An Insight to Modular Construction
Written by James Elvy, Assistant Quantity Surveyor at Costplan
What is modular construction?
Modular construction is an innovative Modern Method of Construction (MMC) that involves manufacturing standardised units off-site in a controlled factory environment. These units can be crafted to precise dimensions and specifications, ensuring quality and consistency. Once completed, they are transported to site and craned into position, able to seamlessly link together with other modules and traditionally built aspects of the project. This versatile approach is common across a range of sectors, including hospitality, healthcare, education, and defence.
What is DfMA modular construction?
Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) is a design philosophy frequently used within the modular industry. DfMA attempts to optimise the design, manufacture and assembly of modular units by using standardised components. For example, a DfMA modular factory may use the same length and size of structural beams across all of its projects, allowing for improvements in manufacturing time and cost, due to economies of scale.
Benefits of modular construction
The key benefits of modular construction are:
- Sustainability
By producing potentially hundreds of modules at a time in a factory environment, works can be carefully planned so as to avoid unnecessary material wastage. Additionally, modular units (particularly those manufactured under DfMA principles) can often be reused or recycled at the end of their lifecycle, reducing embodied carbon and demolition waste.
- Cost
As cost consultants, we are always looking for ways to reduce project costs for our clients. Modular construction is one potential method of achieving this. Due to the improved efficiency in the assembly of units off-site, costs can be reduced through lower labour requirements and efficient phasing. Further, modular construction can reduce the chance of on-site errors, mitigating the risk of reworking and wasted labour hours. However, modular is not suitable for all project types. Our depth of experience and knowledge can help a project team to find the best solution for the clients budget.
- Time
Our planning and programming department have extensive experience working on both modular and traditional construction projects. Modular construction is often described as a way to improve project timelines, as module installation can be significantly quicker on site than traditional construction. However, much like cost, this is not suitable for every project, and our programming team can help to set out which construction methods would be most suitable for your project.
- Safety
Due to modules being constructed in a controlled, factory environment, elements of health and safety risks can be mitigated. For example, there is a reduced need for working at height within a factory setting than during traditional construction methods. Our Health and Safety and Construction Design Management team can help you understand the risks facing your projects, and how to effectively mitigate them.
Modular construction methods can greatly improve project outcomes in certain instances, but a thorough early viability assessment of both modular and traditional construction methods should be undertaken prior to design, to ensure that your project begins in the right direction.
