Construction
How to Choose the Right Temporary Structure for Your Project
January 23, 2025
By Claire Rooney

When you need additional space for your site or event, the available options can be overwhelming. From marquees to modular buildings, finding the perfect solution involves understanding your specific requirements and matching them with the right structure. We have guided numerous clients to their ideal choice, and in this article, we will share our top considerations for selecting the right temporary structure.

Understand the Purpose of Your Space

Before selecting a temporary structure, it’s important to consider how you plan to use it. Ask yourself the following questions:

  • What is the space for? Storage, office work, break-out areas?
  • Will it accommodate people, equipment, or both?
  • Does it need to meet specific environmental conditions, such as heating or cooling?

For instance, a construction project that requires an on-site canteen may require a different type of structure than an outdoor event that requires shelter for guests. Clearly understanding the purpose of your space will help you narrow down your options.

Consider Site Conditions

Not all sites are created equal, and your structure needs to work within the constraints of your location. Consider the following factors:

  • Ground Conditions: Is your site on grass, hard standing, or uneven ground? Marquees are versatile and can be installed on almost any surface, often without the need for groundworks.
  • Space and Accessibility: Is there enough room for installation? Unlike some modular buildings that require large vehicles and cranes, marquees can be delivered in smaller vehicles and installed in tighter spaces.
  • Weather Conditions: Does the area experience strong winds or does water tend to accumulate on the ground after heavy rain? It is crucial to choose a robust structure that can withstand environmental challenges.

Assess Your Timeframe

How quickly do you need the structure in place? Time-sensitive projects often favour marquee solutions, as they can typically be installed in just a day. Modular buildings, like portacabins, may have longer lead times due to delivery and installation requirements.

We specialise in quick-turnaround projects, ensuring your structure is ready when needed.

Plan for Flexibility

Projects can evolve, and your temporary structure should be able to adapt to changing requirements. Consider the following:

  • Expandable Space: Can the structure be enlarged if you need more room? Modular marquees can be easily extended or reconfigured to accommodate growth.
  • Temporary vs. Long-Term Use: Will the structure be needed for weeks, months, or longer? Marquees are ideal for short-term and long-term applications, providing the flexibility to meet your timeline.
  • Custom Features: Do you need features such as lighting, heating, ventilation, or partitions? Modular marquees can be customised to include these options to meet your specific needs.

Evaluate Aesthetics and Branding

In events or public-facing projects aesthetics can be crucial. Marquees provide a range of customisation options in terms of appearance, allowing you to create a visually appealing and branded space. You can select different designs, layouts, and finishes to effectively reflect your brand or theme.

Factor in Sustainability

We prioritise sustainability and encourage our clients to adopt the same values. We ensure that the products we deliver are as environmentally friendly as possible. Marquees, for instance, are generally more eco-friendly than traditional modular buildings because they require fewer heavy vehicles for transportation and installation. Furthermore, their modular design allows for easy reuse, resulting in minimal waste.

Budget Wisely

Temporary structures come in a wide range of prices, so balancing cost with functionality is essential. While portacabins may seem cost-effective for basic use, marquees often offer better value for projects requiring customisation, flexibility, or rapid installation.

Hiring a marquee, rather than purchasing, one eliminates the need for significant upfront costs and avoids the long-term responsibilities associated with owning a structure, such as maintenance, storage, and eventual replacement.

Additionally, hiring offers greater flexibility – if your requirements change or you need a different size or configuration, adjustments can easily be made. Our clients enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a well-maintained structure and ongoing support throughout the hire period.

For most projects, hiring ensures you get exactly what you need without the hassle of ownership – allowing you to focus on your project while we handle the rest.

Work with a Trusted and Experienced Partner

Choosing the right temporary structure is much easier when you work with a reliable provider who understands your specific needs. Trust is built through consistent communication and ongoing support. For long-term hire structures, we offer monthly safety checks and inspections to ensure they remain in optimal condition throughout their use. This not only reinforces safety but also demonstrates our commitment to building strong relationships with our clients.

We take pride in delivering expert advice, quick installations, and high-quality temporary structures that can be customised to any project.

Key Takeaways

When selecting the right temporary structure, focus on your project’s specific needs: purpose, site conditions, timeframe, flexibility, and budget. Consider how aesthetics, sustainability, and adaptability play into your goals and choose a partner with the experience to deliver the ideal solution.

Ready to Find the Perfect Structure?

Whether you need a temporary workspace, event shelter, or bespoke storage solution, we are here to help. Contact us today to discuss your requirements and discover how we can provide the perfect temporary structure for your project.

 

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You’re like international rescue, all professional and more importantly, there when need. Highly recommend this company.

Brand Tudgay
The Bespoke Furniture Company

Fantastic support to us
Trafalgar Structures have been a fantastic support to us since we reopened after lockdown. The provision of a high quality marquee to help facilitate our opening strategy meant we could cater for adult and child classes whilst following the required government guidance. The service and workmanship from the team was first class and the team were always happy to help out if any issues arose and amendments to the marquee were needed. I look forward to working with the team again and would fully recommend for any marquee needs

Leigh Johnson
General Manager, David Lloyd Clubs

The Lid on the Lawn
‘The Lid on the Lawn’ installed by Trafalgar Structures enabled us to reopen safely after the July 2021 easing of the government guidelines, within 10 days we had a fully operational table service outdoor restaurant. Such has been the successful transformation of the outside space, we have kept the marquee for a longer term hire. The demand for outdoor dining and eventing has increased exponentially and the marquee has enabled us to confidentially offer weather proof ‘outdoor events’. This is now a permanent fixture with an additional full takeaway facility for visitors to the estate. Team Trafalgar are always on hand and have also reacted extremely quickly to the last minute nature of corporate event enquiries. Many thanks.

Jeannette Simpson
COO, Denbies Wine Estate LTD

I cannot find fault in anything they did

We used Trafalgar Structures at the start of lock down. We were very fortunate to be able to remain fully working however, as everyone did, we had to make some major adaptions on our site to accommodate the 2m distancing. I came across Trafalgar Structures and I found them to be extremely helpful, knowledgeable and helpful. We had constant changes to the brief but that didn’t matter to James and his team, they were very accommodating and continued to be very helpful and help fulfil the works we required as well as give a lot of suggestions to make this work. The team that erected/ dismantled the marquee were extremely professional and friendly and helpful throughout the 2 days. I would highly recommend Trafalgar Structures and I would certainly use them again. I cannot find fault in anything they did. Thank you all so much for your help and guidance

Logistics Manager
Clipfine Limited

Trafalgar Structures came to the rescue when the school needed additional outdoor teaching and testing facilities during the Covid pandemic. The cost of hire was extremely competitive and more than reasonable, particularly when you consider their services are much in demand. From the MD to the installers on the ground they were easy to deal with – nothing was too much trouble. Even last minute changes, and their after sales service was just as good. Its not every day you hire a marquee, but if I have to in the future, Trafalgar will be my first port of call. A huge thank you to James and the team!

Neil Lowe
Lady Eleanor Holles school