As an expert in the construction industry, I have seen the rise of modular construction and its impact on the way buildings are constructed. This innovative process involves building a structure off-site in a controlled environment before transporting and assembling it at its final location. It offers a variety of building types and floor plans, making it a versatile option for many projects. The term modular has two meanings in this context. One refers to building elements or modules, while the other means designing an idea in repeatable parts, similar to Lego.
For the purpose of this article, we will focus on the former. While modular construction shares similarities with prefabricated construction, it is important to note that they are not the same process. While modular construction has its benefits, it also comes with its own set of challenges and may not be suitable for every project. In fact, a combination of modular and traditional stick-based approaches may be the most optimal solution for many projects. A relocatable building (RB) is a partially or fully assembled structure that meets all applicable codes and regulations.
It is constructed in a factory using a modular construction process. On the other hand, permanent modular construction (PMC) is a sustainable and innovative method that utilizes off-site manufacturing techniques to prefabricate complete single or multi-story structures in modular sections that can be easily delivered and assembled on-site. The Modular Construction Institute reported that projects using this method were completed in half the time compared to traditional construction methods. This is because between 60-90% of the construction work is done indoors, eliminating weather delays. In fact, many companies began to prefer modular construction over traditional methods in the 1970s due to its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. According to WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme), modular construction can reduce material waste by up to 90%.
However, it is important to establish a physical relationship between non-modularized and modularized equipment during the planning phase. This may require the expansion or creation of existing factories or manufacturing facilities to accommodate the size and scope of the modules. One example of a successful modular construction project is the partnership between InProduction and Phoenix Modular Elevator (PME). Together, they designed, manufactured, and installed seven modular elevators for the F1 Grand Prix race in Las Vegas, Nevada. Another notable project is the TUT-MicroFactory, a modular construction kit concept that can be easily reconfigured for different manufacturing processes of portable or smaller products. DMDModular has also made significant strides in this field by completing a major energy-efficient housing project funded entirely by EU funding.
This project addresses some of the most pressing challenges in the industry. One of the main advantages of using a modular approach is its ability to mass-produce uniform and repetitive spaces and products, resulting in improved quality management and faster completion times. Aside from these benefits, modular construction also offers many advantages to homeowners. These include cost-effectiveness, energy efficiency, and reduced construction time. However, it is important to note that this method may not be suitable for every project and should be carefully considered during the planning phase.
