You’d never know it was built off-site Modular moves to new levels of complexity and customization PHOTO COURTESY NRB OFFSITE CONSTRUCTION Canadian Design and Construction Report special feature Building off-site in a controlled environment means faster schedules, improved safety, sustainable processes and high quality results. Best of all, when you work with a part- ner such as NRB Inc., you never have to sacrifice artistic vision or modify de- sign or materials to realize these ben- efits. “There’s nothing assembly line about what we do,” says NRB’s vice- president of sales and marketing, Lau- rie Robert. “Our buildings have a level of customization, sophistication and completion that our clients have come to expect when they say ‘I want an NRB building.’” Although technically a building manufacturer, NRB understands con- struction and all of the co-ordination and collaboration needed for a suc- cessful project outcome. The com- pany’s skilled trades can complete custom assemblies and finishes with a craftsman’s attention to detail and assemble the pieces seamlessly on the job site. “We’re a hybrid,” says Robert. “We’re a manufacturer with construc- tion smarts. The product is identical to what you’d get if you built it onsite.” NRB has coined the phrase ‘build together’ to explain this blend of man- ufacturing and construction ap- proaches. Using the ‘build together’ methodology, the building is com- pletely assembled at the plant. “We build together so we can have preci- sion fit and finish,” says Robert. “We don’t spend extra time onsite trying to get things to meet. We already know they will.” Designers, owners and their con- struction managers are regularly in- vited to inspect their ‘built together’ building before it ships, whether it’s manufactured at NRB’s facility in Grimsby, Ontario, or New Holland, Pennsylvania. “Clients love seeing their buildings fully assembled,” says NRB president, Bob McNeil. “They can walk up the stairs, stand at a counter and see all the features and finishes installed before the building leaves the plant.” Build together is a mindset as well as a methodology. “We approach every project as part of the team,” says McNeil. “We work with the owner and architect to establish best practices for the off-site construction approach. Then we do the structural design, build, deliver and assemble the finished building onsite, often working with the general contractor on the site. Projects can be completed 30 to 50 per cent faster than conven- tional construction. And time is money, no matter who the client is.” To put the benefits of modular de- sign and a construction mindset to work for your next project, contact Laurie Robert at laurierobert@nrb- inc.com. Award-winning results NRB’s off-site construction projects are regular winners at the annual Modular Building Institute’s awards. “We’re always pushing ourselves,” says McNeil. “We have built things that others didn’t think you could build mod- ular.” Dorm addition, Muhlenberg College, Best in Show Award 2014: This dra- matic three-storey addition, featuring a grey slate tile roof, copper cupola and brick sourced to match the circa 1820 heritage building, was completed so quickly the school avoided the cost of providing temporary off-campus housing for students. Robotic pavilion, York University, First Place Award 2014: This funky, multi- function indoor teaching space and outdoor study environment was de- signed with student input and can be repurposed as a transit shelter. Addition, Brown Public School, First Place Award 2015: This permanent two-storey steel addition features an energy efficient building envelope, hy- dronic HVAC system and an attractive design that fits perfectly with the sloped walls and windows of the existing building. 36 – July-August 2015 — The Canadian Design and Construction Report