Modular Building

Modular Homes are sectional prefabricated houses that consist of multipe sections called modules. “Modular” is a method of construction vs. “stick-built” and other methods which are built on-site. The modules are constructed in a remote facility, then delivered to their intended site of use. Using a crane, the modules are set onto the building’s foundation and joined together to make a single building. The modules can be placed side-by-side, end-to-end, or stacked, allowing a wide variety of configurations and styles in the building layout. Modular buildings must conform to all local building codes for their proposed use. Placement of the modules may take several days for an entire house. Once assembled, modular buildings are essentially indistinguishable from typical site-built structures. A well-built modular building should retain value similarly to site-built structures.

• Advantages
  Modular buildings are often priced lower than their site-built counterparts, for a variety of reasons. Manufacturers cite the following reasons for the typically lower cost of these dwellings:

• Speed of construction/ faster return on investment. Modular construction allows for the building and the site work to be completed simultaneously, reducing the overall completion schedule by as much as 50%.

• Indoor construction. Assembly is independent of weather, which increases work efficiency and avoids damaged building material.

• Favorable pricing from suppliers. Large-scale manufacturers can effectively bargain with suppliers for discounts on materials.

• Ability to service remote locations. Particularly in countries in which potential markets may be located far from industrial centers, such as Australia, there can be much higher costs to build a site-built house in a remote area or an area experiencing a construction boom such as mining towns. Modular homes can be built in major towns and sold to regional areas.

• Low waste. With the same plans being constantly built, the manufacturer has records of exactly what quantity of materials are needed for a given job. While waste from a site-built dwelling may typically fill several large dumpsters, construction of a modular dwelling generates much less waste.

• Environmentally friendly construction process. Modular construction reduces waste and site disturbance compared to site-built structures.

• Environmental benefits for used modular buildings. Modular buildings contain 100% reusable components. This means you have the ability to take the building down and relocate it. Should a company's needs change, the modular room can be moved and they never lose their original investment. Pre-owned modular buildings in particular are recognised by the UK Government as being extremely environmentally friendly compared with an equivalent new manufactured building. When a used modular building is relocated with minimal alterations, then the amount of energy used is approximately 3% of the energy that is required to manufacture a new equivalent modular building when minimal alterations are made. The reason for this is that the embodied energy contained within a modular building is transportable and is locked within the fabric of the building.

• Flexibility. Conventional buildings can be difficult to extend, however with a modular building you can simply add sections, or even entire floors.

• Healthier. Because modular homes are built in a factory, the materials are stored indoors in a controlled environment, eliminating the risk of mold, mildew, rust, and sun damage that can often lead to human respiratory problems. Traditional site-built homes are always at risk from these threats.

• Stronger. Structurally, modular buildings are generally stronger than conventional construction because each module is engineered to independently withstand the rigors of transportation and craning onto foundations. Once together and sealed, the modules become one integrated wall, floor and roof assembly.

For architects and owners alike, modular construction companies today can work with levels of design and construction sophistication that will exceed all expectations, rivaling their conventional counterparts. It is beneficial that when exploring the various project delivery methods, off-site construction is chosen early in the design development process, and the project built around that methodology, to avoid redesigning. Most modular companies, however, can take a stick built design and create a modular version when required, so it’s never too late to explore the possibilities! Modern day architects advocate the use of Modular Construction. A lot of architects, builders, and engineers meet a few times a year to attend the “World of Modular” summits/ conventions and tradeshows to learn more about the latest in Modular Building Technology. These professionals are changing the way the world builds – Greener, Faster, Smarter. We, as designers at Ultra Modern Homes, will continue to work and corroborate with modular builders to design beautiful, practical and efficient modern/ contemporary homes. We will continue to update you with new topics, materials, and projects on this page.