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It’s usually greener

MODULAR CONSTRUCTION

Due to the factory setting, the process tends to generate less waste. Modular buildings can be disassembled and reused, therefore reducing the demand for raw materials and creating a longer lifecycle for the building.

What is modular construction?

In recent years, we have seen a rise in the use of volumetric construction, which involves the off-site construction of as much of a building as possible before being brought to site. Typically, a volumetric project would construct a complete room, with a bathroom inside that room, as well as part of the corridor and, perhaps, some external finishes.

IN TERMS OF THE HOUSING SHORTAGE, VOLUMETRIC MODULAR CONSTRUCTION HAS A KEY ROLE TO PLAY IN PUSHING THE INDUSTRY FORWARD.

Is modular construction sustainable?

Modular construction is considered a more sustainable option than traditional construction methods for a few reasons:

  • Greater flexibility and reuse. Modular buildings can be disassembled and the modules relocated or refurbished for new use, reducing the demand for raw materials and minimizing the amount of energy expended to meet the new need.
  • Less material waste. When building in a factory, waste is eliminated by recycling materials, controlling inventory, and protecting building materials.
  • Improved air quality. Because the modular structure is substantially completed in a factory-controlled setting using dry materials, the potential for high levels of moisture being trapped in the new construction is eliminated.

What are the benefits of modular construction compared to traditional construction methods? Is it really cost-saving?

Off-site construction has a number of benefits in terms of programme, waste, cost and, of particular interest to us, quality. The building’s elements can be constructed a lot more quickly in controlled conditions – if necessary, the process can continue 24/7 and involve finished products continuously rolling off the factory floor. The process is not governed by some external factors present in traditional builds, such as adverse weather, challenging site logistics, the industry’s skills shortage, etc. The factory process will often involve people specialising in one specific area to a very high standard, leading to a better quality of product. The speed of the programme leads to earlier project completion.

Waste can be significantly reduced with an off-site process – as much as 50% of waste on traditional building sites could be prevented by a switch to off-site construction, with all the attendant financial and environmental benefits. Meanwhile, there are attractive economic advantages for the developer– in today’s market, it isn’t necessarily always cheaper to build off-site in the first instance, but the benefits to the client then accrue in a number of ways.

We are working with many leading developers and modular manufacturers on projects across the residential, student accommodation and hospitality sectors​.

Ultimately, it’s all about engaging with like-minded people in order to implement the step-change our industry so desperately requires.