Permanent modular buildings are a fast, eco-friendly solution when your business needs more space. Thanks to the integration of 3D and 4D design software, modern state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies and mechanized quality control, modular construction now supports a wide range of residential, commercial and industrial uses.
Today’s modular buildings bear no resemblance to those simple construction office trailers you have probably seen everywhere. Instead, you will find innovative modular designs and aesthetics for modular construction in every industry, including education, healthcare, administration, hospitality and retail.
The Modular Building Institute’s recent award-winning permanent modular structures illustrate the unlimited possibilities:
MEG Energy Christina Lake Lodge, Near Conklin, Alberta, Canada – Although it serves as a housing facility for oil sands workers, this modular building was created in the style of a high-end ski lodge. There are large windows, wood and metal inlays, and exposed tilted columns that support the second-story roof structure and a first-story veranda. Interior features of the 120,000 square foot facility include fireplaces, a theater, a gym, offices, a world-class kitchen and a full basketball court.
Coal Yard Apartments, Ithaca, New York – It was important for this 4-story apartment building, which houses graduate students, to match the style of surrounding buildings with their broad roof overhangs and colorful roof brackets. The apartments, decorated with hardwood floors and granite countertops, span several modules and sit atop a concrete parking garage. The rooftop has a terrace with views of the town.
Barrie School, Silver Spring, Maryland – The innovative design of this 7,200 square foot research learning lab includes tall ceilings, moveable walls and a lot of windows. It can be converted into large and small learning spaces or to a large lecture room, as needed. The eco-friendly structure is built from reclaimed materials and recycled post-consumer products as well as renewable materials. All interior paints are non-toxic and there is an elaborate waste water management system. This building, which was built by Modular Genius, was awarded an Award of Distinction for Modular Building Design by the Modular Building Institute.
Atlantic Power Office, Squamish, British Columbia, Canada – Used as administrative offices for an adjacent hydroelectric plant, this 1,728 square foot building blends with the surrounding coastal mountain area and was designed to have a minimal environmental impact. Large windows maximize natural light, and rainscreen technology adds protection from the weather. The building fits onto a steel support structure that had to meet stringent earthquake requirements. It was completed in only 39 days.
Dakota Landing Hotel, Williston, North Dakota – With increased lodging demands in the region, this 4-story, 240 room hotel has two separate wings with common areas in the center. Construction challenges included working during the harsh winter months. Energy saving features like heavy insulation, water saving fixtures, and Low-E argon filled windows added to the eco-friendliness of the building, and the exterior was enhanced with natural stone siding to blend with its surroundings. The structure took only 277 days to complete.
Muhlenberg Dormitory, Allentown, Pennsylvania – This permanent modular college dormitory had to blend with other building on the circa 1900 campus, with gray slate tile roof and copper cupola and gutters. Energy conservation features include LED or T-5 lighting on timers or occupancy sensors. The building was designed in separate modules to avoid removing any trees and to work within a tight restricted area.
Permanent modular buildings are required to meet the same building codes and specifications as conventional design-bid-build buildings, but can be delivered in about 40% less time and at a lower cost. They can be created in any size and style, from simple single-story buildings to contemporary multi-story office complexes. And, with most major work occurring offsite, the noise, dust, debris and carbon dioxide emissions from vehicle traffic on the construction site are greatly reduced. These are just a few of the reasons to consider building modular when your business is ready to expand.