Modular construction: Building on a solid potential

Within the subject of environmental friendliness and construction efficiency, modular structures such as prefab homes and buildings are a common topic of conversation. Building structures off-site, which is usually done in large, spacious facilities with plenty of room for social distancing, is expected to have a bigger impact in construction because of how the world will soon face the 'new normal' where social distancing measures are recommended. The COVID-19 virus aside, growing populations and rapid urbanization are factors also seen as driving the popularity of modular construction.

Verified suppliers featured on Global Sources offer prefabricated structures for a variety of applications. These models come with prebuilt components such as basic electrical and plumbing systems and are built with industry-grade materials such as galvanized steel frames and cement sandwich panels.

The industry of modular building construction is one that relies on technological advancements, and the process has become increasingly popular since its inception for many reasons.

Economic practicality

An economy with its struggles amplified by a pandemic will see numerous advantages in modular construction. Aside from more flexibility for the architect, modular construction also offers a remarkable cost efficiency without compromising structural integrity. As the process is much less expensive than traditional building, both public and private sectors can benefit from the costs saved by modularization.

No weather delays

Mechanical contracting services provider Lee Company, for instance, runs a building fabrication shop that utilizes automated welders, plasma tables and cutting machines. Their website explains that it's more efficient to build prefabs from BIM models using state-of-the-art equipment protected indoors in a facility. Moreover, missed project deadlines arising from severe weather conditions that affect equipment and manpower are not typically a problem in this kind of setup.

Higher ROI

Modular construction is an industrialized assembly of multiple structures or 'modules' at the same time – a process that involves strategic preparation to make sure the results are precise and accurate. Since the modules are built concurrently from the same building information software, the time it takes to manufacture each one is significantly reduced. According to architecture blog Archdaily, a modularly built hotel, for example, can be ready to start generating revenue 30 to 50 percent earlier than a one built with conventional construction methods.

Sustainability

Fifty-six million tons of debris are generated yearly by traditional construction, as per the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Factory-built modules, however, are made by an assembly line from a precise building information model – with equipment that cuts the materials into precise shapes and sizes. The automation of the process generates less waste than conventional construction methods and thus lessens the negative environmental impact of building. UK group WRAP reports that this can result in about 90 percent reduction in materials used compared to traditional methods. Other than reduced costs as a result of efficiency, buyers of prefab structures will find that the finished product also looks more polished.

Image from Qingdao Sango Construction Technology Co. Ltd

Safer workers

Construction job sites are known to be one of the most hazardous workplaces. Stick-built structures require that crews frequently move around the job site, carry heavy materials and equipment, climb scaffolding and do other high-risk tasks. Construction company Vanguard Modular's website listed falls, electrocution, getting caught between objects and being hit by objects as four of the leading causes of injuries in construction. Working in a controlled factory setting, however, is safer for workers as more ground-level work eliminates the need to be on slippery and wobbly surfaces, reducing the chances of slips, falls and other accidents.

Market trends suggest that modular construction is here to stay for the foreseeable future. Research from Fortune Business Insights says that the global modular construction market is looking to reach $106.22 billion by 2027 from $67.74 billion in 2019.

Sourcing

The notably high market demand, economic benefits and environmental friendliness make prefabricated structures an attractive option for sourcing professionals exploring new ways to reduce costs and maximize profitability.

Prefab units may be a tougher sell to some customers who have a negative perception of their quality, but the tide is turning for prefab's reputation. Good QA and certification, married to prefabricated structures' advantages in cost, flexibility and sustainability, will go a long way to winning converts and sales.