The Ultimate Guide to Modular Construction

Even though modular construction has been around for decades, it has only recently become the construction method of choice. It has always been a cost-effective, quicker mode of building, but people now realise that you can get high-quality units that can be mass-produced. For this reason, hospitals, schools, and more, are turning to this sector for the mass production of modules.

After 70 years, there is now a general acceptance that it is an improved method of construction over traditional modes. It also has unquestionable benefits for the environment. For this reason, the health sector was one of the first to recognise that modular construction was far superior. The leaders in this industry saw past the ill-informed assumptions and sought to understand why complex buildings didn’t have to be bricks and mortar constructions.

What is modular construction?

If you have never worked with modular construction before, you might have an image of the old prefab hut from school that was always too hot or too cold. In truth, modular construction has come a long way, as engineers and designers have worked consistently to increase the quality to a point it is better than what was once seen as the only way to build.

Modular construction creates sections of buildings, called modules, in a factory setting. As these modules are built off-site, the groundworks are completed on site. These modules are then delivered to the site and stacked, pretty much like Lego bricks. You can stack them one on top of the other and side by side. You can create separate rooms or connect them together to create a larger space.

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80% of the module is created off-site. When delivered to the site, the first M&E fix of pipework, etc., is complete. Once delivered, the second fix with wiring and floor finished is done within a few weeks of delivery to the site.

The first modules were designed by Henry Manning and shipped to Australia to be put together as “cottages”.

How does it work?

Modular construction is designed and built in a factory. A streamlined process sees the module move through the factory, where different tradespeople work on modules at different stages of construction. As the supplies are stored within the factory, resources are managed much more successfully, and labour costs are drastically reduced. There is also no delay as the site manager waits for the next set of subcontractors to become available to continue work.

While both modular and traditional construction requires groundworks, with engineering at the site, the processes are very different after this. While the traditional construction methods are a lengthy process of foundation laying, the framing of the property, siding and insulation, door-fitting and window fitting, plumbing and electrics and then the interior. In contrast, once the groundwork is complete, the module can be delivered – as about the time a traditional build would have just been framed.

Helping Healthcare

There are good reasons why modular building helps healthcare specifically. It is a cost-effective mode of construction, and it is quick. Much-needed space can be delivered quickly and with minimum disruption on site. With a reduction in noise and less site traffic, the whole process of building is more convenient.

And it is environmentally sound

Modular construction fits within a policy of build greener, as resources are saved during building and parts can be recycled after use. In short, less is sent to landfills. Added to this, the units are more energy efficient with much better air permeability. In short, not only are they cheaper, better quality and quicker to build, modular buildings are also a solution to our diminishing global resources.