Construction
The best temporary space solution: Portacabin or Marquee?
January 12, 2024
By Trafalgar Team

We’re often approached by our construction clients to create additional space where they’re either unable to source a portacabin or site requirements mean that it’s not possible to install one. This prompted us to do a comparison, looking at which is the best temporary space solution…

Speed to Site

Ideally you will be ordering your temporary space solution with plenty of time. But in some cases, things need to happen quickly, we understand that. Looking at most portacabin hire sites, typical lead times are 5-10 days. If you need a big space (multiple units), it may take even longer.

Most of our marquee installations take place the next day. Many of our temporary structure solutions also require no ground works prior to installation, meaning no delays.

Installation

Delivering a portacabin requires a hi-ab unit – a HGV lorry with a crane attached. This means two issues: space and weight. Lots of space, including going up, is needed to get a portacabin on to a site. There’s a great diagram showing what we mean here.

Using a marquee as a temporary structure is the complete opposite. It can often be installed in tight spaces and areas with limited access, as it’s installation is not constrained by having to use a hi-ab or require access for a heavy goods vehicle. Nor constrained by different types of ground (whether this be grass or hard standing, such as a car park). This can often mean we can create additional space in traditionally awkward areas of sites or areas that present particular challenges. This could include roof tops or corridors during refurbishment works. Everything we need fits in the back of a transit!

Carbon Footprint

HGV vs. Transit van….

Flexibility

Due to the modular design of our temporary structures, they can be enlarged or specification adapted over a period of time should the requirements of your side and or project adapt with the test of time. Delivered and installed in hours.

Adding to a portacabin, at the very least, requires the removal of a wall panel, plus the delivery of a new unit.

To ensure that you can continue your work in a safe temporary environment, we are also able to fit these with a wide range of power supplies, heating and ventilation (both permanent and temporary as required).

Covid-19

To ensure we create safe, Covid-19 secure spaces, we are able to create space that allows for full social distancing (to 2m where required). In addition, R10 slip resistant floors for where a washable slip resistant floor is required. In addition, we are able to include social distance signage, hand sanitiser stations and screens (as required) to all structures.

To be fair, all of this can be done with a portacabin too.

Portacabin or Marquee – you decide

Whilst this could be seen as a slightly(!) biased article, we believe that the flexibility of a marquee-based temporary space solution, the ability to get it on-site quickly and a far-reduced carbon footprint makes the marquee the better choice. It is, of course, up to you to choose, but at least if you have read this, we’ve provided you with the options available to you. Portacabin or marquee – you decide!

To talk more about your temporary space needs, give us a call on 01932 620 060, or click here.

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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

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‘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

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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