevator, all those crews complete their work in sequence. They make one trip out and no call back because the elevator’s openings came finished with door frames already installed. The results, we estimate that saved us $30,000 to $40,000 per opening.”
He went on the say, “You have a similar savings on the exterior. Framers, coping metal, parapet work was all done in sequence with no call backs. With 12 openings the savings were tremendous.”
MEM was awarded the runner-up trophy for the Award of Distinction.
The second Award of Distinction and First Place winner was Pop Up Park a part of Five Point – Irvine Great Park. It demonstrated architectural excellence in the way the modular elevator was seamlessly integrated into an outdoors space in a pre-purposed storage container project with beauty and elegance.
It incorporates a glass hoistway to give an open feel and less obstructed view of the surrounding 1500-acre park, soccer fields and dining area. A second-floor open walkway to the elevator is utilized making it separate from the overall structure. This important architectural detail gives a more open feel and free traffic flow. As a result of the architectural design the modular elevator was created and engineered to be a fully self-supporting structure in a high earthquake zone. In the Modern/Industrial style, the structure and awning were finished in the factory to be matte black, matching the surrounding railings and overall structure and theme. This project makes the outside a comfortable inside space.
The entire project is designed to be innovative and sustainable with use of used cargo containers creating an oasis in the vast park. The modular elevator is no exception. It is made of recyclable materials including a steel hoistway. All components are sized to reduce waste and increase efficiency.
Also, organic hydraulic fluid is used in the conveyance system. It is safe for the environment even in the unlikely event an above ground jack leaks or fails. Another innovation is a detachable, recyclable awning system that can be easily replaced as needed. This extends the life span as an outside elevator, due to weather exposure, rarely last longer than the interior parts. Lastly, the MEM elevator reduced weeks of technicians coming and going from the jobsite while the hoistway and elevator components are being built or installed. This modular elevator installed in four hours and was ready for inspection in four days.
We all love to win and it was a lot of fun to be called up in front of industry peers. But the recognition means more than just the trophies. It means we are doing things right and our team can get confirmation of their abilities and work product to continue to lead the elevator revolution that we started 20 years ago. It also was a time to reflect on our relationship with the modular industry. Although our system can be placed in modular projects, it is flexible enough to be incorporated in any building. But our roots are in modular! We will continue to build our ties to that industry especially through the Modular Building Institute and the annual World of Modular convention. See you all in Orlando next year.
MEM Awards of Excellence – This year we have two projects placed in competition. They are very different, but truly showcase how our Modular Elevator System can be used.
The first project is actually two unique types of facilities in one at the UCLA Olive View Medical Center. The Restorative Care Village features several buildings and services that provide enhanced mental health services & support. The second a Recuperative Care Center for short-term residential care. As a result, the architects made sure that the entire project including the elevators were welcoming, yet secure and safe. This was a 6 elevator/12 modular unit build for Modular Elevator Manufacturing with 6 fully functioning modular elevators delivered and an equal amount of machine rooms. Five of the units were placed on the exterior walls of the modular project. The sixth was designed to fit in the middle of the building and be surrounded by modules. As this was a modular building project in totality the architecture was uniquely adjusted to allow placement of the elevator units.
With six elevators going into a building project in a short time there are always challenges. The modular elevators in this case did not interrupt the compressed building schedule by improving manufacturing processes and timing in house. This allowed for the elevator units to be ready for the set as needed by the delivery schedule and the construction crew onsite. This meant that there was no additional congestion during the build or slowdown in setting units. In most builds with multiple elevators the installation process slows and interrupts other trades onsite.
It is always difficult to quantify savings, however Clay Hubble – Project Superintendent for Abbott Construction put a fine point on the savings. He indicated that, “The MEM elevator allowed us to move up the whole process. Everyone can be pushed forward in sequence. Normally the elevator slows everything down. You have framers, rock and tape crews, floor prep, flooring, painters, electricians, sprinklers. They usually come out and work to the elevator openings on each floor. Then they have to stop.
With the fully installed modular elevator, all those crews complete their work in sequence. They make one trip out and no call back because the elevator’s openings came finished with door frames already installed. The results, we estimate that saved us $30,000 to $40,000 per opening.”
He went on the say, “You have a similar savings on the exterior. Framers, coping metal, parapet work was all done in sequence with no call backs. With 12 openings the savings were tremendous.”
The second MEM Awards of Excellence entry is Pop Up Park a part of Five Point – Irvine Great Park. Architectural excellence is exhibited in the way the modular elevator was seamlessly integrated into an outdoors space in a pre-purposed storage container project with beauty and elegance.
It incorporates a glass hoistway to give an open feel and less obstructed view of the surrounding 1500-acre park, soccer fields and dining area. A second-floor open walkway to the elevator is utilized making it separate from the overall structure. This important architectural detail gives a more open feel and free traffic flow. As a result of the architectural design the modular elevator was created and engineered to be a fully self-supporting structure in a high earthquake zone. In the Modern/Industrial style, the structure and awning were finished in the factory to be matte black, matching the surrounding railings and overall structure and theme. This project makes the outside a comfortable inside space.
The entire project is designed to be innovative and sustainable with use of used cargo containers creating an oasis in the vast park. The modular elevator is no exception. It is made of recyclable materials including a steel hoistway. All components are sized to reduce waste and increase efficiency.
Also, organic hydraulic fluid is used in the conveyance system. It is safe for the environment even in the unlikely event an above ground jack leaks or fails. Another innovation is a detachable, recyclable awning system that can be easily replaced as needed. This extends the life span as an outside elevator, due to weather exposure, rarely last longer than the interior parts. Lastly, the MEM elevator reduced weeks of technicians coming and going from the jobsite while the hoistway and elevator components are being built or installed. This modular elevator installed in four hours and was ready for inspection in four days.
Lastly, we hope to see you at World of Modular, but just in case you can’t make it, click the button below for a FAST TRACK QUOTE. If you want to explore more just sign up for a LIVE VIRTUAL TOUR of our facility. We are open and willing answer questions and have discussions on viability for your project.
You learn a lot by listening. Like mom always said, we have two ears and just one mouth for a reason. So, last week at the World of Modular conference held by the Modular Building Institute we got a chance to listen.
We found out what people were thinking when it came to elevators from their perspective. How does the architect, engineer, project manager, owner or designer really feel about elevators and the elevator industry? And especially what do they think of modular elevators.
Well let’s be blunt, we did not hear many positive things about the elevator business as a whole. Some folks actually joked we were the most hated industry at the conference! Wow tough crowd. But I can see why.
See in simplest terms people in the construction industry know an elevator is just a box moving up and down inside another box. You have a cab, a hoistway or shaft, doors, a control system and a means of conveyance. Pretty simple. But, when it comes to making all of the intricate pieces of the puzzle to work together in a project, that is the hard part. And thankfully that is our specialty with experience and knowledge with decades in both the elevator and construction industry.
Unfortunately, though many have been led to believe (by elevator folks) that the elevators are the difficult part of the equation. Couple that with a reputation for unresponsiveness and you have a recipe for agitation and mistrust. Hence the negative comments about the elevator industry.
Overall we got much higher marks for the MEM Elevator System and innovation, flexibility and responsiveness. Those we spoke to realize we are different from others in the elevator business and that even high-quality modular elevators are relatively easy…it is the project integration that is complex and that is where we have an opportunity to shine.
So why are things seemingly so cloudy and murky in the elevator end of the business? Why all the hate? There are several reasons and believe it or not it often earned and not all an evil plot (just some of it is).
The Modular Elevator Manufacturing Elevator System is different. When you are talking to someone about an elevator at MEM, you are talking to the project manager. Your elevator is not going to be passed around like a hot potato. Also, from the outset your elevator and your project are combined. That means one person is working on the details.
So the World of Modular conference presented by the Modular Building Institute was a learning and listening experience. We hope that we were able to hear what you were saying and you see us as your elevator solution. MEM is doing things differently and is starting an elevator revolution where easy, fast installs are the norm and all the details worked out ahead of time. Is it time for you to join the revolution? It is never too late.
As you make your elevator choice remember the MEM System is perfect for any low or mid-rise application and it is very easy to set and start up as we take care of the heavy lifting.
The MEM System is commercial quality elevators installed when you need them in about four hours. They can be started up once we have power and can be used as a construction elevator. Also, they are not just for modular building. Any type of structure can utilize our elevators as a way to get quality installed quickly and off the critical path.
It is time to change how things are done and seriously consider modular. The Modular Building Institute is a great resource if you have questions in general. Or if you would like more information about us specifically and how we can ease some of your elevator pain points feel free to contact us. If you have a project in mind, to get the ball rolling just click the Fast Track Quote button below. You can also see how we produce our elevators with a Live Virtual Tour of our facility. We would love to show off a bit so sign up today.