With the construction landscape forever changing, regulations being implemented and new and innovative ways of building being discovered seemingly daily, the construction world never stands still. We decided to take a look at some construction trends that have risen to the forefront of the industry, and see what the benefits are.
Here we take a look at permanent modular construction, a trend which is becoming increasingly popular for owners, architects and engineers.
So what makes this form of construction so popular, and why is it expected to rival conventional construction for years to come?
Permanent Modular Construction, or (PMC) as it is widely referred to in the industry, provides an alternative way of approaching the often difficult logistical challenges of traditional on-site construction projects. It is a process in which a building is constructed off-site using the same materials as conventional buildings. It can be used for buildings and civil construction as well as heavy industrial modular construction. The buildings can be as much as 60-90% completed off-site in a controlled environment, and then transported on-site and assembled.
So why is this process so popular?
Well firstly, in a sector where saving time is extremely crucial, this form of construction is ideal. A report carried out by McGraw-Hill Construction of over 1000 professionals found that 66% claimed that project schedules decreased, with 35% of those claiming this was by as much as 4 weeks or more. With saving time a big goal for large construction companies this is a huge benefit; with the old adage time is money very relevant in this instance.
The saving on time does not compromise on the quality of the buildings, however. By their very nature modular buildings are structurally stronger than conventional construction because they are made to withstand the stress and rigors of being transported. It is becoming increasingly common for buildings such as supermarkets to have new stores made from modular construction, as they are ready for business quickly and the quality of the building is high.
As well as improved completion time, PMC offers several other benefits to industry professionals. As most of the work is carried out off-site, this significantly reduces the potential problems of site disruption and vehicular traffic, resulting in improved safety and security standards. This is extremely important for any projects taking place at schools or hospitals for example, as it eliminates a large part of the construction hazards, which is a huge advantage.
Sustainability
One of the biggest buzzwords in construction at the moment is sustainability. Most owners and designers are always looking at ways they can make buildings more sustainable, and modular construction fits into this category perfectly. Due to the building works taking place in a controlled environment, waste is massively reduced. Along with the improved quality management during the whole construction process, and significantly less on-site activity, modular construction inherently promotes sustainability.
Permanent Modular Construction will continue to be a huge trend in years to come. It uses the same materials as commercial construction, and is a huge time saver. With it now also becoming increasingly popular in high rise buildings due to how it fits in with LEED requirements, you may find Permanent Modular Construction is here to stay.