Why is modular ” steel frame construction ” the future ?
35% more cost saving
55% faster to build off-site
65% better quality control
75% more environment friendly
85% more sustainable
90% faster transportation time if the off-site factory is placed in EU.
Benefits of modular steel structures construction using ” shipping container” as sustainable steel frames.
From the efficiency to the ease of build, it’s no surprise that modular container construction is sweeping the world. More and more commercial contractors and residential homebuilders are adopting for modular construction and for good reason.
Here are just a few reasons why going modular is gaining popularity in the construction industry.
35% More Cost Saving
Modular construction has numerous cost benefits over traditional onsite construction. As mentioned above, modular construction decreases build times, which greatly reduce labor costs.
Additionally, because modular building facilities use precision construction equipment and detailed designs, the building process is less wasteful. Each structure uses exact amounts of lumber and other materials.
55% Faster Build Times
Because construction teams are able to work in controlled environments using repetitive techniques and convenient equipment like large-scale jigs, modular construction results in faster build times.
Weather delays are no longer a factor with modular construction either, so contractors are able to complete daily build goals and easily avoid setbacks that are common with onsite construction.
65% Better Quality Control
There are multiple reasons why modular construction is gaining popularity in Europe and the U.S. and quality control is at the top of the list.
Modular manufacturing as a process where tight tolerances and quality control are top priorities.
Unlike traditional construction practices, modular buildings are assembled in controlled environments. This means the majority of the build process is sheltered from the elements.
Likewise, all building materials are stored in the same controlled environment, which reduces imperfections like lumber warp.
In addition, builders are able to work in the same controlled space with all tools and equipment at their disposal. This leads to better built structures and superior quality standards.
75% More Environmental Friendly
Because modular construction facilities take advantage of production repetition common with assembly line manufacturing, the modular building process uses less energy than traditional construction.
Unlike onsite construction practices, waste in modular construction is used instead of discarded.
Many modular construction facilities store unused materials in controlled environments and recycle them for use in other projects. This helps reduce the 135 million tons of construction waste that ends up in landfills each year. Recycling shipping containers adds a life span on 120 years compared to normally on 5-10 years on normally modular buildings.
When it comes to construction efficiency, modular building is quickly becoming the new industry standard.
90% more sustainable than traditional methodology
Modular construction is cheaper and less time consuming to erect compared with traditional construction methods, however it also bring with it a raft of sustainability benefits as well.
Three ways in which modular buildings are a lot more environmentally friendly compared to traditionally constructed buildings.
1. Use Less Energy
Nearly 90 % of the construction of a modular building takes place off-site, hence the term “prefabricated buildings.” With this approach, there is significantly less disturbance to the environment surrounding the construction site. Due to the fact these buildings are prefabricated in a controlled factory environment, there is negligible wastage of materials resources and highly efficient use of energy. It takes almost 55 % less time for the building to be complete compared to a traditionally constructed building.
Furthermore, modular buildings are installed with energy efficient systems for example energy efficient glass, geothermal systems, solar panels and other green features. As a result, not only is the actual construction of the building green, but the long-term running of the building also works out to be quite sustainable. Not only can modular construction reduce energy consumption during the building process by around 75 %, it also reduces energy costs for its occupants.
2. Recycled Materials
Technology has made it possible for us to recycle almost anything. Modular buildings are constructed with recycled (and recyclable) materials for the most part. Recycled steel, recycled wood and even recycled glass are a large part of what makes up a modular building. For instance, Mobile Modular uses 100 percent recyclable glue-less carpet tiles made from post consumer materials. Granted, not every part of the building can be made of recycled material, but all these parts can certainly be reused over and over again without seeing much wear and tear.
3. Modular Buildings are Recyclable Buildings
Modular buildings are called “portable buildings” for a reason. They can literally be transported from one place to another without having to go through the process of demolition. The term “modular” comes from the fact that these buildings are built one module (or unit) at a time and are then assembled on site. So, it stands to reason that they can also be dismantled. This makes it very easy to take down the building without disturbing the surrounding environment with dust, debris and other unwanted pollutants
Modular Construction on the rise but be aware.
There is a growing number of construction companies turning to modular construction to get the job done. In fact, according to FMI’s Prefab and Modular Construction Survey, 35% of contractors in the U.S. are implementing modular construction in the design phase of the building process.
Likewise, nearly 50% of the contractors surveyed said that prefab and modular construction is a growing part of their companies as well as part of their future strategic construction initiatives.
The country is already experiencing an increase in modular construction, especially in the healthcare industry, student housing and social housing.
Be aware that building- and fire laws, quality, laws of labor, electricity and plumbing is not the same in China as in Europe. A word of advice, get your architect or building engineer to inspect/oversee the build on the factory, unless they already know the quality supplied by the modular manufacturer.
Transportation can also be a huge challenge if the modules are delivered from Asia etc.
40-65 days on a ship, waves up and down and in high temperatures and humidity is not a good cocktail for a finished product.
Are you interested in knowing more about the benefits of containers, used as steel frames on buildings, your are more then welcome to contact Me kh@liab.me or visit http://www.liabflexhomes.com
I started working with modular housing using shipping containers in 2008.
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