TRENDS IN THE U.S.

MODULARCONSTRUCTION

Modular Construction in the United StatesIn countries around the world, the demand for modular construction is rapidly growing. Take the United Kingdom and China for example; modular buildings are being used to build skyscrapers, massive data centers, hotels, apartment complexes and much more. The benefits of modular, such as the shortened construction timeline and faster return on investment, are tipping the scales in favor of this method.

While the United States may be at the forefront of a lot of industry trends and revolutionizing technology, it wasn’t until the last few years that it started to really take advantage of modular construction for larger multi-story projects. Because of the financial, environmental and technical benefits of modular construction, now is an ideal time for the United States to capitalize on the industry. Currently, modular construction is a five billion dollar a year industry in the United States, which is just over 1% of all United States construction revenue. In the United States, educating potential building owners about the benefits of modular construction is important. Often, potential builders make decisions on whether or not to use modular construction based on assumptions instead of facts.

There are financial, environmental and technical benefits that will help to increase the use of modular construction in the United States. As we look into the trends that are influencing the decision to choose modular construction over traditional construction, it will also explain why industries are transitioning to modular solutions.

ECONOMIC TRENDS FAVORING MODULAR

It may not be a new trend, but keeping a strict bottom line has always been a common goal of building administrators and contractors. In many cases, the most cost effective solution in maintaining the bottom line is modular construction. Modular buildings are built to the same building codes using the same materials as traditional construction and can be completed up to 40% faster. The streamlined construction process allows for the majority of construction to take place off site, while the foundation is set and the utilities are laid. A shorter construction timeline allows for earlier building occupancy. Because buildings can be occupied earlier, companies and organizations are able to save money and start generating a faster return on investment (ROI).

M SPACE AT WORKThe Atkinson County Health Department was in serious need of a new facility to replace its outdated, overcrowded building. The Atkinson County officials originally sought designs for traditionally constructed buildings, but all of the estimates they received were over budget. M SPACE worked closely with the county officials to find ways to work within their approved budget and proposed various layouts to meet their unique needs. With a few slight modifications to the roof design and an alternate mechanical system, M SPACE was able to provide a building that matched Atkinson County’s original design and stayed within their budget. The final product was a 5,880 square foot permanent modular health clinic with brick exterior. The clinic includes seven exam rooms, a lab, offices, medical records room, nurse work area, break room, conference room, waiting room and handicap accessible restrooms.

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ENVIRONMENTAL TRENDS FAVORING MODULAR

As the green movement continues to expand and impact our everyday decisions, it becomes apparent that our construction efforts must follow suit. One solution is to construct buildings with the lowest impact on the environment and surrounding area. According to an article published by the Modular Building Institute (MBI), a study in the United Kingdom determined that modular construction can typically lower the overall carbon footprint of a project by 38% and reduce CO2 output by 42% while improving the energy use for the building and maintenance by 21%.

One attention grabbing benefit of modular construction is the fact that it is an inherently greener process. Because a majority of the construction takes place indoors, there is less material waste and reduced site disturbance. Another reason why modular construction is inherently greener is because temporary buildings can be repurposed and reused. Modular buildings can be dismantled, reconfigured and refurbished to meet a client’s space needs. By encouraging the reuse of these buildings, there is less material waste over time and a reduced demand for raw materials, which avoids unnecessary use of materials and energy that are required for new buildings.

Modular buildings also have the opportunity to be more energy efficient. They can be designed to better leverage daylight and reduce the amount of energy that is wasted during the day. Lowering operational costs and overhead energy costs is important to many. Green building designs can also offer a variety of benefits to the occupants. Improved air quality from high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment increases the comfort and wellbeing of occupants resulting in improved occupant performance.

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M SPACE AT WORK Lake Mohave’s Cottonwood Cove Marina needed a durable and eco-friendly space solution to replace its previously damaged building. The final product was a floating marina, the first in the world registered for LEED Gold certification. The marina was designed to fit comfortably on the dock amongst the boats and features a lobby/welcome area, an office, storage and supply rooms, a dive locker and restrooms. Recycled and low-emitting materials were utilized throughout construction. The deck is made from recycled plastic and all flooring is made of recycled carpet remnants. Additionally, the marina is placed in an ideal location for captivating natural sunlight and air ventilation, saving energy and electrical costs.

TECHNOLOGICAL TRENDS FAVORING MODULAR

Innovations in modular technology have helped transform the way we construct buildings and homes in the past century. When it comes to modular, the expectations far exceed what was created in the past. With today’s technology, modular buildings are cost-effective, flexible and adaptable to everyday uses.

The use of prefabrication is being incorporated into more and more projects thanks to technology. With certain computer programs, contractors and architects can virtually build modular buildings on the computer before the plans are drawn up and the buildings are constructed. With this technology, they are able to plan every aspect of the building from the lay out of the walls to the doorway openings. From here, the plans can be shared directly with the manufacturers that can produce the components. Thanks to the new technology, it is easier for industries to incorporate modular construction into the building design allowing the process to be more time efficient.

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M SPACE AT WORKLake Washington School District wanted to construct an innovative building for their expanding science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) program. M SPACE worked closely with another construction company to seamlessly integrate both modular and traditional building practices. The building was designed to be adaptable, which provides versatility in the use of space to best meet the diverse educational needs of the STEM program. A traditional school design was not conducive because the building needed to be more fluid and offer ample room for group and lab activities. Totaling 65,000 square feet, the two-story STEM school consists of 24 classrooms, a presentation hall, common areas, administrative offices, a full service kitchen, restrooms and a nurse’s office. Project features include motorized skylight louvers, open balconies, intelligent sensors, an elevator, windows with motorized shades and photovoltaic solar panels. The building also has an equipment efficiency system, which students will monitor as part of the STEM curriculum.

If you are considering expanding your current facility — whether it’s new or preleased, permanent or temporary, M SPACE can help you design and create

the building that is right for your space needs.

Give us a call and request a quote

877-677-2231

www.mspaceholdings.com

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