Modular construction offers the industry an opportunity to make a step change: shifting many aspects of building activity away from traditional construction sites and into factories with off-site, manufacturing-style production. Modular (or prefabricated) construction is not a new concept, but technological improvements, economic demands, and changing mind-sets mean it is attracting an unprecedented wave of interest and investment. If it takes hold, it could give the industry a huge productivity boost, help solve the housing problems, and significantly reshape the way we build today.
The work is completed in a factory-controlled environment, either as a complete structure or as modular subassemblies for a larger project. This offsite construction allows the use of lean manufacturing techniques to create the prefabricated modules. These modular units can be placed end-to-end or stacked up to create different configurations.
The modular construction process is completed onsite using inter-module connections (or inter-connections) to tie the units together.
Permanent modular buildings, such as prefabricated homes, are built to standards that are equal or higher than traditional site built properties, ensuring high levels of quality control.
Permanent modular construction (PMC) can be carried out with a variety of building materials, such as concrete, steel or wood, and can also include provision for adding windows, power supplies, water and sewage pipes, telecommunications, air conditioning and more. Many of these additional features can be installed before being taken to site, saving construction time later in the process. These PMC structures are designed to remain in one location once built and can include as many storeys as allowed by building regulations.
Permanent modular construction (PMC) can be carried out with a variety of building materials, such as concrete, steel or wood, and can also include provision for adding windows, power supplies, water and sewage pipes, telecommunications, air conditioning and more. Many of these additional features can be installed before being taken to site, saving construction time later in the process. These PMC structures are designed to remain in one location once built and can include as many storeys as allowed by building regulations.
