Innovations in modular home building: Insights from Uniplan Group and ARDEX

Accessing global research for local solutions delivers long-term benefits for modular home builder Uniplan Group.

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The risk of costly failures and associated rectification expenses is a significant concern for modular builders, with bathrooms being one of the most vulnerable aspects of a modular build.

This concern underscores the importance of quality and dependability in construction materials and methods, as demonstrated by the collaboration between Uniplan Group, a modular home and cabin builder based in Armidale, NSW, and ARDEX.

ARDEX, globally known for developing and producing high-performance building materials, is renowned for its innovative waterproofing solutions, adhesives, and grout products.

Jerry Scott, Group Operations Manager, Uniplan Group.

Uniplan Group commenced their partnership with ARDEX in 1999. Jerry Scott, the Group Operations Manager for Uniplan Group, commented, “This collaboration has been instrumental in enhancing the efficiency and longevity of Uniplan’s modular homes, especially in bathroom waterproofing, with their systems, glues, sealants, and grouts.”

A key consideration for Jerry in choosing ARDEX and maintaining the relationship is not just how the products perform, but also their commitment to process development. This has enhanced Uniplan’s manufacturing techniques and elevated the overall quality of the product.

“We’ve been using their products for many years and have found them to be superior. They’ve always provided a solution for each of the various applications we use,” said Jerry.

Their joint efforts extend beyond product usage to process development, optimising Uniplan’s manufacturing techniques and thereby elevating overall product quality.

The partnership encompasses research, staff training, and process implementation, ensuring the correct use of ARDEX systems. This collaboration is crucial in creating fail-proof waterproofing systems, a critical aspect of Uniplan Group’s modular construction processes.

“Waterproofing has one of the highest failure rates in any building, so we want to ensure we have the right system from the start,” confirmed Jerry.

Integrating ARDEX systems has enhanced the quality and long-term durability of Uniplan's modular homes.
Integrating ARDEX systems has enhanced the quality and long-term durability of Uniplan’s modular homes.

Ongoing communication with ARDEX is also important to Jerry, as it enables Uniplan to refine manufacturing processes and integrate new, innovative products.

“We are in constant discussions with the ARDEX team about how we can develop and improve our systems, and which other products we can incorporate into the life cycle of our manufacturing processes.”

As Jerry noted, a clear benefit of Uniplan’s relationship with ARDEX is the ability to access their global research and product development. This provides Uniplan with cutting-edge solutions, tailored to their off-site construction needs.

Employee safety has also been a key consideration when working with ARDEX. Their understanding of Uniplan’s business model has been essential in developing flexible, regulatory-compliant solutions that prioritise worker safety and ease of use. “We’re keen to continue working with them, developing new processes in line with current regulation changes and also for the safety of the tilers, including the mixing of glues, to ensure they are user-friendly,” said Jerry.

With Uniplan Group having completed numerous projects for over-55 villages, lifestyle parks, and caravan parks, their use of ARDEX waterproofing solutions has been key. These systems ensure low maintenance and long-lasting trust in the quality of the buildings.

“We build low-maintenance buildings that clients can have high confidence in, buildings they can trust and that will serve them well for years,” concluded Jerry.

See: Uniplan Group
See: ARDEX

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