Modular construction has been a game-changer because it allows professionals to create the major parts of a structure in controlled conditions instead of building them directly on sites. This approach prevents challenges caused by inclement weather. It also can improve quality control because a single company fabricates the components rather than the numerous teams usually responsible for various construction site processes. They can also achieve higher efficiency, which is especially advantageous when clients need homes and other structures as soon as possible. What has modular construction enabled so far? Meeting Urgent Needs Faster Modular construction allows parties to bypass many aspects that can make projects last for months or years. However, such timelines are insufficient when the goal is to assist people without housing. These homes can address their immediate needs more efficiently than conventional building methods, whether they have been homeless for years or have recently lost property due to events such as wildfires. When an 83-year-old widow lost the home she had lived in for nearly five decades because of California wildfires, she decided to bypass the conventional approach that would mean competing with thousands of other displaced residents for contractors and materials. The woman opted for a modular home, viewing it as a streamlined and safe alternative to meet her housing needs. As of late March 2025, she hoped to begin living in it by summer. Many in similar situations see the appeal of modular construction because it will give them the ease they crave while navigating unsettling and unfamiliar situations. Although some did not originally plan to order modular homes, they realized these offerings would help them return to relative normalcy the fastest. However, others feel concerned that an influx of modular houses could erase architectural legacy in areas such as Altadena. Additionally, an effort in Newquay, Cornwall, relies on modular homes to accommodate those in emergency accommodation in hotels. Council authorities said one project would assist approximately 20% of the 100 residents in emergency or temporary facilities. Factors such as severe weather and rising rent costs increase the risks of people losing their homes and needing urgent support. Housing nonprofits and other concerned parties can consider modular structures among the many potential solutions.  Combining Efficiency With Sustainability Although some individuals are interested in living in eco-friendly homes, they may believe the only option is to choose between those offerings and structures built faster than usual. However, some modular manufacturers have prioritized both ideals. Plus, off-site processes typically generate less waste than their counterparts and have fewer associated emissions because of less ongoing traffic to and from the property during assembly. Consumers interested in eco-friendliness should consider which features to focus on within their new residences. They should also ask for estimated total time frames to have accurate expectations. Modular techniques may complete homes 30%-50% faster than traditional methods can. One company that uses them sells solar-ready residences, catering to those who want the convenience and speed of this construction option without sacrificing their sustainability goals. These products also have energy-efficient appliances, lights and windows, programmable thermostats, high-performance insulation, and low-emission building materials. Since these homes help occupants reduce resource consumption, they may also help them lower their average living costs, making their sustainable choices provide long-term financial benefits. While commenting on this type of modular home, a representative said customers rank energy efficiency highly when prioritizing their desired characteristics. Additionally, the solar-ready features include dedicated spots for components such as inverters and breakers, making it easy for solar installers to do their work later. Responding to Current Challenges The modular construction industry is well-positioned to address obstacles faced by those who need affordable, efficiently produced homes. As they become more widespread, decision-makers will realize that these options are appealing, practical possibilities.

A major investment programme that is improving living conditions across the Army estate has delivered new accommodation for soldiers at St George’s Barracks in Bicester. The new Single Living Accommodation (SLA) block, constructed using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), provides 72 en suite single bedspaces, kitchen and diner facilities, utility rooms and furnished communal space for Junior Rank soldiers. The project was funded under the Army’s SLA Programme and delivered by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), contracting to off-site construction specialists Reds10 and engineering consultants Arcadis.  The modular, sustainable SLA features solar energy harvesting, air source heat pumps and a SMART building management system, which processes data from an array of sensors and equipment to monitor energy consumption and to ensure the building runs as efficiently as possible. At the formal opening of the Junior Ranks block on 24 March, Brigadier Peter Quaite OBE, Head of Infrastructure Plans, Army Basing and Infrastructure said: “As a key part of our long-term investment programme, we are embracing modern methods of construction to enable us to build faster, while providing a better standard of living space for our people and improving the sustainability of our estate. This new, energy-efficient building has been designed using soldier feedback to ensure it meets their specific needs and showcases the impressive standard of accommodation we are committed to delivering.” Lt Col Gerard Hennigan, Bicester Garrison Commander, said: “It is excellent to see the result of significant investment at St George’s Barracks to deliver better accommodation for our soldiers and provide modern living facilities that meet their needs. The quality of the bedrooms, common areas and kitchen areas are impressive, and we look forward to moving soldiers into their new home in the coming weeks.” Warren Webster, DIO MPP Army Programme Director, said: “We are delighted to have completed the latest in a series of new SLA blocks for our Armed Forces across the country. This new block will provide the Army with fantastic homes for junior ranks at St George’s Barracks while utilising sustainability features built into the design from the outset, making the building efficient to run and comfortable to live in.” Phil Cook, Defence Director, Reds10, said: “We are proud to support the Army’s commitment to improving service personnel accommodation with modern, high-quality, and sustainable living spaces. Through industrialised production, we have delivered a building that not only meets the needs of personnel today but also ensures long-term efficiency and environmental benefits. This project exemplifies how innovation and collaboration can enhance the living conditions of our service personnel, and we look forward to continuing our work in delivering exceptional accommodation that will transform the lived experience”. Overall, the Army SLA Programme is investing £1.4Bn over ten years to enhance living conditions for service personnel. More than 1,000 new bedspaces are currently in construction across the estate, with six blocks due to complete this year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Premier Modular is set to deliver its second-largest education project to date, supplying a four-storey temporary classroom block at King’s Academy Bay House School in Gosport. This modular building will support the school’s major redevelopment and is part of the Department for Education’s school rebuilding programme, with Premier Modular collaborating with main contractor Kier. The prefabricated temporary structure will allow the school to continue its operations while redevelopment work takes place. Bay House School was among the first 50 schools selected for the rebuilding initiative in February 2021, with the project listed at £25 million by Glenigan in 2023. Enabling works on the site officially began on 3rd January 2025. The redevelopment will involve the demolition of six buildings and two temporary classrooms, the construction of three redesigned blocks, and the refurbishment of existing structures. Premier Modular will install 133 modular units, creating 44 classrooms that will serve the school for approximately two-and-a-half years. The stackable design of the units ensures there will still be sufficient outdoor space for students during the construction phase. A unique feature of this project is its phased use of the modular buildings. Over the two-and-a-half-year period, the classrooms will be adapted to meet the changing needs of the school. After the first 18 months, some classrooms will be reconfigured, transforming design and technology spaces into science labs to accommodate evolving requirements. This project marks Premier Modular’s second-largest temporary education building across four storeys, following the supply of 186 modules to a school in South London. Mark Rooney, Rental Divisional Director at Premier Modular, commented: “This is a groundbreaking project for us. Not only is it our second-largest temporary school build, but the modular design allows us to maximise space efficiently in a busy environment. By working closely with Kier, we’ve developed a flexible design that adapts to the project’s evolving needs, ensuring a solution that works for everyone.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Lowfield Timber Frames, one of the UK’s largest independent timber frame manufacturers, has expressed its optimism for the continued growth of the sector as it announces that it successfully contributed to the delivery of nearly 2,500 new homes in 2024, and with it already actively involved in 1,500 units so far this year, it forecasts that 2025 will be even more successful. The announcement comes as the firm proudly celebrates its 25th anniversary. Since its founding in 2000, Lowfield Timber Frames has grown from a team of just four, to an award-winning team of over 130 people all committed to championing sustainable construction. Providing modern methods of construction (MMC) to a wide range of both residential and commercial building projects across the UK, Lowfield Timber Frames has continually invested in cutting-edge technology and recently became the first firm in the UK to invest in a new Hundegger Compact Robot Drive CNC machine to enhance production capacity and drive forward innovation. Commenting on the quarter-century milestone, managing director Darren Jarman said: “We are incredibly proud to reach this 25-year milestone, which is testament to the hard work, expertise and dedication of the entire team. “As we look ahead, we remain committed to pushing the boundaries of sustainable construction, investing in innovation, and playing a key role in shaping the future of the built environment.” In addition to expanding its manufacturing capabilities, Lowfield Timber Frames is investing in the future of the industry and has committed to integrating a dedicated training space at its recently revamped headquarters. Due to open in summer 2025, this facility will provide invaluable insights for developers, housebuilders, and commercial property stakeholders, and equip them with the knowledge and expertise to maximise the benefits of timber frame construction. Concluding, Darren Jarman said: “As we continue to invest in enhancing our production capabilities, our success is driven by our dedicated workforce, who consistently go above and beyond to deliver on the promises we make. “We take pride in the length of service that so many of our team have built with us over the years and this undoubtedly adds value to the service that our clients receive.” With 1500 new homes and five schools already in its order book for 2025, Lowfield Timber Frames anticipates continued success in the year ahead. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Metal rainscreen specialist, Spanwall Façades, has delivered its latest cladding project in partnership with Alucraft, which demonstrates the application of MMC and offsite principles to façade design and construction. Fifteen George’s Quay is a prime commercial building overlooking the River Liffey in Dublin which has been transformed by developers IPUT Real Estate into more than 70,000sqft of highly sustainable, LEED Platinum-rated office space. The redevelopment has expanded the building with the addition of two new upper floors, a new landscaped roof garden and terraces, a riverfront café, and the entire façade was replaced. The main contractor was Structure Tone and the consultants were Arup. The new envelope successfully blends stone, metalwork and floor-to-ceiling glazing with panoramic views. The bespoke rainscreen system met the aesthetic vision of architects Burke-Kennedy Doyle, whilst ensuring long-term durability, low maintenance, and high weather performance. Spanwall’s aluminium cladding was polyester powder coated in two shades of bronze and used to striking effect in vertical and horizontal rectilinear configurations which complement the stonework. Working closely with façade contractor Alucraft, Spanwall manufactured the bespoke rainscreen panels and pre-assembled the units using the latest digital design technology and offsite manufacturing techniques to reduce work on site. The building is sited in a highly constrained location with limited access for deliveries and material storage. Spanwall maximised assembly of the metal cladding sections in its factory, to reduce work on site and speed up the installation process. Spanwall produced 230 pre-assembled rainscreen units, using over 6,000 individual components and more than 10,000m of CNC-routed metal profiling for the project. The large cladding sub-assemblies were fixed with a generic hook and carrier system for ease of installation by Alucraft and were delivered to site in precise sequencing, reducing waste, material storage, and vehicle movements. Spanwall’s use of advanced digital design and smart manufacturing processes combined with the high level of pre-assembly ensured a level of quality control and precision that would have been difficult to achieve on site. The offsite methodology was critical to overcoming the logistical challenges of the site, enabling Spanwall and Alucraft to implement a just-in-time delivery system that ensured fast and efficient installation with minimal disruption to neighbouring buildings. Ronnie Mills, Managing Director of Alucraft, said, “Working with Spanwall on this project is a great example of how close collaboration between the cladding manufacturer and the specialist façade contractor can lead to outstanding project delivery and new methodologies.” “Spanwall’s expertise in metal fabrication, combined with our façade design experience, enabled us to successfully address the site challenges, the complexities of the architectural design, and deliver the project on time and to the very highest standards.” David Clark, Managing Director of Spanwall, said, “Our ongoing investment in digital design and smart manufacturing technology allowed us to produce dimensionally accurate rainscreen sub-assemblies in a controlled factory environment. This solution simplified work on site and maximised efficiency for our project partners, Alucraft.” “By embracing advanced manufacturing methodologies and digital technology, we can significantly improve both the quality and speed of metal cladding installations. We look forward to collaborating with Alucraft on future façade projects, both in the UK and Ireland.” Spanwall created digital twins of every component for this cladding package. This allowed the design to be validated digitally before proceeding into manufacture and facilitated online simulation of the metal folding process. Spanwall was then able to pre-configure all connection points for the individual cladding components to ensure seamless final assembly in the factory once every part had been manufactured and painted. The bespoke rainscreen façade for Fifteen George’s Quay has enhanced the aesthetic appeal of this landmark commercial building and has provided a robust, low-maintenance façade solution that meets the stringent performance requirements for a waterside location. www.spanwall.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Module-T Prefabrik, a global leader in modular construction with over 15 years of expertise, is expanding its operations into the UK market. The company offers a comprehensive range of modular solutions, including office containers, sanitary containers, locker containers, dormitory complexes, and modular office buildings, with a particular focus on labour accommodation facilities designed to meet the urgent needs of various sectors quickly and efficiently. Speed and efficiency for commercial projects and public sector needs Module-T’s expansion into the UK market introduces modular construction technology that prioritises speed, flexibility, and sustainability. “Our modular solutions are specifically engineered to minimise on-site disruption and accelerate construction timelines,” said Yigit Ozdemir, Regional Sales Director at Module-T. “Entire modules are built off-site in factories and assembled on-site, allowing for rapid deployment. This method not only reduces noise and pollution but also significantly lessens the environmental impact.” A 2022 study by academics from the University of Cambridge and Edinburgh Napier University found that modular construction can reduce embodied carbon by up to 45%. Embodied carbon refers to emissions generated during the construction process, including the production and transportation of materials, highlighting the sustainability benefits of off-site modular construction. Multipurpose solutions for a range of applications that minimise environmental impact Module-T provides solutions tailored for various applications, including permanent or temporary office spaces for companies across sectors. The company also offers WC cabins, canteens, classrooms, and other facilities for municipalities and local institutions, meeting the diverse requirements of public sector projects. “Our modular facilities are designed to provide flexible, high-quality solutions that cater to the specific needs of the UK’s construction industry,” added Özdemir. By manufacturing buildings entirely off-site and assembling them on-site, Module-T reduces construction time and minimises disruption in local communities. This approach not only enhances efficiency but aligns with industry trends favouring sustainable construction methods. “Our off-site approach offers a practical solution to the demands of commercial and public sector projects while reducing the carbon footprint associated with traditional construction,” noted Özdemir. “We aim to lead the UK market in providing efficient and sustainable modular construction solutions.” Strategic growth and commitment to quality With the UK’s modular construction market expected to grow at an annual rate of 6.3%, reaching a projected value of £12 billion by 2025, Module-T is well-positioned to establish a strong presence. By combining innovative design with extensive international experience, the company aims to deliver adaptable solutions that meet the evolving needs of both commercial and public sector clients in the UK. Whether for office spaces, educational facilities, or sanitary units, Module-T’s  temporary site accommodationare built to be efficient, durable, and comfortable. “At Module-T, we are committed to offering efficient and quality solutions that meet the diverse needs of our clients across the UK,” said Özdemir. “Our expertise in modular construction will contribute significantly to the industry’s growth and support the delivery of essential projects.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals