Building for the future: 5 good reasons why we should be thinking “modular first”

Modular buildings have evolved significantly in the last few decades. Today’s clean, linear buildings offer bespoke solutions, minimum material wastage and lower energy bills. 

Gone are the days of draughty and cold school ‘mobiles’. Modern modular buildings are well insulated, and are designed and built using cutting edge materials and technology. 

Their improved quality and precise manufacturing techniques – together with their eco-credentials – mean they are an attractive option for buyers in the public sector. They offer permanent, high quality solutions for a variety of applications, particularly in education, health and housing. 

Public sector buyers may wish to consider the government’s construction policy, which encourages a presumption in favour of the use of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), which include modular and off-site construction and digital working. It has been assessed that the government and wider public sector alone spend £750 million per year on modular buildings. Growth has been driven by the intrinsic benefits of modular and the fact it is being embraced by public sector priority programmes in the schools, hospitals and housing sectors. 

“In 2019, the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee warned the Government that an over-reliance on traditional building methods will see the UK fall far short of its target to build 300,000 new homes a year by the mid-2020s.”

Source: www.parliament.uk

5 good reasons: why we should be thinking “modular first”

1. Health and Safety – compared to the inherent dangers of a traditional building site, a manufacturing base setting allows for greater control and command of processes. Nearly half (49%) of the fatalities that occurred in the construction industry in 2019, were due to falls from a height on-site. MMC processes allow complex assembly to be carried out at ground level off-site.
2. Sustainability – They are more energy-efficient for the end-user, create less waste in terms of materials and often feature sustainable materials. As modular buildings are constructed off-site there is the added benefit of a reduction in the carbon footprint of the build, with fewer deliveries travelling to and from the build site.
3. Problem Solving – Modular can fit the bill in many circumstances. For example, if there’s a need for speed, modular buildings are an ideal solution. Their construction is much speedier than traditional builds – on average, 50% faster.
4. Efficiency – Traditional construction can suffer from delays due to weather, hold ups in the materials supply chain and inevitably a snag list that must be tackled on-site, which could delay occupancy. With a modular building option, construction can already be underway off-site while the foundations are being laid.
5. Optimized Site Management – Modular building offers a streamlined mode of operation. It cuts down disruption within the footprint of the construction site itself, as well as within the site or neighbourhood in which it will exist. 

Next Steps

To find out more about these advantages for both purchaser and end user, and the benefits of Modern Methods of Construction, download our free whitepaper: Modular Buildings & Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) Why the public sector should be thinking ‘modular first’ today.

To find out more about our Modular Buildings Solutions agreement visit us here or contact us to discuss your requirements.