Modular building, also known as component construction, has proven ideal for urban settings. Simple delivery, fast set up, and controlled offsite construction are all benefits that may make modular the preferred option for construction in metropolitan areas. Whether used for a permanent or a temporary project, modular offers a clear advantage for developers.
So what is it that makes modular construction so appealing to builders operating in urban areas?
Space
In any city, space is going to be an issue. Small city jobsites force developers to get creative in order to make the most out of storage and workspace. Modular projects are built in a factory and then delivered right to the construction site, minimizing excess building materials left to litter the site. For temporary projects in urban environments, the WillScot FLEX unit is a perfect construction office solution. This ground office can be stacked up to three stories, reducing its footprint by 67% compared to traditional onsite offices. We recently completed a 12-unit, multi-story job site office for the Barclays Center in Brooklyn using this method.
Permitting
Obtaining building permits is often easier for developers who choose modular as their construction process. The zoning and building permit process can add months to a building project, so expediting this phase of construction usually results in significant savings in cost and time.
Local Support
As a rule, local communities don’t love ongoing construction projects in their backyards. Construction sites can be noisy, disrupt traffic flows, and can be considered an eyesore. Modular drastically reduces these complaints. Prefabrication allows the bulk of construction to happen offsite, reducing noise and clutter. As modular is faster than traditional construction, a project can be constructed quickly and delivered, sometimes in just days, limiting traffic congestion. Noise pollution is further reduced as modular requires comparatively less site preparation before the completed building can be settled into its new home.
Time and Resources
As you’ve likely heard us say before, “time is money and modular is faster.” Simultaneous onsite preparation and offsite prefabrication accelerate the building process by up to 50 percent. Additionally, modular buildings aren’t subject to many of the delays that commonly stall traditional building. Inclement weather in particular does not hinder the in-factory production of modular buildings.
These benefits are proven time and time again through our projects. WillScot recently completed temporary sales office for Philadelphia’s Central City Toyota, creating a 4,560-square-foot modular building in just five days. Fast completion, flexible site placement and a minimal footprint allowed the dealer to continue business operations in a busy urban setting while their primary facility underwent a major renovation.
Developers don’t need the large additional space or the extended disruption of traditional metropolitan construction sites. Using modular, or component construction in an urban setting saves space, time and money.