Smarter Construction with Modular Building
The construction industry is evolving, and modular construction is at the forefront of this transformation. By leveraging advanced technology and industrialized building techniques, modular construction offers smarter solutions compared to traditional methods. This approach not only improves efficiency but also enhances the overall quality and sustainability of buildings.
Download the Report
The new report from the CSA Public Policy Centre, "Seizing the Modular Construction Opportunity," discusses the efficiency of modular construction in speeding up the development of various buildings, from single homes to complex skyscrapers. Modular techniques, benefiting from controlled factory settings and efficient manufacturing, can complete projects 25% to 50% quicker than traditional building methods.
The Modular Building Process
Volumetric modular construction involves creating building modules in a factory-controlled environment. These modules are then transported to the construction site and assembled. This method contrasts with traditional construction, where each phase is completed sequentially on-site, often leading to inefficiencies and delays. Modular construction vs traditional construction highlights the benefits of this innovative approach.
Benefits of Smarter Construction with Modular Methods
- Advanced Design and Planning: Modular construction utilizes sophisticated software for design and planning, ensuring precise specifications and reducing the risk of errors. This advanced planning stage integrates all aspects of the project, from architectural design to engineering and material selection, providing a comprehensive blueprint that streamlines the construction process.
- Controlled Environment: Building in a factory-controlled environment allows for greater precision and quality control. Modules are constructed under strict conditions, ensuring that every component meets high standards. This level of control is difficult to achieve with traditional construction, where factors such as weather and site conditions can impact quality.
- Improved Collaboration: Modular construction fosters better collaboration among architects, engineers, and builders. The factory setting allows for real-time adjustments and improvements, enhancing communication and reducing misunderstandings that can occur in traditional construction projects.
- Efficient Resource Use: The modular process is designed to optimize the use of materials and resources. By reducing waste and maximizing efficiency, modular construction supports sustainability goals. This approach contrasts with the often wasteful practices seen in traditional construction.
Contribute Your Data
MBI produces the industry's leading annual reports detailing permanent modular construction and relocatable buildings, but we need your help! Submit your modular project data today and contribute to the greater knowledge of the modular construction industry.
Modular Building Efficiency Case Study: Eurofins Idaho Food Safety Laboratory
Company:
Aries Building Systems, LLC
Location:
Art's Way Scientific, Inc. & PSE Consulting Engineers Inc.
Building Use:
Laboratory
Gross Size of Project:
1189 Square Feet
Days to complete:
128
The Eurofins Idaho Food Safety Laboratory is a prime example of smart modular construction. Located in Idaho Falls, Idaho, this 1,189-square-foot laboratory was completed in just 128 days. The project incorporated advanced design elements and efficient resource use, resulting in a high-quality facility. The laboratory features multiple rooms for different functions, including incubation rooms, sample preparation areas, and pathogen testing spaces. The modular approach allowed for precise control over the construction process, ensuring the facility met stringent safety and quality standards.
Modular vs Traditional Construction
When comparing modular vs traditional construction, the advantages of modular methods become clear. Modular construction reduces project timelines, enhances quality control, and supports sustainable building practices. Prefab vs traditional construction offers similar benefits, with prefabricated components ensuring consistent quality and faster assembly times.
Building Smarter: Real-World Examples
Making the switch to automation is a big step for offsite modular construction companies. But it’s a necessary one if they want to succeed moving forward. Brave Control Solutions Inc. specializes in building customized automated solutions for offsite modular construction. It’s been Vice President Cooper Lane’s focus for the last seven years, and he’s developed a comprehensive roadmap to automation to guide customers to the best option to fit their needs now and in the future.
Some people love a challenge, and some companies grow to specialize in tackling challenging projects. MODLOGIQ, located in New Holland, Pennsylvania, has developed expertise in building healthcare facilities, a demanding enterprise for any builder. With roots going back to the 1970s in Canadian manufacturer NRB with owners Bob and Craig McNeil, MODLOGIQ was spun-off from NRB as a result of the sale of the Grimsby operation in 2019 with Jim Gabriel as President and CEO.
House of Design, located in Nampa, Idaho, provides a unique solution to building trusses, walls, and other building assemblies: they call it dynamic automation. Shane Dittrich, CEO, explained the term as “the robots have no idea what they’re building today.”
Instead of tasking a robot to build only one type and size of assembly, their software analyzes the most efficient order to produce a variety of similar products in, no matter what size they are. The software takes advantage of efficiencies to shave off milliseconds and full seconds from standard automated fabrication.
Consider Modular Building for Your Next Project
The smarter approach of modular construction makes it an ideal choice for a wide range of projects, including hotels, hospitals, offices, schools, multi-family housing, and crisis buildings. By leveraging advanced technology and efficient building techniques, modular methods help you achieve superior results in less time.
Contact MBI
Explore how modular solutions can meet your project needs by speaking to a member of the Modular Building Institute. MBI connects you with industry experts specializing in large-scale, commercial modular projects. Learn more about how modular construction can provide smarter solutions for your project.
Get started on your next project with the intelligence and efficiency of modular construction. Contact MBI today to connect with experienced professionals who can help bring your vision to reality.