The construction industry is the third-largest contributor to the Australian economy. However, it’s also a formidable enemy of the environment. Estimates show that traditional construction is to blame for around 20% of air pollution and a whopping 50% of climate change. It’s also one of the biggest contributors to landfill waste with a staggering 50%. And like that wasn’t enough, the construction industry is responsible for a shocking 40% of water pollution.
Furthermore, with property prices constantly on the rise, traditionally built homes are becoming a luxury not everyone can afford. Despite the global financial crisis and the ongoing pandemic, we’re seeing house prices rising in Australia at the fastest rate in 32 years.
If you consider all these things, it becomes evident that we need to change the way we build, design and plan for the future. Luckily, this change is already in motion with modular architecture reshaping the construction industry as we know it.
What Is Meant by Modular Buildings?
Modular or pre fab buildings are designed and built in a controlled off-site environment and later shipped and installed on the location they’re intended to occupy. Modular design is not a new concept, in fact, it’s been around since the 19th century. Interestingly enough, one of the first modular buildings was built in London and shipped to Australia. Back in 1837, London-based carpenter, Henry Manning, designed an easily portable home for his son who was about to emigrate to Australia.
Although the concept is relatively the same, the pre fab buildings of today are nothing like those simple structures from the past. There are schools, hospitals, hotels and complex multi-residential units that look equally good if not better than their traditionally built counterparts.
If we were to compare site build and modular buildings side by side, you’ll see that the latter is better able to answer the needs of the modern times we’re living in. Care to know how? Keep reading.
Luxury Made Affordable for Everyone
Although the price of your modular complex will greatly depend on your size, design and material preferences, building modular is always less expensive compared to the traditional building method. Since modular builders get their materials in bulk, they’re able to pass the savings to you.
What’s more, modular buildings can be installed virtually anywhere, even next to bush fire prone zones, so you can further increase your savings by choosing an affordable plot in a distant, rural area.
Another great thing about modular construction money-wise is that some companies offer you the possibility to build backwards from your budget so you can make the most out of your financial restraints. And let’s not forget the fixed-cost contract that guarantees that won’t be any unpleasant along the way.
Quick Built Times and Fixed Time Frames for Peace of Mind
Speaking of unpleasant surprises, there’s nothing worse than being uncertain when your project is going to be finished. From weather delays to unethical contractors, there are a number of things that can throw you off schedule when you’re building the traditional way. On the other hand, building modular allows for a fixed time frame for design, construction and delivery.
With one point of contact for easy communication and no weather delays, you can plan your life knowing that you will get your keys on the agreed date. However, don’t get carried away with planning, most modular structures are designed, produced and installed in just 12 weeks, meaning you’ll need to pack and load that moving truck much sooner than you think.
Residential units aside, the significantly reduced construction time with minimal disruption is also one of the reasons why more and more business owners and hoteliers turn to modular construction. Do you know that the last two storeys of the ST Kilda Apartments in Victoria are prefabricated? One day this hotel had 6 storeys and the next it had 8 while the whole project was constructed in just 16 weeks.
Kind to the Environment
Apart from saving you time and money, modular construction is a great way to help save the environment. Since eco modular buildings are designed around passive elements such as location, orientation, layout, insulation etc., they rely less on the grid which makes them incredibly self-sustaining. Plus, they’re equipped with energy-efficient lighting solutions such as LED lights, which further reduces your carbon footprint.
In addition, since these structures are built off-site according to specific measurements, they reduce construction waste by 50%.
Untied Hands to Plan for the Future
Modular buildings allow for greater flexibility and leave your hands untied to plan for the future. Since prefabricated buildings consist of modules, you can easily add more if you need to expand your residential or business premises. Moreover, you can remove or repurpose modules you no longer need. Even if you need to relocate, you can easily take your modules to another location and save yourself the trouble of erecting a new building from scratch.
Durability That Bravely Stands the Test of Time
When something has so many benefits to offer, it’s only natural to ask what’s the catch? But with modular construction, there is none. Although many people think that these dwellings are less durable because of the affordable prices and quick built times, you have absolutely nothing to worry about. Modular buildings of today are constructed in the highest quality and safety standards. Not only that they can stand up to hurricane strength winds, but they can also withstand earthquakes suffering little to no structural damage.
Bespoke Design Tailored to Your Needs
Yes, modular buildings are massed produced, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t allow for bespoke design. Most modular builders work closely with architects to create custom built homes in accordance with their client’s needs, wants and dreams.
If you’re thinking that living in a modular home means living in a cold, impersonal home, you need to get out there and meet these gorgeous, bespoke structures in person. Believe me, they aren’t hard to find, it’s just that it’s hard to tell them apart from traditional stick-built homes. With that being said, it’s time to check out some of the modular builds that grace Australian suburbs.