Children playing outside the new modular building at St Stephens Primary School

So what is a modular building?

Modular buildings consist of individual units manufactured offsite under controlled conditions then transported to the desired location and installed together with all required services and often surrounding hard landscaping too to provide an attractive and permanent solution.

Modular does not mean temporary; in fact, modular or prefabricated buildings offer many significant advantages over more traditional building methods.

These fall into three key categories:

1. Speed

Constructing the individual elements of the modular building under factory conditions means potential on-site delays such as weather delays and limitations are kept to a minimum; groundworks are usually completed on-site whilst the buildings are being constructed in a factory environment, reducing the overall build schedule. Installation is fast and efficient, with services and other additional options pre-planned and carefully timed to match delivery and completion schedules. 

2. Cost benefits

The modular building approach is often selected when other build options are not feasible due to time limitations or other constraints such as space and availability. In addition, modular units can be moved, extended or even reconfigured to match changing needs, making them the most flexible and economical choice.

3. Control over quality and health and safety

Building modular elements in a factory environment means that the entire construction process is more controllable under production line conditions than on a building site. This results in improved and safer working conditions, advanced levels of quality control, reduced material wastage and improved levels of sustainability.

Attractive, long term building solutions

Modular buildings are not temporary solutions, and neither are they limited in terms of design and finish. From simple Plastisol through to timber cladding, brick options and a wide range of render choices and colours, you can specify the finish to match your requirements.

There are no limitations on size either; new modular buildings by Enviro Building Solutions have been used for applications as diverse as classroom facilities across the education sector, community halls, offices, healthcare facilities, welfare buildings and even sports changing facilities.

They can be designed as single or multi-storey buildings, providing affordable, aesthetically pleasing, durable and flexible options for public and commercial spaces.

Today’s prefabricated modular buildings don’t look like temporary solutions, either. They are designed to last and to create a premium solution where extra space or facilities are required, complementing existing structures and providing a quality architectural finish.

``They have been professional and supportive at all times, with a drive to finding the best resolution to any issues arising to support the project. This has resulted in a fantastic modular building that will benefit the community for many years.``

Hazel Collins, Senior Regeneration Officer, Basildon Borough Council

``Changes instructed by the client during construction were easily incorporated by Enviro BSL, overcoming hurdles with changes in the designs. The quality of finish matches that of traditional construction along with the impressive spans achieved for the sports hall. Gladly look forward to working with Enviro BSL again.``

Tunc Doru, Senior Building Surveyor, Calfordseaden LLP

Got a project you’d like to discuss? Then get in touch today, you can call us on 01422 647610, email or complete the form on this page.

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FAQ’s

 

How long do modular buildings last?

Enviro’s permanent modular buildings are designed for long-term use. Buildings must meet the same quality and function requirements of traditionally constructed buildings as well as meet the same building codes and regulations. Permanent modular buildings have a service life in excess of 60 years, as with traditional builds, and their longevity is prolonged by following standard routine maintenance practices as indicated within Enviro’s operations and maintenance manual. The life of temporary structures, made of slightly less robust materials, is around 25 – 30 years. Ultimately leading modular building companies like Enviro employ quality standards and building materials that result in a build designed to last.

Entrance to the new community centre at Nevendon

What are modular buildings made of?

Enviro’s modular buildings comprise hot and cold rolled steel sections with timber or steel wall panels including insulation. The building envelopes use an array of materials, for example, the floor sections can consist of steelwork joisting, insulation and chipboard, plywood or cement particle board and the roof can be constructed again of steelwork joisting, plasterboard, insulation, OSB with a rubber roofing membrane, tiles or a composite metal roof cladding finish.

Externally, the buildings are finished as per our client’s requirements which can vary from plastisol or render to timber or brick slip or even a combination of these with the wall from inside to out constructed to suit these finishes as required. Materials utilised can be modified to achieve the u-values required by the client which can exceed the standard building regulation requirements. The permanent buildings are exactly like that of traditionally constructed buildings in how they look and feel.Steel work and panels of a modular building during construction

How are modular buildings made?

Modules are built within a highly controlled factory environment. The steel shell is erected with the floor and roof construction following on from this. Wall panels are built simultaneously whilst the steel erection is ongoing and these are then placed in situ within the building. Internally, any partitions are built and located whilst the first fix of mechanical and electrical works is undertaken within our production facility.

Concurrently to the factory works being undertaken, the groundworks and foundations are being prepared on-site for the delivery of the modular bays. When the module sections are ready they are transported to the site, usually via articulated lorries, where they are lifted with a crane into position and installed.

Following this, the internal fit-out is undertaken alongside second fix mechanical and electrical works. Suspended ceiling and flooring works then complete the building with testing and commissioning following this before a sparkle clean is carried out in readiness for the handover to the client.A worker inside the carcass of a modular build during construction

How much do modular buildings cost?

There is no definitive answer to this. For example, all of Enviro’s modular buildings are bespoke and as such the cost is driven by a clients specification. For a full turnkey project, inclusive of foundations, costs could be expected to be around £1,500/m2 for a low budget specification, £2,000m2 for mid-range and in excess of £2,500m2 for a high specification building. Mechanical and electrical requirements including heating, ventilation and air conditioning are substantial in the overall modular construction cost and as a result, is an area that is often targeted for value engineering on projects to reduce costs due to the wide-ranging options available.

Other elements that can significantly affect costs are the choice of windows and doors (generally aluminium or UPVC) and the exterior finishes of the building where there are several options available to the client such as plastisol, timber, render and brick slip all of which vary significantly in cost and aesthetics.Aerial view of the completed building at Nevendon