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What Is A Modular Office?

If you’ve ever been in a situation before where you have found yourself struggling to achieve the space that you need, you probably already know that constructing an office from scratch is a daunting and worrisome building task that can bring horrifying visions of high costs, irresponsible contractors and unforeseeable weather related delays. However, there is an alternative available, and this involves using modular offices. Modular offices, also referred to by some as a prefabricated construction are a quicker and more cost effective way to get an office where you need it as soon as you need it there, lessening your frustration and wasted time.

 

In simple terms, a modular office is a construction that has been built in a factory using the same kinds of materials that are typically utilised for traditional construction. Instead of being built in one entire piece, the modular office is broken up into individual modules that can be quickly and effectively transported and erected at any site. In most cases, anywhere up to ninety percent of the office will be built within a factor, and this includes the walls, carpeting, ceilings and electric. Once the construction of these parts is completed, the modules are then assembled on site to provide a professional looking, functional office that is capable of being expanded should you find you need just a bit of extra room.

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Answering Those Modular Myths

“The buildings are low quality, temporary structures”

While this is the most important argument to address, up to a point it is also the simplest to answer. Some of the more drastic rumours would have you believe modular buildings are little more than hastily put together sheds that are barely safe for human occupation. Common sense would tell us that all buildings, modular or otherwise, share the same set of regulations and must therefore meet the same standards of quality.

“Modular construction is an unproven concept”

Often in the media, modularisation is framed as a new innovation in construction that could change all future building projects. This is also not accurate. The first recorded use of modular buildings was in the 19th century. If there was going to be a ‘modular revolution’, then, I think it’s fair to say it would have occurred by now.

“Modular buildings are all the same”

There’s no escaping the fact that modular buildings lend themselves to standardisation, and it is obviously more straightforward to manufacture identical units than a variety of different ones. However, customers are increasingly looking for buildings that cater to their specific needs and are quite understandably less interested in a ‘one size fits all’ approach.

This is why, at KC Cabins at least, most of our projects are bespoke designs catering to specific client requirements. Modular buildings can even be combined with grander architectural statements to make your building even more distinctive. That said, the building systems we have created are all based on tried and tested ideas, so in that sense I suppose all our buildings are all the same; affordable, flexible and high quality.

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How Are Modular Buildings Constructed & Transported?

Modular buildings are simply any building, residential or commercial, that is constructed in a manufacturing location rather than a construction site.

The benefits of erecting a building in a factory are that the construction timeline is not impacted by the weather conditions. For example, the construction site may not be ready for the construction to begin due to freezing conditions as well as wet or flooded conditions, or it could be that the site has not been cleared and graded allowing for an appropriate level construction site.

The factory environment is indoors, climate controlled, and constructed by certified professionals in the modular building world. As with conventional construction, factory personnel are supervised by a project manager and the building is built to the necessary building codes. The building is inspected at the multiple stages of construction by a 3rd party engineering firm responsible to the council for which the building is being erected, and upon completion, is given an official seal of approval from the engineering firm. Whilst this process is taking place, the construction site is being prepared. Or in the instance of inconsistent weather, while it is either snowing or raining, the building is being constructed indoors away from all these possible distractions.

The term modular is in reference to sections of the building that are built elsewhere and delivered with flooring, wall covering, electrical, and mechanical components complete to its eventual destination i.e. the site of construction. The modules are transported ‘over the road’ by a transportation company, and the type and size of the modular building will determine how it will be placed and delivered.

For example, a modular building that is 24’ x 60’ will consist of two 12’ x 60’ modules and will require two transportation vehicles. Therefore, a 36’ x 60’ modular building will be made of up three 12’ x 60’ modules and require three transportation vehicles for delivery. It’s as simple as that!

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When to Use Modular Buildings: Three Things You Need to Know

  1. Flexibility

In an economic climate of constant change, organisations must make sure that all aspects of their business operations are flexible, this way they can adapt at a moment’s notice to take advantage of potential opportunities and stay competitive. Re-locatable real estate assets make your organisation even more agile. KC Cabins Solutions gives your organisation the capability to disassemble, relocate or refurbish the modules to meet personal requirements. You can contract and expand space quickly by adding or taking out modules. Modular construction also reduces disruption to your operations, surrounding buildings as well as the environment.

  1. Maximise Your Allocated Budget

KC Cabins Solutions offer incredible productivity and cost gains on your project. For example, modular construction bids typically include all of the mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and structural sealed plans as part of the package, which provides excellent savings to clients on their architectural costs. In addition, KC Cabins have established relationships with vendors and suppliers as well as the ability to purchase materials in larger quantities and at a competitive price. Off-site construction reduces labour and supervision costs as our skilled workers build modular buildings at a fixed price. You also avoid conflicts with scheduling trades and other delay issues.

  1.  Use Modular When you Value Better Construction Quality

Modules constructed off site must meet the same building codes and regulatory requirements, such as IRC or IBC, as other types of construction. However, KC Cabins techniques make the modules much stronger than conventional construction. Each module undertakes a strict engineering process to make sure that the section can withstand transportation to the site and when guided onto the foundations. Storage of the materials in a climate-controlled environment also keeps them safe from deterioration or damage from moisture, extreme temperatures and other elements. Skilled workers build the modules on tables, guaranteeing consistent precision in the work place. Builders assemble the modules on site with strict adherence to local, state and national building code requirements.

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Building Regulations & Planning Permission

What do Portable Buildings Require in Order to Comply with Building Regulations & Planning Permission?

Anyone interested in building and purchasing a building work has a compulsory responsibility by law to ensure the work complies with the relevant regulations and that they use an approved Building Control Service. This includes the installation of a modular building system whether it is new or 2nd hand.

The Difference Between Building Regulations and Planning Permission

Abiding by building regulations and receiving planning permission are both very different matters. Building regulations set the bar for design and construction of buildings. Planning permission is used to guide the way towns, cities and the countryside are developed. Planning takes into account the external appearance and the impact the development will have on the local area. The building regulations are a set of standards for design and construction which apply to most new buildings and many alterations to existing buildings. This ensures buildings, including modular and portable buildings, are manufactured to an approved standard. They cover various parts including structural elements, fire safety, ventilation and the energy use of the building.

If you are purchasing and organising the supply and installation of a modular building personally, the responsibility for approval of the building regulations will be yours. If you are employing a contractor the responsibility will usually be with that company, however, you should confirm this position at the very beginning. You should also be aware that if you are the owner of the building, it is ultimately you who may be served with an enforcement notice if the work does not comply with the regulations.

The Building regulations consist of various parts. Each part is lettered and deals with a specific requirement. These are as follows:

Part A: Structural

Part B: Fire safety
Part C: Resistance to contaminants and moisture
Part D: Toxic substances
Part E: Resistance to sound
Part F: Ventilation
Part G: Sanitation hot water safety and water efficiency
Part H: Drainage and waste disposal
Part J: Heat producing appliances
Part K: Protection from falling
Part L: Conservation of fuel and power
Part M: Access to and use of building
Part N: Glazing safety
Part P: Electrical safety

Modular Building
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What is a Modular Building?

What is a Modular Building?

Modular buildings, offices, etc. are erected from two or more individual steel-framed modules. Modules are connected end to end, side to side and in multiple storeys to generate buildings of size and configuration to suit the individual requirement. The individual modules are delivered to site fully fitted out, in preparation to be craned into the correct place and installed efficiently and as fast possible. Accommodate from one to 10,000 or more people in a high quality modular building. All modular building systems from KC Cabins meet all permanent building regulations, providing versatile buildings suitable for long-term use. They can accommodate large numbers of people and are designed to meet all customers’ specific requirements. They are widely used by schools, universities or business of all local authorities, hospitals and healthcare providers.

Modular construction is rapidly being recognised as the best sustainable solution to the environmental challenges of modern construction. What’s more, because a modular building is made up of individual modules, it can very easily and safely be expanded, be reduced in size or reconfigured to fulfil your ever changing requirements.

Modular buildings may be used for long-term, temporary or permanent facilities, such as construction camps, schools and classrooms, civilian and military housing, and industrial facilities. Modular buildings are used in remote and rural areas where conventional construction may not be reasonable or possible, for example, the Halley VI accommodation pods used for a BAS Antarctic expedition. They can also be used in areas that have weather concerns, such as hurricanes.

Modular components are typically constructed indoors on assembly lines. Modules’ construction may take as little as ten days but more often one to three months. Completed modules are transported to the building site and assembled by a crane. Placement of the modules may take from several hours to several days.