Modular construction in times of crisis

Despite the fact that modular construction celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, it is still not regarded in the Czech Republic as a worthy competitor to traditional construction. This is true even though modular construction offers the most advantageous solution in some cases, especially in the current unfavorable economic situation. The cause may be either ignorance or underestimation of modular construction. Modular construction is gaining supporters mainly due to its lower acquisition costs, but also because of its speed—allowing investors to save additional costs as the acquired investment can be utilized sooner and undoubtedly due to its unique property: the ability to disassemble and rebuild the structure in a new location. Thus, an investor can use the building in a new location or sell it without being tied to the land. These advantages are maintained while meeting hygiene, thermal, fire safety, and structural standards.

Some buildings are particularly suited for construction from spatial modules, such as kindergartens, schools, sports facilities, office buildings, hotels, dormitories, as well as restaurants, senior homes, or starter apartments. Of course, if an investor wants to build a skyscraper or a building made of marble, they will not consider modular construction. On the other hand, if an investor wants a building quickly constructed for business purposes or is uncertain about using the building in, for example, ten years—like with kindergartens or schools after a baby boom—then modular construction is a highly suitable option. And we are not even discussing financial savings. Investors also do not need to fear a stark appearance, as evidenced by the attached photographs of completed modular buildings. Everything depends on how the architect interprets the investor's requirements.

As a supplier, we still encounter questions like “Can this or that be built from modules?” The answer is simple. Anything can be built from modules. Simply put, buildings can be constructed either from elements like bricks or blocks, which we call traditional construction, or from panels, which we refer to as panel construction, or we can build a building from spatial modules, which we call modular construction. The question is not whether a nursing home can be built from spatial modules, but rather what the investor prefers. If the investor prioritizes speed, variability, and cost-effectiveness, then modular construction is the best solution. The only limitation with construction from spatial modules is the size of the modules, and not so much due to manufacturing but mainly for transportation reasons. Therefore, a maximum clear height in modules of 3 meters is recommended, and a maximum footprint dimension of 12 x 4 m. Given the ratio of transportation costs to usable area, the most favorable footprint dimension is 9 x 3 m. In cases where we do not plan to frequently relocate the building, a module width of 4 m is more advantageous than 3 m. In such designed modules, the designer has greater freedom for the spatial solution of the given task. So far, we mainly export buildings made from spatial modules to developed countries in Europe, including German-speaking countries, the Benelux, as well as Nordic countries, and also to Italy or the Balkans. The farthest delivery to the east has been to Mongolia, to the west to Mexico, to the south to Iraq, and to the north to Greenland.

We are already accustomed to the reactions that follow the announcement of what modular construction is: “Oh, those are the cells or Čunek's containers.” We do not take offense at these reactions because we can respond to them. Modular construction has evolved from the same principle as earlier mobile homes and later residential and sanitary containers. These cells or containers are also used to construct buildings such as site facilities or other temporary structures. The difference lies in the materials used and adherence to fire safety, thermal, and structural standards required for permanent structures. This difference should be acknowledged by the investor right from the beginning and not confuse modular construction with simple residential containers.

By involving architects in the design of modular buildings, these structures no longer appear stark, and their aesthetic value has also increased. Modular buildings are also gaining traction today, as investors prefer energy savings, because modular buildings, thanks to the use of sandwich structures, exhibit excellent thermal insulation properties. Some architects have even gone so far as to propose a kind of architectural perpetual motion machine, such as the Zero House. Spatial modules have also found application in art, for example, the Everland hotel, where modules serve as artworks during the day and transform into hotel rooms at night. Beyond construction, modules are also utilized as houseboats or have been used to supply luxury cabins on the Queen Mary 2 ship. These examples only underscore the wide range of applications for modules. It depends solely on the architect's creativity.

If this article has sparked your interest in modular construction, do not hesitate to contact us. We are happy to collaborate with innovative designers and architects.

KOMA MODULAR CONSTRUCTION, s.r.o.
Říčanská 1180
763 12 Vizovice

Tel.: 577 007 711
e-mail: info@koma-modular-construction.eu
www.koma-modular-construction.eu