Modular construction is the process of constructing a building off-site, in multiple 3D modules, and assembling them on-site to create the desired structure.
Modular construction is not a new concept. In fact, it’s been around since the early 1800s when it was pioneered by a carpenter in London! However, with advances in modern technology and an ever-increasing push for net-zero and sustainability in the construction industry, a new generation of modular buildings is on the horizon.
In this post we explore the advantages of modular construction. Plus, the barriers to this type of building process becoming mainstream.
What is modular construction?
Modular construction goes by a few terms such as ‘volumetric modular’, ‘3D modular’ or simply ‘off-site’ construction.
It differs from conventional construction because, rather than taking all materials to site and building from the ground up, 80% of the building itself is pre-made in a factory setting. Groundworks and any crucial on-site tasks are still done on-site. But for the most part, the construction process takes place miles away from the building’s final place of assembly.
There are also a few different types of modular construction, but in general they all follow these principles:
- Early design and technical considerations: Every aspect of the build is taken into consideration before the manufacturing process begins, to avoid disruption later.
- Factory precision meets on-site accuracy: Tolerances for modular construction are much lower than traditional buildings. Because the modules will be assembled elsewhere, it’s crucial they’re designed and made precisely.
- Collaboration and communication: Modules are designed, made, transported and assembled by different groups of people. Everyone must be on the same page to ensure the process runs smoothly.
Despite such a difference in methodology, modular buildings adhere to all the same planning and building regulations and codes as their conventional counterparts.
Advantages of modular construction
The advantages of modular construction are widespread. The pros include:
- Quality: There isn’t a trade-off between speed and quality, as is often the case with conventional builds. Modules can be produced quickly and uniformly, to the specifications set out, with minimised human error.
- Greater productivity: The construction sector in the UK is one of the most challenging from a productivity point of view. This is largely due to the complexity of the supply chain and external factors such as rain. With modular construction, manufacturing can be done on a production line, around the clock, regardless of the weather.
- Improved efficiency: Because they are made off-site in a predictable timeframe, modular homes can be built while groundworks are completed on site. In many cases, the total time it takes to complete on a build, including groundworks, is halved.
- Waste control: Modular builds reduce waste by 90% compared to traditional builds. The manufacturing process is controlled and precise when it comes to materials and stock.
- Lower costs than traditional methods: Modular builds save an average of 10% on build costs, when compared to their conventional equivalents. Less on-site labour costs, less waste and improved efficiency and productivity all contribute to this.
- Superior sustainability: Because of the way they are made, modular homes can be built with far less embodied carbon – nearly 50% less for high rise tower blocks, and up to 82% less whole-life embodied. Plus, they tend to produce structures with higher EPC ratings (A and B) as the default, saving energy from the start.
- Socio-economic benefits: Traditional construction often happens in areas where wages are already high so the demand for work in construction is low. Switching to the modular model means factories can be built anywhere, such as in areas where demand for employment is higher. This eases employment demand where it’s needed whilst lessening strain on labour shortages at construction sites.
Disadvantages of modular construction
The disadvantages of modular construction:
- Manufacturing issues: If an error in the design phase of the manufacturing phase does occur this can be a costly mistake.
- Longer design process: Because of this onus on the design and starting phases, it can take a little longer for projects to be approved and started.
- It’s not mainstream: There is a current lack of government awareness with regards to funding allocations and land allocation, stunting the growth of modular construction. Particularly when it comes to building new homes across Britain. This has also led to a limited number of suppliers and a concentration of projects in only some areas of the UK.
- Transportation risks: If the pre-fabricated modules are damaged on the way to site they could be miles from the factory. Cracking, shifting and wear and tear issues from transporting need to be easily repairable by those on site.
- Budgeting differences: Paying for a modular build can be different to traditional process – with a larger amount required upfront to secure production. It’s not the usual steady flow of material and labour costs throughout.
The pros and cons of modular construction
Thanks to its majority-manufactured process, modular construction offers developers the chance to bypass many of the issues in construction we see today. These include chronic labour shortages, spiraling costs, weather dependencies, sustainability, productivity, efficiency, waste and quality management. However, despite proven cost and other savings, there is still a way to go before modular construction becomes mainstream.
Starting a modular construction project and need some help with building services. We focus on the internal environment that you want to create inside one of your buildings, from lighting to heating, ventilation to energy usage, our building services engineers are available to discuss your requirements on 01942 889535.
Statistics unless otherwise stated are from Make UKs report: Modular’s role in saving the housing crisis
