Adapt or pay: Why modular is key to futureproofing buildings

When planning infrastructure projects, public sector decision makers are often under pressure to make the building futureproof. While ensuring cost and operational efficiency long-term is good in theory, fluctuating demographics, evolving demands and sudden emergencies mean this task isn’t as simple as it sounds and could lead to overspending if adaptability isn’t considered.

Modular solutions are easily installed, modified, scaled and removed, meaning if at any point the building is no longer functioning to its full potential it can be easily updated. This not only avoids lengthy and costly construction works, but ensures the building is fully optimised and purposeful for a longer time than traditional, ‘bricks and mortar’ buildings.

Simple scaling to meet demand

Demand can fluctuate quickly, and for critical services such as healthcare and education, it’s important that staff have the right facilities to carry out their jobs, for example, the NHS faces notorious winter pressures, while schools can have unexpected bulge years. In these cases, organisations only need an increase in facilities for a short period of time and typically don’t require an entirely separate, permanent building.

Modules can be easily installed as extensions to existing structures with minimal disruption on a live site. As they are manufactured in a factory and then delivered to site ready for installation, the majority of construction work is undertaken offsite. Our rental fleet gives organisations the option to return the modules as soon as demand decreases and they are no longer needed.

Supporting a circular economy

Rental modular solutions can be removed and repurposed and this inherent adaptability and versatility means a temporary classroom can easily be transformed into a hospital ward, student accommodation, military barracks, office space or any other type of building. Customers can choose to either move the module to another part of their development or return it back to our fleet where we continue to utilise it for the remainder of its 40+ lifespan, creating a circular economy.

This has numerous environmental advantages, such as reducing the amount of embodied carbon released into the atmosphere and minimising waste. Alongside strengthened ESG credentials, businesses also benefit from higher cost efficiency as they only pay for the space they need for as long as they need it.

To read more about how we promote a circular economy, check out our dedicated blog here.

Internal adaptability meets real-time needs

Module interiors can be easily updated over time to ensure that the space remains useful. For example, a hospital that may have a number of administrative office spaces may find itself needing more clinical areas to meet demand. While in a traditionally-built facility this may require extensive construction works, in a modular building this can be easily updated often in a matter of days. This flexibility gives organisations the agility to respond quickly to changing requirements.

Quick process from design to delivery

Futureproofing can also mean expecting the unexpected. While organisations may not need access to facilities now, knowing how to meet demand quickly is essential to ensure that services aren’t disrupted. This is particularly important for critical services, like healthcare and education.

We are also proud to say that we designed and delivered the Nightingale Hospital in Exeter constructed in just four weeks. The 1,700 sqm structure spanned five storeys and 57 modules was constructed to help treat seriously ill patients during the Coronavirus pandemic. The hospital had to be constructed quickly to decrease the pressure on other healthcare facilities in the area and ensure that despite a spike in patient numbers, everyone had access to high quality care facilities.

Another example is when we provided a decant building for Weavers Academy when two of its buildings were damaged by a flood. Comprising 14 classrooms and two food tech rooms, the three-storey building was built with 43 modules. Understanding how the flood had disrupted the students’ education, our team delivered three months’ worth of work in just six weeks.

Interested the flexibility of temporary modular solutions? Read more about our rental option or contact our team today.