Volumetric Modular Buildings – Modular Matters
The volumetric modular building industry has developed a highly sophisticated method of construction, though from a manufacturing technology aspect is perhaps still in its infancy. This market is estimated to grow 12-15% per annum, to over £800 million by 2008.
Typical applications include social housing projects, hospital wards, operating theatres, classrooms, schools, MoD barracks, student accommodation, key worker accommodation, prisons, detention centres, drive-in restaurants and petrol station forecourt shops.
Benefits of volumetric modular construction include:
- improved predictability and quality
- increased efficiency in construction
- improved integration of the supply chain
- social and environmental benefits
- improved control over health and safety
The use of modular building in the market sale residential sector is growing. There have been developments in the provision of architectural solutions providing branded products. Strategic alliances and partnerships are required to provide economies of scale for manufacturers. There will be a need for a greater shift towards re-engineering the construction process, lean manufacturing principles, advanced mechanisation and automation. This sector is likely to emulate and imitate the strategies of the Japanese industrialised house builders.
There is a requirement for greater standardisation using 'platform design' and mass-customisation as developed by the automotive industry. Understanding of the benefits and current limitations of the technology is limited. Furthermore, there is limited ability of design consultants to design to suit manufacturing processes rather than traditional construction operations.
These issues and many more will be debated at Modular Matters.
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