Modular Myths: Exposed!

What You May Not Know About Modular Buildings…

MYTH: Modular construction is limited to single-story structures.

FACT: Modular Buildings are commonly built to be multi-story structures—even high-rise buildings!

• The New York Times recently reported that a thirty-four story modular tower will be built in Atlantic Yards in Brooklyn, New York (view article).

• A twenty-four story modular building, Europe’s tallest modular structure, was constructed at a university in the United Kingdom in 2009 (view photo). The build schedule for this structure was just 27 weeks—if a traditional construction method were used, this building could have taken as long as two years to complete.

MYTH: Choosing a modular building over a traditionally constructed building won’t save any time.

FACT: Modular buildings can be completed up to 40 percent faster than traditionally constructed buildings.

• Modular buildings are assembled in an enclosed factory, reducing construction delays due to adverse weather conditions.

• Site preparation and building construction take place simultaneously, resulting in significant time savings.

MYTH: Modular construction is not good for the environment.

FACT: Modular construction is inherently greener than traditional construction.

• Modular construction produces less waste than traditional construction. Materials are carefully accounted for and measured prior to departure. According to a study conducted by the Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) in the UK, modular construction reduces site waste produced by traditional construction methods by 90%! (Study can be found here).

• Because modular buildings have the ability to be disassembled, buildings can be relocated and repurposed; reducing the demand for raw materials.

• Modular construction has less of an impact on the area surrounding the construction zone, resulting in less destruction of a site’s natural habitat.

• Because modular construction requires less travel to and from a worksite, the amount of fuel necessary to complete a project is drastically reduced.

MYTH: Modular buildings aren’t customizable and cannot meet the specific building requirements an organization may have.

FACT: Modular buildings are as customizable as traditionally constructed buildings and have virtually unlimited uses.

• Modular buildings can be tailored to meet an organization’s operational and aesthetic requirements: customized floorplans are available as well as customized interior and exterior finishes.

• Modular buildings can be constructed for a wide range of uses, including, but not limited to: classrooms, offices, correctional facilities, emergency response stations, medical clinics, hotels, day care centers, retail stores, restaurants, dormitories, and pro shops.

MYTH: Modular buildings can only be temporary solutions, and aren’t as high quality as traditionally constructed buildings.

FACT: Modular buildings can be permanent OR temporary and are constructed to last just as long as traditional buildings!

• Because modular buildings are constructed to meet the same building codes and requirements as traditionally constructed buildings, modular buildings are just as durable and are designed to last as long as traditionally constructed buildings.

MYTH: Modular facilities cannot be energy efficient or sustainable.

FACT: The P. IQ High Performance Classroom building provides a healthy, energy efficient, sustainable environment with high Indoor Air Quality (IAQ).

• An increasing number of “green” modular building options are now available; each including environmentally friendly designs and energy efficient materials.

• The P. IQ High Performance classroom utilizes daylighting, reducing energy costs, and its unique ventilation system promotes a healthier and more productive classroom environment