Chances are you’ve seen modular designed buildings before but didn’t even realize it. Housing, restaurants and bars, hotels, and office buildings are just a few examples of the different types of modular buildings being designed in 2021. Simply put, modular design is a concept that involves assembling multiple prefabricated modules on site to create a complete working unit. Think of LEGO® bricks-it starts out as a singular block, but put together, creates something custom-made. Below are the top three reasons why you should think about working with a modular design architect for your next project.
Highly-Customizable Design with Precise Quality Control
Modular design involves assembling prefabricated boxes on site to create a working modular unit. This means that clients can customize their space throughout the design process—as the need for more space grows, so can the module. This also means that the modular construction process generates consistent building techniques since all structures are built in a climate-controlled factory environment, so construction tolerances are significantly tighter than conventional field construction. This all results in superior quality that is highly customizable.
Increased Speed to Market
Time is money. Modular buildings are typically built one-third faster than site-built structures. This translates into shorter construction periods, which means our client can get in their space faster and generate revenue sooner. One reason for this is that site work and manufacturing can progress simultaneously, so the foundation and utility work can proceed as boxes are being built in the factory; this can mean reduced overhead and on-site construction costs due to shorter construction periods and smaller construction crews. Since the boxes are inspected at the factory it reduces the demand on local jurisdictions to provide lengthy field inspections. Inspectors only need to audit the field-constructed portions of a modular project.
Sustainable Design
CSHQA takes sustainability seriously. From the buildings we design to how we operate our offices, we are always thinking about how we can make something more sustainable. What makes modular design unique is the various ways you can use repurposed materials, from repurposed shipping containers to purpose-built steel or wood modules. Modular design focuses on minimizing the waste of materials, reducing demand for raw materials which saves money on the amount of product purchased, trash disposal costs, and reduces materials sent to landfills. This creates a more sustainable and long-term cost-efficient product for our client.
CSHQA architects provide modular building design services to a variety of clients in major markets across the U.S.
