University of the Cordilleras

College of Engineering & Architecture

Architecture Department
1st Trimester AY 2021-2022

AR-BT5- Alternative Building Construction Sytem

RSW MT 01:
TITLE:
Modular Construction

DATE GIVEN: Sept. 6, 2021

DATE DUE: Sept. 9, 2021
DATE SUBMITTED: Sept. 9, 2021
References:
https://www.modular.org/HtmlPage.aspx?name=why_modular
https://www.realprojectives.com/the-advantages-and-challenges-of-modular-
construction/

https://www.the-possible.com/six-examples-of-modular-construction/

STUDENT: Dela Cruz, Mark Aldrin M.

INSTRUCTOR: Ar. Nikko Casas
What is Modular construction?
Modular construction is a process in which a building is constructed off-site, under
controlled plant conditions, using the same materials and designing to the same
codes and standards as conventionally built facilities but in about half the time.
Buildings are produced in “modules” that when put together on site, reflect the
identical design intent and specifications of the most sophisticated site-built
facility without compromise.
The factory-controlled process generates less waste, creates fewer site
disturbances and allows for tighter construction.
Greater Flexibility and Reuse: Modular buildings can be disassembled, and the
modules relocated or refurbished for new use, reducing the demand for raw
materials and minimizing the amount of energy expended to create a building to
meet the new need.
Less Material Waste: When building in a factory, waste is eliminated by recycling
materials, controlling inventory and protecting building materials.
Improved Air Quality: Because the modular structure is substantially completed
in a factory-controlled setting using dry materials, the potential for high levels of
moisture being trapped in the new construction is eliminated.

https://www.pbctoday.co.uk/news/planning-construction-news/modern-
building-means-modular-construction/34899/
Reduced Construction Schedule:
Because construction of modular buildings can occur simultaneously with the site
and foundation work, projects can be completed 30% to 50% sooner than
traditional construction.

Elimination of Weather Delays:

60 - 90% of the construction is completed inside a factory, which mitigates the risk
of weather delays. Buildings are occupied sooner, creating a faster return on
investment.

Built to Code with Quality Materials:

Modular buildings are built to meet or exceed the same building codes and
standards as site-built structures, and the same architect-specified materials used
in conventionally constructed buildings are used in modular construction projects
wood, concrete and steel.
Modular buildings are built with the same materials and to the same building
codes and architectural specifications as traditional construction. Once
assembled, they are virtually indistinguishable from their site-built counterparts.
Why Modular Construction?
Structurally, modular buildings are generally stronger than site-built construction
because each module is engineered to independently withstand the rigors of
transportation and craning onto foundations. Once together and sealed, the
modules become one integrated wall, floor, and roof assembly. Building offsite
ensures better construction quality management. Manufacturing plants have
stringent QA/QC programs with independent inspection and testing protocols
that promote superior quality of construction every step of the way.
There are 2 types of Modular Construction:

1. Permanent Modular Construction

Permanent Modular Construction (PMC) is an innovative, sustainable
construction delivery method utilizing offsite, lean manufacturing
techniques to prefabricate single or multi-story whole building solutions in
deliverable module sections. PMC modules can be integrated into site-built
projects or stand alone as a turn-key solution and can be delivered with
MEP, fixtures and interior finishes in less time -- with less waste, and higher
quality control compared to projects utilizing only site-built construction.
 Recent research has come out supporting the fact that modular
construction is an efficient construction process and poised to help the
construction industry grow.

https://vanguardmodular.com/blog/permanent-modular-construction-
solutions-long-term/

2. Relocatable Buildings

A Relocatable Building (RB) is a partially or completely assembled building

that complies with applicable codes or state regulations and is constructed
in a building manufacturing facility using a modular construction process.
Relocatable buildings are designed to be reused or repurposed multiple
times and transported to different building sites. They are utilized for schools,
construction site offices, medical clinics, sales centers, and in any
application where a relocatable building can meet a temporary space
need. These buildings offer fast delivery, ease of relocation, low-cost
reconfiguration, accelerated depreciation schedules and enormous
flexibility. Relocatable buildings are not permanently affixed to real estate
but are installed in accordance with manufacturer’s installation guidelines
and local code requirements. These buildings are essential in cases where
speed, temporary space, and the ability to relocate are necessary.
Examples:
Torten Estate, Dessau / Walter Gropius and Hannes Meyer / 1926-28

Gropius had been working on the

concept of a “Hausbaufabrik” (home
building factory) since 1916, in
response to the stagnation of building
activity during the First World War and
the consequent lack of affordable
housing for workers. The Torten Estate
of 314 cube-like terraced houses,
commissioned by the municipality of
Dessau, was his first opportunity to put
this theory into practice. With the
German economy in perpetual crisis,
the need to build cheaply was
paramount.
Habitat 67, Montreal / Moshe Safdie / 1967
Safdie’s cuboid block of 158 flats
pioneered the idea of modular high-
rise housing. The complex stack of
concrete boxes was connected by
high-tension rods, steel cables and
welding. The arrangement allowed
for 15 different housing types, with
gardens and terraces filling the voids.
There were also six elevator pillars
providing vertical access. Unusually,
prefabrication of the concrete
modules took place on site in a
purpose-built factory. Safdie
believed this to be the most cost-
efficient solution, but costs still
spiralled to C$22 million, or about
C$140,000 per home. The Habitat
concept has endured though, not
least in Safdie’s own work. His 2012 Sky
Habitat project in Singapore uses
many of the same architectural
devices to create a series of
interconnected streets, gardens and
terraces in the air.