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In recent years, modular construction has been vital across the education, healthcare and housing sectors at times of crisis, providing a cost effective, quick solution to unexpected events.
Due to the evolving health, environmental and geopolitical landscape, sectors are facing a rising number of crises, and with further disruption likely, organisations need to ensure they have an emergency response plan in place and reliable partners who can deliver swift, cost-effective solutions when the time comes.
Whether it’s buildings to accommodate additional wards and necessary ancillary services, functional space for schools or high quality, temporary apartment installations, modular solutions are on hand to help.
Healthcare providers are often prepared for the unexpected, constantly dealing with emergencies and unpredictable situations. However, many services were ill-equipped for the sudden influx of patients caused by the spread of Covid-19.
Modular solutions were able to provide a rapid response to increase the NHS’ capacity. Premier Modular delivered 1,700sq m of modular building space to create the new Nightingale Hospital in Exeter, a 116-bed facility designed to provide high quality specialist care for seriously ill coronavirus patients.
We designed, reconfigured and installed five single-storey modular buildings comprising 57 steel-framed modules. Completed in just four weeks, the integrated buildings were site-ready to accommodate necessary facilities, including pharmacy, staff welfare, catering, and utility rooms. We also rapidly supplied buildings for 25 Covid-19 testing sites across the UK.
By choosing modular, the NHS could be sure projects would be delivered on time and within budget. Available as permanent or rental solutions, modular buildings allow public sector organisations more control over their capital and operational expenditure. Also, off site construction is used, so groundwork can be progressed on site, while module construction and fit-out takes place in the factory, meaning programme times can be reduced by up to 50 percent. Modular, buildings can also be easily expanded or reconfigured to meet changing needs, and during the Nightingale Hospital project, we were able to provide flexibility and design changes.
Especially in the wake of Covid-19, healthcare providers are more likely to recognise the value of modular solutions and invest in preparedness for future crises. As speed, certainty and flexibility continue to be priorities both during a crisis and in the day to day, traditional ‘bricks and mortar’ construction may struggle to keep up.
Modular solutions have also supported the education sector when schools have faced unexpected crises.
For example, in 2023, many UK schools faced partial closure due to multiple sites having reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC). As schools had nowhere to teach students or accommodate staff, there was a chance that vital services would have to halt. However, during this unexpected space crisis we were able to deliver many high-quality classrooms in a matter of weeks so teaching could continue.
As extreme events such as floods and droughts become more frequent, schools have turned to modular solutions for additional support. For example, after severe water damage from a flood, Weavers Academy in Wellingborough urgently needed classrooms while the main building was unusable.
We delivered a full turnkey solution, installing two new buildings with 14 classrooms and two food tech spaces in just two weeks. There was minimal disruption to students and staff, and the facility was purpose built for long term use.
No matter the adaptations, size or facilities required, the lean manufacturing techniques and fast installation of the modular construction process enables the most complex of education buildings to be delivered in a very short time frame.
In the UK there is an urgent need for emergency housing for people, who, often through no fault of their own, have become homeless. These individuals and families need accommodation for a short period of time, while a more permanent place is found for them to live.
Buckinghamshire Council awarded Premier Modular a contract for the offsite construction of 58 high quality homes to provide facilities for vulnerable people. Arranged around a central courtyard and close to local amenities, the space is designed to allow tenants to develop a sense of community and identity. Minimal onsite construction activity meant there was less impact on neighbouring communities and more control over the quality of the finished product.
As well as meeting the required standards for quality and sustainability, offsite construction can reduce the completion time to deliver new temporary homes more quickly for people on emergency housing waiting lists.
In a world where disruption is inevitable, modular construction offers a reliable, rapid, and flexible solution. At Premier Modular we are proud to be at the forefront, helping organisations prepare for the unexpected and providing a steadfast method that will continue to deliver high quality solutions for generations to come.
Discover more about Premier Modular’s permanent and rental building solutions by exploring our previous projects.
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