What are Modular Buildings?
Modular buildings are a modern method of construction that consist of multiple sections of pre-fabricated units called “modules” or “bays” think of it like a jigsaw made up of numerous pieces. Modules are built off-site in a factory and are delivered to site with the use of lorries and mobile cranes. Modular buildings can be placed side by side, end on end and stacked on top of each other to create vast building systems.
What are the uses of modular buildings?
Modular buildings can be used create temporary or permanent facilities. Industry sectors such as education, construction, housing, leisure, retail, healthcare and corporate offices have used modular buildings extensively on both short and long term intervals. Examples of uses in education include classrooms, nurseries, changing rooms, dining halls, storage solutions, drama and dance studios and administration offices, we have even created spaces for medical rooms and sensory rooms for SEN requirements.
What are the benefits?
We have broken the benefits of modular buildings down into the following benefits;
1. Off-site Manufacturing
Modules are manufactured in a controlled factory environment which leads to a higher quality, precision finish. Material waste is kept to a minimum due to the better levels of quality control. Off-site manufacturing avoids common traditional construction delays such as bad weather conditions which can have a large impact on construction times. The controlled manufacturing process within the factory leads to a better quality of finish, fewer defects, 85% of snagging completed whilst keeping the work force in a comfortable, safe and warm environment which can reduce the risk of injury.
2. Construction and Manufacturing Lead Times
When compared to traditional construction methods, modular buildings can be up to 70% faster for completion times. These savings come from being able to run two or more construction processes at the same time such as on-site ground works and the manufacture of the building within the factory.
3. Environmental Impact
Traditional construction requires vehicle movements at almost every point of the project. The transport of labour, materials, waste collection and plant vehicles release vast amounts of carbon into the atmosphere. Modular construction minimises the movement of labour by up to 75% and the movement on commercial vehicle traffic by up to 40%.*
Waste is also kept to a minimum due to tighter quality control on material use and procurement. Studies by the Steel Construction Institute for showing the benefits of modern methods of construction showed waste could be reduced by as much as 40% meaning less would be going into landfill.
4. Less Disruption
As 85%-90% of construction is off-site there is less disruption including, vehicle movements, litter, noise, dust and traffic management systems. With faster build times and less activity on the proposed site the local residents and environment will benefit.
