As an expert in the field of construction, I have witnessed the rise of modular construction and its impact on the industry. One of the most notable examples of this innovative approach is My Micro, a nine-story residential building located in Manhattan, New York. This tower consists of 55 modular units made of steel structures and concrete slabs, all prefabricated outside of a facility in Brooklyn. This not only accelerated the construction process but also showcased the potential of modular architecture. The efficiency and speed offered by modular construction has been a driving force behind its expansion.
It has become the go-to solution for natural disasters that require a quick and organized response. This was evident in the recent events of the COVID-19 pandemic, where a hospital in Wuhan was built in just 10 days using modular construction. The hospital was made up of containers joined together by a lightweight steel structure, showcasing the versatility and adaptability of this approach. Aside from addressing social and growth problems, modular architecture also has the potential to push the boundaries of experimental design and construction. These buildings are constructed with the same materials, building codes, and architectural specifications as traditional construction, making them just as reliable and durable. To successfully implement modular construction, developers must work closely with suppliers to optimize manufacturing capacity and achieve a balance between quality, cost savings, and time savings.
This requires making a series of decisions that involve different stakeholders. For example, My Micro features three modular bedrooms with shared laundry rooms, kitchens, living rooms, showers, and bathrooms for residents. Modular construction, also known as volumetric construction, involves assembling individual sections or modules off-site in factories under controlled conditions to create complete structures of all shapes and sizes. This approach has the potential to generate significant cost savings, although it is still more of an exception than the norm in the industry. However, the logic-intensive pre-construction method required in automated modular systems has brought additional benefits to projects like Sango Court. One of the most significant advantages of modular construction is its ability to accelerate project deadlines.
Recent modular projects have shown a track record of reducing project timelines by 20 to 50 percent. This is a game-changing solution for the construction industry, which is one of the largest sectors in the world. A shift towards modularization and digitalization has the potential to bring about a profound change in the industry and its wider ecosystem. A relocatable building (RB) is a partially or fully assembled building that complies with applicable state codes or regulations and is constructed in a building manufacturing plant through a modular construction process. This approach has been used as a cost-effective option during certain historic times, but its popularity has been short-lived. As homeowners and designers continue to explore more sustainable options for construction, modular construction has emerged as a natural choice.
From a structural standpoint, modular buildings are often stronger than those built on-site, as each module is designed to withstand the rigors of transport and crane lifting. Additionally, the public sector plays a crucial role in facilitating the adoption of modular construction by modernizing building codes and eliminating barriers that prevent access to more housing. Permanent modular construction (PMC) is another innovative and sustainable method that utilizes off-site manufacturing techniques to prefabricate complete single or multi-story construction solutions in modular sections that can be delivered to the site. This approach has been successfully implemented in projects like Selkirk College, located on the Silverking campus in Nelson, British Columbia.
