Modular construction: innovation meets sustainability
In the world of architecture, modular construction is more than a trend: it is an adaptive solution for creating buildings that can adapt to changing requirements and circumstances without the need for extensive remodelling.
But what makes it so special? Jean-Maurice Kuijpers, Architect & Consultant Healthcare, and Gerard Jansen, our Leading Professional in Sustainability, took us on a journey of exploration to identify the possibilities of innovation and sustainability, focusing on modular design and construction where adaptive and flexible buildings are key.
Innovative concepts: adaptive construction
Technological advances in the construction sector are thundering along at an unprecedented pace. One of the most striking innovations is the concept of adaptive construction which can be compared to the process of building with and dismantling LEGO bricks. But this approach is about much more than just flexibility in design and use. It enables us to design buildings as modular and adaptable environments so that we can respond quickly to changing needs in both society and within the organisation, without having to carry out large-scale renovations. Through the use of smart infrastructures, buildings can easily be provided with essential services such as electricity, cooling and heating. This approach is not only efficient but also a shining example of circularity, with the emphasis on detachability and reusability.
The modular approach is essential in sectors where needs and requirements are constantly evolving, and where a healthy environment is key.
The modular construction revolution: efficiency and sustainability
The traditional approach – where each project is built from scratch – doesn’t always turn out to be the best choice, especially when efficiency and sustainability are important priorities. That is where modular construction offers a good alternative. This method that uses predesigned modules among other things improves adaptability and involves assembly on site. The result? A more efficient construction process, less building waste, reduced construction times and better building quality – all realised by producing modules in a controlled environment, ensuring better consistency and finish of the construction elements.But it is not just efficiency that makes modular construction so attractive. It offers a degree of adaptability that is valuable in a wide range of sectors such as hospitals, schools, offices or homes. The ability to adapt, expand or even move buildings easily is a major benefit. It reduces the waiting times that are normally associated with renovations or extensions due to the faster building and installation times of the prefabricated modules. As a result, organisations are able to respond more effectively to the changing needs of their clients, students, patients or employees.
As an organisation, you no longer have to adapt to the building. A smartly designed building can adapt to us.
Modular construction in practice
Modular construction is gaining popularity in the Netherlands, both in the private sector and with municipalities and government institutions. For example, the province of North Holland is planning to build nearly 184,000 homes by 2030, with an average of 20,400 per annum. In order to speed up construction, they are looking at increasing the use of prefab construction.Prefab construction is a form of modular construction where part of the construction process is prefabricated in advance in the factory. This means work is moved from the construction site to the factory so all that has to be done at the construction site is to assemble the parts. As a result, projects can be completed in less time and by fewer people.
In addition, the Agenda for the Transition to a Circular Building Economy has set a milestone for all government and municipal projects to achieve maximum circularity from 2023. Modular construction is playing a crucial role in this context because it helps to increase sustainability through reusable building components and a more efficient building process. Modular construction enables materials and components to be reused more easily in future projects which leads to less waste and a reduced requirement for new raw materials, making it an ideal solution for circular building ambitions.
Sustainability, communication and decision-making in modular construction
Sustainability is key in modern architecture. Modular construction – with its prefabricated modules – not only provides an aesthetically pleasing construction method but also makes a significant contribution towards reducing environmental impact. The reduction of building waste and the realisation of energy-efficient designs lead to lower operating costs and a smaller ecological footprint.In addition to the benefits in terms of sustainability, modular construction also improves communication and decision-making during the design process. It provides everyone with a clear visual model which makes it easier for teams, stakeholders and customers to work together. Everyone has a better picture of how issues such as costs, sustainability and appearance influence each other, based on their own expertise, which ensures smart decisions and clear expectations with regard to construction projects. This way of working also encourages teams to work together and come up with new ideas so that through collaboration, they can find the best solutions for each building project.
Any problems or concerns are identified and addressed early on so that costly changes at later stages of the project are avoided.
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