Thinking About the Small One-Off Modular Process
About the Author: Eric Parnell founded ArchBoutant, LLC after more than 20 years in the architectural and design world so he could provide a wide range of architectural services to those who needed specialized assistance. Eric Parnell’s experience extends beyond his architecture company and also encompasses construction, renovation, and code compliance. And, as a former Louisiana State Fire Marshal, Eric is able to ensure your building is safe and up to all codes and regulations.
It is becoming more commonplace and extremely popular in many places to use custom modular construction. This modular construction ranges from multi-hundred-room hotels to apartment complexes to small single module units for franchise restaurants. All of these modules are generally mass produced on a scale that easily adapts to modular construction and takes advantage of the repeatability and constructability of factory production. Just like the large scale projects, small one-off projects can be a great outlet for modular construction.
EXAMPLE: Harvest Marijuana Dispensary, Little Rock, AR (exterior). Winner: 2021 Awards of Distinction – Permanent Modular Retail
Built by Modlogiq, Inc.
Small one-off projects take advantage of many of the same benefits as a large scale project but with the added benefit of customization for each client or situation, similar to traditional stick frame construction.
The benefits of modular construction
All modular construction includes benefits such as:
- Time of construction can be shortened significantly by taking advantage of parallel construction of the modular portion with the site, civil, and other on-site infrastructure items.
- Weather delays for the modular construction are also minimized as the buildings can be constructed in a protected factory.
- A smaller construction site is possible because the modular portion is constructed off-site. Only the site infrastructure material is on site.
- The advantage of lower labor costs will be obvious for the modular portion of the project. The location of the modular factory does not need to be near the site and can take advantage of locations with lower labor costs.
- Factory construction enables the manufacturer to coordinate, optimize, and efficiently use construction material during construction. The efficiency saves material, electricity, and labor during construction, allowing the modular system to produce less waste and become a greener product.
The benefits of modular construction are obvious and can be implemented in almost all projects. Small one-off projects can also take advantage of the benefits with a few extra advantages to offer a client.
Small one-off modular will typically consist of only one or two modules although larger systems are completely possible. One-off modular can be semi-customized and can include any exterior finish options, ranging from cement plank siding to stucco or even brick. It can also have customized interior layouts that can be arranged to meet the customer’s needs. A semi-customized interior can include wall locations, light designs, and interior finishes.
Harvest Marijuana Dispensary (interior)
Harvest Marijuana Dispensary (floorplan)
Defying expectations of modular
Another feature of the small one-off modular is the feasibility and possibility of placing the modular in communities, cities, or towns with ordinances against what is perceived as “traditional” modular construction. Cities frequently do not want buildings with metal siding on blocks. A small one-off building can feasibly have any exterior façade, windows, and roof system. In many cases a properly designed project can blend in with the existing buildings and no person will ever know it’s modular.
There are numerous benefits to the small one-off modular that are obvious and very enticing. There is also a process to be followed to ensure a smooth project. This process includes any state or local registration and codes, ordinances, pre-determined building size or type, model interior layouts, and model exterior finishes.
EXAMPLE: Harrison Street Oasis, Oakland, CA (exterior). Winner: 2019 Awards of Distinction – Permanent Modular Retail Built by UrbanBloc Inc. & R & S Tavares Associates
Complying with state and local codes
Almost every state has some version of an industrialized building program. This is a certification through the state agency and may include third party reviews or inspections and state registration, reviews, and inspections. These programs all have different requirements but all of them will require upfront effort and time to meet the various requirements. The requirements take time, and most states require a registration process and a fee. If the modular company is already registered in the state, then they are a step ahead. Some states require on-site inspections and inspection of a model building. These inspections may take six months to complete. So, research the state and plan for the time involved.
Harrison Street Oasis (close-up)
Harrison Street Oasis (floorplan)
Once the codes, modular building certification, and ordinances are understood, a company can preselect, predesign, and pre-certify several building sizes to offer to clients. The selected sizes should be, at a minimum, submitted to any state agency for approval within the occupancy types offered. If the city is a large market, it would be advisable to also have the building pre-certified as well. Many cities will not pre-certify a building but even discussing the process with the different departments can give an understanding of what you are doing and how you would like to see the process work.
Now that most of the regulation and code issues have been mapped out or discussed, it is time to make a sale and start the customization process. Pre-arranged options for both the interior and exterior will be your best friend in this stage. Using a single module modular that is preapproved by the state could have three or more different approved interior layouts with three different exterior facades, providing nine unique options. Once the interior finishes are included, the options become infinite. Pre-arranged options such as these give the client choices but enable the modular company to have the options in place and available when it is required, shortening the time to an occupied building.
A small one-off modular building is a great way for a modular company to compete with traditional stick frame builders. With the many advantages associated with modular, it can be an easier sale to a client. If a modular company does its homework and pre-arranges options, a one-off modular building can be a great addition to a company.
More from Modular Advantage
Roland Brown Looks Back at His Story of Success in the Modular Construction Industry
Roland Brown never imagined his life
would turn out this way. He retired from a nearly 50-year-long career, starting off as a draftsman in the mobile home industry to becoming the VP of Design and Development at Ramtech Building Systems, Inc., a design/build construction company in Mansfield, Texas with its own modular
manufacturing facility.
Welcoming the Industry’s Rising Stars to the World of Modular
As part of Tremco’s Rising Stars program, students from the East Career & Technical Academy attended World of Modular to learn from industry experts and meet representatives of companies from across the modular construction industry. Their instructor, Tremco’s David Hutchinson, led the morning-long program on the conference’s third day.
A Presidents’ Lunch 40 Years in the Making
At a luncheon hosted by MBI’s current executive director Tom Hardiman, CAE, and operations director Steven Williams, CAE, on the final day of the conference, nearly half of the association’s former board presidents were joined by Judy Smith, MBI’s former executive director who retired in 2004. There were warm greetings, old stories, and new insights into an
industry poised to grow like never before.
An Event to Remember: The 2023 World of Modular
MBI’s 2023 World of Modular conference and tradeshow was held in April at the luxurious Bellagio Resort & Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. World of Modular has long been the industry’s best chance to meet new contacts, learn from industry experts, and reconnect with old friends, but this year the excitement was palpable.
Mike Bollero, Sr.: A Leader in Modular Construction
Since those early days more than 50 years ago, Bollero has seen the modular construction industry grow and mature remarkably. The industry has provided both enduring relationships with colleagues as well as interesting challenges along the way. Here’s a look back at Mike Bollero, Sr.’s remarkable career.
European Company iQ Module Bets The Future on Shared Tech, Tools, and Partnerships
iQ Module—based out of Gdansk, Poland—has grown exponentially as a company, with offices in Germany and Denmark. The company has also embarked on an ongoing joint venture and partnership with Roger Krulak of FullStack Modular for projects in the U.S. and around the globe.
Modular Building is (Almost) as Old as the Hills
That modular building hasn’t already gained more U.S. market share is a source of bewilderment to many. Though the technology has been around for more than 70 years, modular building in the U.S. has never gained as solid a foothold as it has in other societies. But it’s time may finally be here.
Wilmot Modular: Always Willing to Help Out
Mike Wilmot, president of Wilmot Modular in Maryland, shares his experience responding to natural disasters and explains his company’s Rapid Response Program.
The Quick Response to Hurricane Katrina
Jane Conkin, owner of Quick Buildings Modular, recalls how her company provided much-needed modular buildings after Hurricane Katrina.
In Rough Times, Black Diamond Shines
Black Diamond CEO Trevor Haynes talks about the disasters his company has helped with and how disaster response is more than the “nuts and bolts” of transporting assets.