Where to Use Modular Construction Beyond Residential Buildings
When modular construction first comes to mind, you may think of mobile homes or temporary spaces. But the world of modular is much larger than the residential industry. Modular systems have become an integral part of advancing organizational growth, sustainability, and efficiency for businesses.
In this blog, you may be surprised at the number of ways modular can help you and your company. These processes continue to evolve every day as modular and offsite construction is becoming more prominent across commercial industries.
Modular Construction and the Residential Industry
According to the Modular Building Institute 2021 Report, Canada rolled out the Canadian Mortgage Housing Corporation, which has committed $1 billion in funding for housing that uses modular and offsite construction. The primary reason for this is that modular construction comes with a shortened and more efficient timeline.
Although the residential industry has become a popular avenue to incorporate modular construction, you may be surprised to see that it can be integrated into a variety of commercial industries as well. The same reasons that Canada wants to pursue modular residential construction can apply to commercial industries as well.
Where Else Can You Find Modular Buildings?
We’ll explore different ways to incorporate modular buildings into your organization and you may find that they’re more resourceful than you think. Remember, this is just a small list, and we’re happy to help you include modular structures in a variety of projects or industries.
Expanding Organizations
If you’re deciding whether or not to grow your organization or renovate certain areas, the rise in labour and material shortages may make you think twice. Office building costs rose 2.1% in the last quarter of 2022, mostly because of the increased cost of cement and concrete.
We are starting to see these costs level out compared to the last few years. However, as you expand your organization you may find it’s best to save costs by choosing modular and offsite construction. With a controlled environment, there is more security in your costs and less chance for logistical or weather delays.
In a different scenario, you may choose to rent a mobile office trailer or modular office when you’re looking to renovate your space. A modular structure can be a secure, temporary place for workers to continue to be productive during an expansion.
Additionally, you won’t have to worry about significant disruptions to your productivity or daily work life because a majority of the modular construction process is completed off-site.
On the other hand, mobile office trailers can also benefit construction managers in charge of the expansion. This area can be used in a number of ways.
- An organized area to collaborate with your team
- Provide a lunch or break room for your workers
- Set up an administrative or security office
Overcrowded Classrooms
If you’ve ever worked in an educational setting, you know that timelines and costs mean everything to your expansion and growth. Since your institution must be at full capacity the majority of the year, there often isn’t time to make needed renovations.
However, there are times when you’re faced with immediate renovation needs. Educational institutions often rely on modular and offsite construction so the flow of learning isn’t interrupted. This can be especially beneficial when enrollments spike and you’re in need of additional learning space.
- Educators have used modular as the following
- Mobile Classrooms
- Staff and Administrators Offices
- Bathrooms
- A Combination of All Three!
Especially during the pandemic, schools needed extra space to allow for social distancing and safety precautions. Appleby College, one of the top Canadian day and boarding schools, relied on BOXX Modular to provide that extra classroom space. This particular project took 81 days to complete and had four customized complexes that seamlessly blended into the existing campus.
Temporary Swing Spaces
One of the most significant benefits of modular buildings is that they can be used as a temporary structure. So, if there’s a time when you really aren’t looking to invest in a permanent construction project but would benefit from some extra room, you can count on modular systems.
A wide variety of industries use modular so they can be more efficient with renovations and expansions. Additionally, if you’re within an organization that consistently tests new markets and relocates, you can use modular to further assess the area before making a bigger investment in a permanent building.
Or maybe you’re a travelling company hosting festivals or special events across the country. Costs of buildings and structures can quickly add up. You want to make sure there’s a balance between cost efficiency and guest satisfaction.
By choosing modular as a temporary space, you’re giving your attendees a safe and secure atmosphere. Along with that, you’re saving your company money in construction and building costs. Special events use modular systems in the following ways.
- First-aid buildings
- Washroom facilities
- Security offices
Secure Storage Units
Depending on your industry and line of work, confidentiality and secure documentation could be a part of your everyday life. If that’s the case, it’s imperative that you have a safe and locked area for you to store these documents.
Another scenario would be if you’re working on a job site and want to keep your equipment well-maintained and better protected from weather elements. A modular storage container office will also keep equipment and tools from being stolen or tampered with outside of working hours.
Washroom & Lavatories
When it comes to planning a festival or special event, you want to make sure your attendees have an all-around enjoyable experience. Part of this means providing clean and comfortable washroom facilities. At BOXX Modular, this is an affordable and adaptable solution that is built to code and made locally in Canada.
Portable lavatories can be used more than just for festivals or special events, we often provide them for educational campuses and construction sites. Specifically for temporary events or projects, you may find that renting the structure is better so you’re not paying for more than you need.
Emergency Shelters
Between hurricanes, wind storms, and floods, Canada has faced a lot of natural disasters in 2022. When these events happen, there needs to be a structure that can be made quickly and withstand a variety of conditions.
During these scenarios, modular structures are used to either provide shelter to affected residents or be used as a calm spot for emergency responders to collaborate on rescue plans.
BOXX Modular has worked with the City of Wetaskiwin to provide homeless shelters for people during the winter months. We all know that Canadian winters are harsh and cold, so it was imperative to the city that a durable, more stable living situation was provided.
Each module unit had a living space and washroom and was ready for use 7 days from the initial project start date. This structure can be adapted or relocated depending on the city’s needs in the future.
The realm of modular is rapidly growing and becoming more accessible to commercial industries. As you begin new projects this year, consider choosing modular construction.
Ready to solve your space needs?
Modular buildings are the way to go. Request a quote or contact us today to get the conversation started. We’d love to talk to you about how modular can meet — and exceed — your needs.