Static caravans, also known as mobile homes, holiday homes, park homes, or lodges, are constructed in a factory using a combination of materials that provide strength, insulation, and durability, before then being transported and installed at the customer’s desired location. The prefabrication process and exact materials used (which may vary depending on the manufacturer and specific model) make them a much more affordable choice than a traditional brick-and-mortar home in many instances. Here are some common materials used in the construction of static caravans:

Steel chassis: The base of a static caravan is usually a steel chassis, which provides a sturdy foundation and structural support. Many manufacturers also offer the options of a galvanised or pre-galvanised chassis, although in most cases & locations this would not be a necessity.

Timber frame: The main structure of the caravan is often made of timber, such as treated softwood or lightweight engineered timber. The frame provides the framework for the walls, floors, and roof.

Wall panels: The walls of static caravans are typically constructed using a combination of materials. The exterior side may consist of materials like weatherboard cladding, vinyl siding, or aluminium panels. Some manufacturers also offer optional upgrades to cladding such as CanExel which is a popular low-maintenance engineered wood cladding (made of wood fibres, resins & wax) with both aesthetic appeal and durability, and comes in a selection of colours to suit your surroundings and style.

On the inside, the walls may have plasterboard or other wallboard materials for finishing. For a smooth finish, the narrow vertical gaps between the wall-boards are usually fitted with a trim known as a ‘knock-in’.

Insulation: To provide thermal insulation and improve energy efficiency, static caravans often have insulation materials installed within the walls, floors, and roof. Common insulation materials include expanded polystyrene (EPS), mineral wool, or rigid foam insulation.

Roofing: The roof of a static caravan may be constructed using materials like metal, asphalt shingles, or fibreglass. It is designed to protect the interior from weather elements. Whilst the roof may look like it is constructed of individual ‘tiles’, this is not usually the case and is typically large sheets fabricated into a tiled-look finish.

Windows and doors: The windows and exterior doors of static caravans are typically made of uPVC (unplasticized polyvinyl chloride) frames, which offer good insulation and durability. They are often double-glazed to enhance energy efficiency.  The interior doors are now typically the very same type of timber doors that one would find in a regular bricks-and-mortar house.

Interior finishes: The interior of a static caravan may have various finishes, including wooden or laminate flooring, gypsum plasterboard walls, and ceiling panels. The specific materials used for these finishes can vary depending on the manufacturer and the desired aesthetic.

Furniture & soft furnishings: Most caravans now come fully furnished, including lounge and dining furniture (some may be fixed seating, whilst others may be free-standing), beds and fitted wardrobes, fully fitted kitchens (usually including appliances such as domestic twin-cavity ovens and hobs, and sometimes with additional options such as dishwashers, washer-dryers, integrated fridge-freezers, integrated microwaves etc.).  Depending on the manufacturer there may be options to choose the bespoke finishes to suit your taste.

It’s worth noting that the materials used in static caravan construction may evolve over time as new technologies and advancements are introduced.

Our team at The UK Caravan Centre can guide you through the varying options to help you choose the caravan that best suits your needs and budget.  Please give us a call on 0800 246 1206 or fill in your details below:

In today’s fast-paced world, businesses often require flexible solutions to accommodate their staff. Static caravans have emerged as a popular choice for companies seeking cost-effective and convenient staff accommodation. These mobile homes offer a range of benefits, including flexibility, affordability, and a sense of community.

Types of key workers for caravan accommodation includes:

– Seasonal agricultural workers such as fruit pickers & vegetable pickers
– Animal handlers
– Equestrian centres
– Kennels
– Animal rescue centres
– Festival workers
– Peak-season resort staff
– Park rangers
– Landscapers
– Foresters
– Summer camp employees
– Tour and travel guides
– Fishery / fishing lakes workers

Here at The UK Caravan Centre we have years of experience in creating the best static caravan packages for our customers, which have included local businesses throughout Kent, Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk and the South East of England.

The UK Caravan Centre has been supplying on-site temporary accommodation using static caravans for many businesses over the years and unsurprisingly demand continues to grow.

In this article, we will explore the advantages of utilizing static caravans for staff accommodation:

Proximity and Convenience

Having staff accommodation in close proximity to the business is essential. Static caravans can be placed conveniently on-site, allowing staff members to reside just a short distance from their place of work. This proximity saves valuable time and energy that would otherwise be spent commuting, enabling staff to be readily available for early morning and late-night tasks if required. The convenience of having staff accommodation on-site ensures a swift response should there be any unexpected situations, and increases security.

Flexibility and Mobility

Many businesses often require flexibility in accommodating staff, particularly during busy seasons or events. Static caravans provide the flexibility required to adapt to changing staffing needs. These mobile homes can be easily relocated or added to based on requirements. Whether it’s an increase in the number of staff members or a need to transport & site accommodation to different areas of the business, static caravans offer a convenient solution without the need for extensive construction or infrastructure changes, making them a future-proofed choice.

Cost-Effectiveness

Static caravans offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional staff accommodation options. Constructing permanent buildings or renting apartments can be expensive and time-consuming. On the other hand, static caravans are pre-built and equipped with essential amenities, reducing construction costs. Their affordability allows businesses to allocate resources to other important areas and investments. Additionally, shared facilities and utilities in static caravans contribute to cost savings in the long run.

Comfort and Amenities

Modern mobile homes are designed to provide comfortable and functional living spaces, and the amenities ensure staff members have all the necessities for comfortable living. Adequate insulation, heating, and ventilation systems provide a cosy environment year-round, regardless of weather conditions. The availability of these amenities enhances the well-being and morale of staff members, contributing to a positive working environment.

Community and Collaboration

Static caravans used for staff accommodation foster a sense of community and collaboration among the staff members. Living in close proximity encourages interaction, teamwork, and the sharing of knowledge and experiences. This sense of community can enhance communication and coordination among staff, leading to improved efficiency and effectiveness, and morale and job satisfaction.

Work-Life Balance

Providing staff accommodation in static caravans promotes a better work-life balance for employees. By eliminating long commutes, staff members have more time to rest, relax, and engage in activities they enjoy. This balance is particularly important in industries that often involve long and demanding hours. and allows staff to pursue personal interests and maintain a healthy work-life equilibrium.

Conclusion:

Static caravans offer a practical, cost-effective, and convenient solution for staff accommodation. The proximity, flexibility, and mobility provided by static caravans ensure that staff members are readily available and adaptable to the business needs. The affordability, comfort, and amenities of these mobile homes enhance the well-being and morale of staff and contribute to a positive and efficient work environment. Farms, equestrian centres, fisheries, and many other businesses can benefit significantly from incorporating static caravans as an integral part of their staff accommodation strategy.

Contact us today.

We will find the right accommodation solutions for your business, seasonal or otherwise, whether you need a single unit or an entire fleet. For single units or bulk orders alike, our experienced team can arrange to deliver and site your static caravans to make your life that bit easier.

Should your business move on in the future, caravans can be transported and sited at a different location, making them a future-proofed choice. Or if you wish to sell on any of the units at the end of a season, for example, we can buy these back at market value, depending on our stock requirements.

We understand that permanent accommodation is not always financially viable so we offer a cost-effective, wallet-friendly solution with our low cost new & used static caravans.

As the best place to go for farm accommodation and staff accommodation, we are proud to deliver a stress-free, budget-conscious & convenient service.

To learn more about our static caravans & services, please call one of our team on 0800 246 1206 or fill out your details in the form below:

European & British Standards – EN1647 & BS3632 – Ensuring Safety and Quality in Caravans

In many countries, including European countries, there are standards and regulations in place to ensure the safety and quality of static caravans. These standards typically cover aspects such as construction, safety, and environmental considerations, and serve as a benchmark for the caravan industry, promoting consistency and uniformity in design and construction practices, and ensuring the units are safe for dwelling.

EN 1647

EN1647 is the European standard for static caravans, which are intended for shorter-term, or seasonal holiday use – ‘recreational vehicles’ or ‘holiday homes’. This is because the EN1647 standard generally means that the mobile home won’t have an as high grade of insulation level and build quality as the BS3632 standards, but does cover specifications including (but not limited to):

Habitation requirements: This standard focuses on the requirements for the habitation areas of caravans, including features such as layout, ventilation, lighting, heating, and amenities. It aims to ensure the comfort and functionality of the living space within the caravan.

Chassis requirements – It aims to ensure the structural integrity and safety of the caravan’s chassis.

BS 3632

BS 3632, also known as British Standard 3632, is a certification standard first published in 1963 specifically related to residential park homes, caravans and lodges. This standard, more recently updated to BS 3632:2015, sets out the requirements for the design, construction, and performance of these types of accommodation units, and is much more stringent than the EN1647 guidelines.

Key Requirements of BS 3632:

Structural Integrity: BS 3632 specifies the structural requirements for static caravans, including guidelines for the chassis, frame, walls, and roof. These requirements ensure that the units are built to withstand transportation, installation, and the demands of long-term use.

Thermal Performance: The standard addresses thermal insulation and energy efficiency to ensure that mobile homes provide a comfortable living environment throughout the year, also including criteria for ventilation and heat loss prevention.

Fire Safety: BS 3632 includes requirements for fire resistance to enhance the safety of occupants. This involves the use of fire-resistant materials and construction techniques, as well as guidelines for the installation of smoke detectors and fire alarms.

Ventilation and Air Quality: The standard emphasizes the importance of proper ventilation and air quality. It specifies requirements for air exchange rates, ventilation openings, and the prevention of condensation to maintain a healthy and comfortable indoor environment.

Electrical and Gas Systems: BS 3632 covers the installation, operation, and maintenance of electrical and gas systems. It includes regulations for wiring, circuit protection, gas appliances, and compliance with relevant safety standards.

Size and Layout: The standard provides guidelines for the size and layout of park homes and holiday lodges to ensure they offer suitable and functional living spaces. This includes requirements for room dimensions, ceiling heights, and the provision of essential facilities.

Benefits of BS 3632 Certification:

Quality Assurance: By adhering to BS 3632, manufacturers demonstrate their commitment to meeting high-quality standards. The certification assures buyers that the units have been designed and constructed according to rigorous requirements, resulting in durable and well-built accommodation.

Safety and Comfort: Compliance with BS 3632 ensures that park homes and holiday lodges meet essential safety and performance criteria, all of which contribute to the safety and comfort of residents.

Compliance with Regulations: BS 3632 certification helps manufacturers and suppliers meet legal and regulatory requirements and ensures the units comply with relevant building codes and industry standards.

Consumer Confidence: The BS 3632 certification provides potential buyers with confidence in the quality and safety of the static caravan. It serves as a reliable indicator that the units have undergone thorough testing and inspection, reassuring consumers about their investment.

Ultimately, with the BS 36362, by adhering to this certification standard, manufacturers demonstrate their commitment to delivering well-built, energy-efficient, and comfortable accommodations, and buyers can trust that their chosen units meet rigorous requirements and provide a safe and enjoyable living environment.

Conclusion

Both quality standards play a vital role in ensuring the safety, quality, and performance of mobile homes, but the scope of each varies depending on the likely use of the caravan, whether it be intended more for short-term/holiday use, or for longer-term residential use. Both offer buyers confidence that their purchase will be a quality product.

Should you have any queries, or wish to understand the classification of any of the static caravans we have to offer at The UK Caravan Centre, please call one of our friendly team on 0800 246 1206 or fill in your details below: