Modular buildings, a revolutionary approach to construction, have been gaining traction for their efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability. These structures are prefabricated from a variety of materials, transported to the site, and assembled like building blocks. This can significantly reduce construction time and waste.
The result is a versatile, durable, and cost-effective solution that can meet a wide array of needs, from temporary offices to permanent residences and more.
Here, we’ll delve into the world of modular buildings, exploring their various benefits and uses. We’ll illustrate how these innovative structures are transforming the landscape of architecture and construction, providing a greener, faster, and more affordable alternative to traditional methods.
Header Image: Modular Houses in Manchester. Credit: Wired.
The Growing Popularity of Modular Buildings
In recent years, an increasing number of industries have been turning to modular construction as a solution for their building needs. The reason behind this surge in popularity is simple: the benefits of modular buildings are manifold and compelling.
Time Savings
Firstly, modular buildings offer significant time efficiency advantages over traditional construction. Modules are manufactured off-site either in the form of pre-existing models like containers or purpose-built modular components.
Either way, the end result is that the construction of these elements takes place in a controlled factory setting, meaning the manufacturing process is more consistent and not as heavily impacted by aspects like weather.
Further time-saving can occur due to the fact that this off-site preparatory work can take place simultaneously with on-site construction.
Highly Customisable
Another benefit of modular buildings contributing to their popularity is their customisable and versatile nature. They can be designed to meet specific requirements and can be easily expanded, reduced, or reconfigured as needs change. This makes them suitable for a wide range of applications, from temporary housing and offices to permanent healthcare facilities and schools.
It also gives clients engaging with a construction firm greater control over their creative vision and the capacity to offer clearer direction on the project.
Increased Sustainability
The inherent sustainability of modular buildings (especially ones that use second-hand containers) is one of their most significant benefits. By utilising used containers for modular construction, the energy and resources expended on production are massively reduced.
Furthermore, unlike traditional construction, which often involves significant on-site waste, modular construction allows for precise material ordering and utilisation.
This environmental friendliness extends beyond the building itself, too. By reducing the construction time, modular buildings also minimise noise and air pollution associated with long-term building sites.
No Compromise on Quality
Despite the speed and efficiency offered by modular constructions, there is no significant compromise on build quality. According to a study by McKinsey, modular companies using standardised parts are likely to treat buildings more like products than projects, which can lead to enhanced quality of build.
Innovative Applications of Modular Buildings
Healthcare
One of the most innovative applications of modular buildings is in the healthcare sector. For instance, in Wuhan, China, during the COVID-19 outbreak, a fully functional, 1,000-bed hospital was constructed using modular technology in just ten days. This demonstrates the remarkable speed and efficiency of modular construction, which has since been replicated in other parts of the world to meet the urgent need for healthcare facilities.
Above: Wuhan Modular Hospital. Credit: NPR
Education
In the education sector, modular construction is increasingly being used to create modern, high-quality learning environments. For example, a new primary school in Ribblesdale, Lancashire, has recently been built, including a new football pitch, multi-use game area and a general play area. It was built using modular construction methods, allowing it to be constructed much more quickly and with greater energy efficiency than traditional methods.
Residential
This is another clever application of modular container building and is one that’s making a significant impact. Across the UK, people are now embracing the stylish, energy-efficient options offered by modular homes.
Spurred on by a mismatch between supply and demand in the UK housing market, many construction companies and local councils are now identifying modular homes as a potential solution to the issue. Made from a variety of materials, including wood, steel and pre-existing materials like shipping containers, they represent a quick and efficient answer to the current situation.
In fact, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) highlights that modular homes offer the ultimate solution in prefabricated building systems, combining high customisability with an environmentally-friendly construction process.
Hospitality
In a previous article, we covered the use of containers as a form of modular, prefabricated construction for pop-up bars and restaurants. This is a trend that shows no sign of slowing as the cost efficiency and flexibility benefits of modular buildings form an attractive option for budding and established hospitality ventures.
Dutch hotel chain CitizenM exclusively uses modular construction for its hotels, allowing for faster and more consistent construction across its properties.
Above: A CitizenM hotel in Seattle. Credit: CitizenM
Do You Need Expert Modular Building Installation?
As a family-run business with nearly five decades of experience, we offer a wide range of solutions, from used sale containers to welfare units and beyond.
Our modular construction services comprise no obligation quotation and are complete with layout scale drawings of the buildings. Unit specifications, site visits, foundation works, delivery, and building erection are all handled with care, consideration, and efficiency.
Find out more about what our modular building services can offer you here, or feel free to contact us for more information.
