Innovatively labeled as prefabrication or prefab, modular construction represents a groundbreaking method where buildings are meticulously crafted in controlled factory settings. Abiding by stringent design codes and standards, these structures, constructed in uniform modules, boast remarkable efficiency, taking only half the time compared to traditional construction.
The construction landscape has undergone a significant evolution, with technology emerging as the driving force behind this transformation. Technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), augmented and virtual reality, telematics, and drones have found practical applications in construction projects globally. Forecasts predict that the construction software industry could reach a $2.71 billion market by 2023. Amidst these advancements, modular construction emerges as a potential game-changer, reviving one of the earliest concepts in the industry.
Reports point towards a significant surge in the modular construction sector. Forecasts indicate market growth to reach $107.9 billion by 2025 and $130 billion by 2030. The escalating demand for affordable construction solutions in the face of space constraints propels this upward trajectory. Iconic structures like the Eiffel Tower in Paris, a prefabricated marvel, exemplify the success of modular construction. Similarly, the 140-meter-high Clement Canopy in Singapore stands tall as the world’s tallest modular construction (2019).
Traditional construction often grapples with cost and time overruns, with a staggering 90% of global construction projects experiencing delays or exceeding budgets. Modular construction emerges not just as a solution to these challenges but also as a provider of additional benefits. High-end technology integration positions modular construction projects for increased productivity, especially in emergency situations.
Modular construction orchestrates simultaneous work at the site and in the factory, resulting in project completion 30% to 50% faster than conventional methods. Figure-1 below illustrates the stark contrast in schedules, eliminating delays caused by weather uncertainties.
Adopting modular construction reduces labor requirements by an impressive 65 to 80%. A workforce of 500 to 600 is ample for assemblage and fixtures, mitigating risks associated with accidents due to a reduced number of on-site laborers.
Builders standardize materials across projects, enabling bulk purchases and effective inventory control. This approach minimizes on-site losses due to theft or damage and reduces supply chain risks by ensuring timely delivery to factory premises.
Maintaining quality is simpler in a factory environment, where modules are crafted to meet or exceed established building codes and standards. Integration of robotics and other technologies enhances precision.
With its factory-controlled process, modular construction effectively manages waste, requiring fewer materials and contributing to reduced carbon footprints. The emphasis on sustainability aligns with environmental goals.
Economies of scale drive cost savings, with offsite production in workshops or factories ensuring cost certainty and higher project efficiency.
In conclusion, modular construction emerges not just as a construction method but as a catalyst for transformative change, reshaping the industry’s future. The combination of speed, efficiency, and sustainability positions modular construction as a formidable force in the evolving construction landscape.