One increasingly promising possibility is to make use of the extraordinary 3D modelling technology we now have access to and embrace modular construction – a model of building which can not only provide the efficiency and certainty projects need, but also provides a variety of other exciting benefits.
What is Modular Construction?
When you think about construction, you imagine a big, busy construction site with multiple teams working simultaneous on a variety of tasks. But this is not how construction has to be done; it presents all sorts of logistical challenges, and generally makes construction projects more complex, dangerous and time-consuming than they need to be.
Modular construction is designed to streamline, simplify and improve the process. In modular construction, the various elements of a project are designed, engineered, manufactured and assembled off-site in separate ‘modules’. Once constructed, they are brought to the site and simply fitted together.
The benefits of modular construction are numerous, but we can boil them down to these seven:
1. Less time spent onsite
Because construction starts later (and finishes sooner) in modular projects, modular construction reduces the total time spent onsite.
Given the perpetual shortage of reliable construction workers, the benefits of this are clear: modular construction can reduce the number of labourers required onsite by up to 60%. It also makes managing sites far simpler as the workflow is streamlined, and it often means the project finishes early.
2. Improved safety
Safety is a perennial issue for construction sites; construction has the third highest rate of work-related injuries of any UK industry, and recent years have seen an increase in onsite fatalities.
By reducing the time spent on site – as well as reducing the number of high-risk jobs – modular construction is a far safer approach to construction. And with a company like Fascel, whose modular services also include a full-time Health and Safety manager, project managers can be even more confident that they can go ahead safely.
3. Fewer disruption
Construction sites can be extremely disruptive. For businesses, this can have a real impact on custom, as well as reducing quality of life for the public or local community. But by reducing the time and number of workers onsite, these disruptions can be massively reduced.
Equally, construction sites also find themselves on the receiving end of many unforeseen disruptions. From extreme weather to fluctuating material costs, there is always potential for construction to be interrupted. A modular approach helps reduce these vulnerabilities dramatically.
4. Increased Quality Assurance
The modular approach allows far greater control of the final product, as manufacturing and assembly is done in a controlled environment where checks can be undertaken with total accuracy. Designs can also be 3D modelled and iteratively improved.
At Fascel, we build modules in our own facility. This allows us to locate and correct any issues before they become issues, and produce higher-quality, more reliable builds in less time.
5. Better decision making
The virtual construction process with which modular construction begins is specifically designed to enable smarter decision making. By creating information and insights about the project, design, construction and installation can all be optimised.
This leads to a smoother, simpler and more productive process – ultimately saving time and money.
6. Reduced emissions
Waste is a major problem for construction projects; the industry is feeling unprecedented pressure to reduce carbon emissions and pivot to more sustainable practises. And modular construction is key to this.
By reducing the number of deliveries needed and the number of operatives needed onsite, modularisation massively reduces emissions from transport. But it also enables a level of standardisation that is essential to ensure projects hit sustainability targets every time.
7. Decreased project delays and uncertainty
Modular construction ultimately provides far greater visibility and predictability, enabling you to track progress far more easily. Fewer delays, fewer onsite complications and fewer communication challenges make for a far more streamlined process.
At Fascel, we have expert in-house logistics and installation teams that develops bespoke plans to ensure projects are delivered exactly as our clients need. This gives our clients total confidence that their project will be completed when they need it to be.
If you’d like to discuss our Modular Services in more detail, give us a call on 01582 560606 or email adam.loveland@fascel.co.uk. We’d love to help with your future projects.
