AI, Faster Sets, and Automation: The Future of Modular Is at World of Modular

Cloud Apartments, a development company focused on multi-family housing, addresses field inefficiencies by redesigning their mechanical, electrical, and plumbing connections to simplify field installation. Cloud partners with factories, installation partners, and contractors to deliver its patented building system that saves on cost. Traditional modules are designed to have utility connections made in the field through the common corridor. Both vertical and horizontal connections are made after the unit has been set. The Cloud Connect system streamlines this work into a single connection point, drastically reducing field labor time and costs.

Cloud Apartments grew out of the idea that if apartments were standardized and value engineered in a precise way, cost savings could be created without compromising the renter experience. “The fact that we have such a drastic gap in between supply and demand in this country around housing is unacceptable, and that's what has driven our mission from the get-go,” said Apoorva Pasricha, COO of Cloud Apartments.

Through data analysis of thousands of module sets, Vice President of Construction Matthew Rapa identified several areas where integration between the factory and the field could be improved. Based on this analysis, he developed a unique solution with company founder Curtis Wong that simplifies field connections, saving time and money.

“CloudConnect incorporates alignment into the shaft as a key point, and the MEP system we've developed is a telescoping push-fit plate that allows us to flex in the up and down or Z direction,” Rapa said. “As the upper module sets on the lower module, the plates will align and mildly compress until we finish the mechanical fastening around them. The connection is 90% made until it’s mechanically fastened.”

“CloudConnect reduces the time trades have to spend on site,” said Pasricha. “And the installer can complete the installation by simply fastening four bolts. So, you're able to create a dent in the field costs.”

Perhaps more important than their specialized connection system is the mindset shift required to think like a factory, knowing exactly how much time and materials each task takes. “Can we start changing the narrative of conventional pricing to something more takt-time-based like manufacturing?” asked Rapa. “I've worked in conventional and modular construction and have graphed actual data on both types of projects and different ways to do things. I think there's definitely something here that can create more success for the entire industry if the lens shifts a little bit.”

The goals of their presentation, “Hidden Cost Driver in Modular Construction: Rethinking Field Labor Efficiency,” include introducing their innovative technology to the industry, sharing cost data to demonstrate its impact on construction costs, and seeking feedback from industry players, including designers and developers.

“Modular construction promised to save money,” said Pasricha. “And most of the projects you see built through this method have not saved on cost. Part of the reason is that when you do a modular project, the hard costs break out to about 25% in the factory and 75% in the field. That ratio must be flipped if you want to save on costs by going modular. And to flip that ratio, all your innovation has to focus on addressing inefficiencies in the field.”

Attend their session to learn more about the specifics of the connections.