Modular Buildings: A Guide
For many people, the very name ‘modular building’ conjures up images of cheaply put together, flimsy structures and possibly memories of dingy holiday camps or draughty school canteens. But this is a viewpoint that is very much out of date. Modern modular buildings are made from high tech materials to exacting standards and offer a low cost, fast turnaround solution to a whole host of construction needs.
What is a modular building?
A modular building is one where the bulk of the construction has been performed off-site. They are typically made with steel frames though modular buildings for use as homes may sometimes have a wooden frame. The buildings are fabricated in modular sections at a factory and then delivered to the site.
Any number of sections can be combined to create buildings of almost limitless size which are placed on foundations, finished with a roof and cladding, connected to the mains water, electricity, gas and, if necessary, connected to existing buildings.
Modular buildings – what are they good for?
Versatility is the hallmark of the modular building. Whether temporary, semi-permanent or permanent, single or multi-story, steel or wooden frame, if you can think of a type of building we can almost guarantee there’ll be a modular solution. (Okay, there aren’t any modular skyscrapers as yet, but give it time…)
Their popularity for public, commercial and residential projects has rocketed during recent years.
Why should I choose a modular building?
There are three main advantages to choosing modular buildings over traditional builds:
- Cost Pre-fabrication is cheaper than building on-site and less labour is required on-site for installation, dramatically reducing costs.
- Speed Modular building installations can take as little as half the time of a traditional build.
- Reduced risk You know what you’re getting before the construction has begun and there’s less chance of weather or other factors disrupting the project which all means that the chances of project or budget overrun are very much reduced.
Modular buildings also have a very obvious advantage for temporary or semi-permanent structures as they are relatively easy to disassemble and retain a resale value.
Don’t they look shabby?
It’s important not to get modular buildings confused with portable cabins. A modular building can be finished in a variety of ways – many are clad in brick, glass and steel or even woodwork. They also come in sloping roof, pitched roof and flat roof varieties, again with a choice of materials.
A modular building company will be able to offer many options for your project’s look and feel as well as drawing up all the required plans and helping to cost the project.
Are they suitable for homes?
In the UK modular buildings aren’t generally used for single residences – the traditional build is still dominant – and so few companies exist which can provide them. But for blocks of flats or apartments in urban areas, modular buildings can be an ideal solution and are popping up with increasing regularity.
Who provides modular buildings?
There are many modular building companies in the UK some regional, some national. Almost all of them can offer a complete service encompassing design, fabrication, delivery, preparatory sitework, installation, finishing and ensuring compliance with building regulations.
