In the bustling heart of Richmond, Victoria, a thriving therapy company faced a critical challenge—how to expand and optimise their counselling spaces without the constraints of traditional construction. Their previous experiences with fixed counselling rooms highlighted significant shortcomings, particularly in soundproofing and ventilation. Seeking a smarter, more flexible solution, they turned to LaunchPOD.
LaunchPOD was tasked with delivering a transformative alternative to conventional construction. The goal: create bespoke counselling rooms that not only met rigorous standards for soundproofing and DDA compliance but also offered unmatched flexibility and efficiency. With the ability to install within just two days—circumventing the need for permits and hefty construction costs—these Pods were custom-designed to fit the unique layout and requirements of the existing building.
As the counselling business rapidly expanded, the client was thrilled with the Pods’ adaptability. Their modular nature meant easy relocation to new facilities without incurring “make good” expenses or causing any structural damage. Classified as “office furniture” for leasing purposes, the Pods also provided financial advantages, including straightforward financing options and the ability to fully depreciate over three years, aligning perfectly with modern lease terms. This case study explores how LaunchPOD’s innovative solution not only met but exceeded the client’s expectations, setting a new benchmark for therapy spaces.
Cost Comparison
The client consulted with fit-out construction firms to evaluate the costs associated with building a two-level warehouse facility. Estimates for a basic layout featuring soundproofed rooms ranged from $180,000 to $200,000. This traditional construction method was projected to take 5-7 months to complete, including time for securing permits, rendering the facility unusable throughout the duration.
Alternatively, a turnkey solution consisting of three 3m x 3m Cubes equipped with sliding doors, ventilation, lighting, and custom joining panels, alongside a larger 4m x 3m ground-level meeting area, was priced at slightly over $100,000. This modern approach ensured the facility could remain fully operational during the 8-week manufacturing and delivery timeline, with installation finished in just one weekend, allowing the team to begin operations the following Monday.
Advantages
- Opting for a custom DDA compliant instant room solution offers numerous advantages:
- Full DDA compliance with a threshold-free design and the option of a sliding door. Standard room dimensions support ample wheelchair manoeuvrability.
- Available fully furnished, with tailored electrical setups, lighting, whiteboards, wall panels, glass partitions, and more.
- Quick installation, typically completed within a day, with custom manufacturing and delivery achieved in just 8-10 weeks.
- Often installable without the need for permits.
- Constructed from materials certified to meet Australian Fire Standards and emission criteria, all recyclable at end-of-life.
- Classified as “office furniture”, enabling cost-effective and straightforward leasing options—unattainable with traditional construction fit-outs.
- Easily relocatable to different premises, ensuring the initial investment retains its value.
- No alterations to the building’s structure required, eliminating the need for engineering work or restorative efforts upon removal.
- Eligible for depreciation over three years, akin to office furniture, compared to the 25-year depreciation period for conventional construction fit-outs.
Client Feedback
Our client highlighted that this innovative approach significantly outperformed their previous tenancy’s full construction fit-out, which lacked adequate soundproofing between counselling rooms. Counsellors appreciated the rooms’ comfort, with optimal soundproofing and privacy that fostered a calming environment for clients. The impressive cost-efficiency and rapid implementation not only met expectations but also positioned this solution as the preferred choice for future business expansions.
Design Insights
Our skilled design team transformed the client’s CAD drawings into detailed designs within just a few days. The design included strategic wall placements to minimise bathroom visibility, aligning with BCA requirements, and incorporated glass walls for enhanced natural light and openness in upstairs rooms, merging functionality with aesthetic appeal.
