Modular buildings have gained much popularity over the past decade and it’s pretty easy to see why. Whereas traditionally constructed buildings are built on-site from the ground up, the modular concept takes various sections built in a manufacturing facility, delivers them to the site and eventually puts them together much like lego pieces.

Modular construction is a term used to describe the use of factory-produced pre-engineered building units that are delivered to site and assembled as large volumetric components or as substantial elements of a building. The modular units may form complete rooms, parts of rooms, or separate highly serviced units such as toilets or lifts. The collection of discrete modular units usually forms a self-supporting structure in its own right or, for tall buildings, may rely on an independent structural framework.

Modular construction has been in the UK since the late 1970s but its rapid increase in recent years has probably occurred due to client demands in several sectors. The motivation for using modular construction generally arises out of the need for speedy construction, improved quality, and for early return of investment.

Perhaps for this very reason there is a noticeable trend to use modular construction in social and student housing, where speed of construction is allied to economy of production scale, and to reduced disruption in congested inner city sites.

Modular homes can take up to 50 percent less time to complete than conventional homes, and they are also energy efficient. Green features such as LED lighting, ungraded triple glaze window, geothermal systems, solar panels and other green practices can be installed during construction process to promote energy efficient operations.

Furthermore, structurally speaking, it’s argued that modular buildings are generally stronger than conventional construction because each module is engineered to independently withstand the rigors of transportation and craning onto foundations. Once together and sealed, the modules become one integrated wall, floor and roof assembly.

The removal of construction waste is one of many key challenges in a building’s lifecycle. Since nearly 90 percent of modular construction takes place off-site, it can significantly reduce waste and site disturbance than with site-built structures. So it’s no surprise that modular buildings help minimize environmental impact, provide a comfortable atmosphere and boasts a healthier environment.

So with all this going for it, should we be going mad for modular? What do you think? Let us know in our LinkedIn post!