Multi-family buildings, schools or staff hotels - any of these buildings can be built using modular construction technology. Find out what modular construction is and how it differs from traditional construction.
What is modular construction?
Modular construction is a term related to another, related term -modular construction which refers to the technology of constructing buildings based on prefabricated modules, i.e. spatial, three-dimensional segments with a wooden load-bearing structure.
These modules are characterised by a high degree of prefabrication - they are produced as finished structural elements that are delivered to site and assembled as large volumetric elements or as essential building components such as whole rooms, parts of rooms or separate units with a high level of utility. On-site finishing work may only consist of residual finishing work and installation of systems whose manufacturing technology precludes assembly in the factory.
Modular construction stages
What are the stages of modular construction? In simple terms, there are three phases: the design of the building, the construction of the modules and their assembly on site.
Designing a modular construction project
The design is the key to any project. And this is where the process of building a prefabricated building begins. At Unihouse, we have our own design office - our designers prepare the design after identifying the needs and expectations of the investor. To date, we have designed and commissioned modular buildings for various purposes, including: kindergartens, schools, multi-family buildings, hotels and dormitories (volume construction).
Investment preparation also takes place at this stage. This is a broad term that encompasses both the formalities (e.g. obtaining the necessary permits) and the preparation of the site to carry out work using traditional technology (foundations).
2 Making the modules
The manufacturing of the modules is the phase of the modular investment that takes place in the factory. What does this step-by-step phase of modular construction look like? Much depends on the previous point, the design. In simple terms, the work on the assembly line consists of making:
- ceilings - at the same time as making the floors and ceilings, skilled workers install all the necessary installations in them;
- walls - this process is largely automated, and this step also involves filling the walls with acoustic and fire insulation (mineral wool);
- assembling the modules - the ceilings, floors and walls are assembled into modules (from which the finished building will then be constructed), technicians also assemble the remaining installations and window and door joinery;
- finishing works - the final finish of the module depends on the decision of the investor, who is free to choose the colour palette or materials used;
- furnishing works - if the design provides for it, the modules will be equipped with fittings, furniture or kitchen appliances.
One of the many advantages of modular construction over traditional technology is that work on the foundations, basement or underground garage on the construction site is carried out in parallel with the production of the modules in the factory. This significantly reduces the time needed to carry out the project.
3. Transport and assembly on site
Once the modules are ready, the next step is to transport them to the construction site. This does not always take place overland - in the case of offshore or overseas projects, the modules can also be transported by ship. Once the transport arrives at the construction site, the modules are joined together. This is done using a crane - modular construction ‘grows’ day by day, because it does not take long to connect the individual prefabricated elements.
Once the work on site is complete, the building is handed over to the client. If the project envisaged turnkey delivery, the building is ready for use - all that remains is to follow the formalities.
How does modular construction differ from traditional construction?
Once you know what modular construction is, it is easy to point out how it differs from traditional building construction methods. Firstly, modular construction is largely built in a factory. Secondly, the work stages are carried out in parallel, rather than one after the other, with the consequence that the total investment time is greatly reduced. A good example is the production of modules in a factory, which is carried out in parallel with the preparation of the site and the laying of the foundations. But there are more differences - modular construction allows:
- eliminate construction errors - the modules are created in a controlled environment (factory) and, as a consequence, there is no fear that the construction team will make mistakes during the erection phase;
- control costs to a greater extent - this point is related to the above and, for the investor, means optimal use of the budget allocated for the construction of a residential or commercial building;
- minimise the impact on the environment - modular timber frame construction design involves the use of timber that has been legally harvested and from sustainably managed forests.
Modular construction also differs from traditional construction in terms of the maintenance costs of the completed building. Modular technology is better in this respect. Modular buildings are distinguished by their lower energy requirements. In practice, this means lower bills and huge savings over the life cycle of the building.
