It’s increasingly accepted that Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) will play a crucial role in the future of our building strategies; but what are the more sustainable and cost-effective alternatives to traditional, tried-and-tested methods?

Modular buildings offer a cost effective and less disruptive alternative than traditionally constructed buildings. They can be designed and manufactured to fit your local authorities unique requirements and are adaptable for a wide range of projects such as a standalone classroom, a row of terraced housing, a block of flats or a complex office block with common areas and plant rooms if required.

Today’s modular buildings have evolved significantly over the last few decades. Today’s clean, linear buildings offer cheaper, bespoke solutions, minimum material wastage and lower energy bills – a far cry from the days of draughty and cold school ‘mobiles’.

Here are 5 reasons why you should rethink modular buildings and consider them for your next construction project.

1. Sustainability
Modular buildings are not only commonly created from recycled materials, they can more easily be recycled themselves. Building Information Modelling is common across the modular industry, increasing the focus on energy efficiency, and green technologies like solar panels can be seamlessly incorporated into the project at design stage. Modular buildings go a long way to minimising your carbon footprint too; 67% less energy is used in creating a modular build versus its equivalent traditional build.

Want to boost the sustainability of your project? Modular buildings are not only commonly created from recycled materials, they can more easily be recycled themselves. Building Information Modelling (BIM) is common across the modular industry, increasing the focus on energy efficiency, and green technologies like solar panels can be seamlessly incorporated into the project at design stage. 67% less energy is used in creating a modular build versus its equivalent traditional build.

2. Problem solving
Modular buildings are constructed 50% faster than traditional builds, on average. Many can also be easily expanded, relocated, refurbished, and reused – perfect for solving any problems you might not have budgeted for. Prefabricating the building in factory conditions indoors increases quality control and removes the constant threat of the Great British weather creating hold-ups, helping you to deliver projects on time and with less defects.

3. Health and Safety
Avoiding the inherent dangers of traditional building sites by creating your new buildings in controlled manufacturing settings is a big plus point. The HSE reports more than 50,000 non-fatal injuries on building sites each year. Having your modular buildings created off-site, where safety measures can be monitored more effectively, will lower the risk of accidents.

4. Efficiency
So much of what we’ve already talked about is really about efficiency. Essentially, fixing problems in a controlled environment while your buildings are being manufactured means less work for you when they arrive on site. Snagging for issues like interior and exterior finishes, electrical work, plumbing, and flooring, can all take place somewhere else – meaning all you should have to do is pick up your keys.

5. Optimised site management
Constructing buildings doesn’t just make a mess of the site where you’re locating them. It means road closures, more heavy goods vehicle traffic, noise and air pollution, and risks to pedestrians and other road users. Schools usually have to focus their construction work on holidays, reducing your ability to respond quickly to changing needs. Simply put, choosing modular buildings will cause less disruption.

A simple, low cost way to meet your modular requirementsCCS has designed their Modular Building Solutions with customers in mind.

There are 19 suppliers listed as part of this framework, including suppliers who specialise in provision for healthcare and education as well as suppliers who can provide buildings for a range of purposes including residential homes. This framework is the perfect way to meet the needs of your local population while ensuring both speed of delivery and value for money.

Crown Commercial Service is here to help

CCS is an Executive Agency of the Cabinet Office, supporting the public sector to achieve maximum commercial value when procuring common goods and services.

To find out more about Modular Building Solutions and how CCS can help with your construction procurement, visit the website below and download our latest digital brochure.