As all industry professionals know, construction can be a costly and time-consuming challenge. Delays are frequent and can be caused by extensive bureaucratic requirements, weather, inadequate planning, staffing shortages or a host of other causes. Lengthy projects can also negatively affect public perception of a project even before it has been built, especially if they experience delays or inconvenience to those living or working near the construction site. In addition, some projects simply must be built along a faster schedule than is normally feasible for a traditional construction project. Fortunately, there is a solution for those looking to drastically reduce construction timelines: modular construction.
What exactly does "modular construction" mean?
According to the Modular Building Institute, "modular construction is a process in which a building is constructed off-site, under controlled conditions, using the same materials and designed to the same codes and standards as conventionally constructed facilities, but in approximately half the time." Modular construction is also a general term that includes a couple of different types of construction:
- Volumetric modular construction (preferred by Modular Building Institute), which is a process in which entire rooms or sections of rooms, including walls, floors, and ceilings, are constructed in the factory and then transported to the site for assembly. This type of construction is used for permanent and relocatable modular projects (buildings that are not designed to be moved versus those that are, e.g., hotels and temporary classrooms).
- Panelized construction, which is a process in which interior and/or exterior wall panels are constructed in the factory and then transported and placed on site. The rest of the building is constructed on site.
What are the benefits of modular construction compared to traditional construction methods, and does it really save money?
Modular construction can certainly mean savings, but that is not its primary benefit. The main benefit of modular construction is time savings and a faster return on investment. Because modular construction allows for industrialized assembly to occur at the same time as site preparation, the total time it takes to build a structure can be drastically reduced. Typically, when the site is ready (foundation leveled, plumbing in place, concrete poured, etc.), the factory-built modules are ready to be placed. A modular-built hotel, for example, can open its doors and start generating revenue 30% to 50% sooner than a traditionally built hotel.
Other benefits include improved worker safety (all workers are working in a safe and controlled environment rather than working at heights and/or in precarious and less controlled environments), improved productivity, greater certainty of deadlines, and improved cost predictability.
Is modular construction sustainable?
Modular construction is considered a more sustainable option than traditional construction methods for the following reasons:
- Greater flexibility and reusability. Modular buildings can be disassembled and the modules can be relocated or refurbished for a new use, reducing the demand for raw materials and minimizing the amount of energy expended to meet the new need.
- Less material waste. When factory-built, waste is eliminated through material recycling, inventory control and protection of building materials.
- Improved air quality. Because the modular structure is substantially completed in a factory-controlled environment using dry materials, the possibility of high levels of moisture being trapped in the new construction is eliminated.
Can it be used for any type of building, and in which cases is it advisable to opt for modular construction instead of traditional methods?
Any type of building can be constructed in a modular fashion. But to do so, the building must be conceived and designed as such. Modular construction is generally chosen when time is of the essence or space is at a premium. For example, in Europe, urban lots are often constrained by roads and other buildings, so traditional construction (bringing materials and workers to the site for an extended period of time) can be restrictive. With modular construction, only a crane and far fewer personnel are needed to erect the building in less time. And, in tight urban locations, reduced noise pollution is an added benefit.
What are the specific technical requirements to adopt it? For example, are there safety requirements or design constraints?
While traditional construction can be a more fluid process in which design changes are introduced even after construction has begun (usually causing delays), modular construction requires architects and designers to collaborate and complete their work in advance. It is during this process that modular construction-permanent modular construction, in particular-usually relies on advanced BIM to evaluate energy performance and identify the most cost-effective efficiency measures. The designs are then delivered to the manufacturer for industrialized prefabrication and construction.
In terms of design constraints, modular buildings are built to the same building codes and specifications as traditional buildings and are virtually indistinguishable from their counterparts. From single-family homes to multi-story office buildings, modular construction can be used anywhere.
After this analysis, we hope to have cleared up any doubts about modular construction. If not, do not hesitate to let us know in the comments what information you think would be useful to help you.
If you have in mind the beautiful project of building a modular construction, and you want to know if it adapts to your needs, at GLOCI will be happy to help and advise you as we work as an integral office that accompanies you throughout the process, from start to finish. We are waiting for you!