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Thinking inside the box: Quality internal environments for modular solutions

When people think modular, they often think of a grey box – but this doesn’t have to be the case. When we work with clients, they’re often surprised at what features we offer to make the space look great while being comfortable and functioning well. For example, our highly customisable solutions can offer high ceilings, and our modules can have large clear spans to enhance working environments and improve employee wellbeing and retention.

We spoke to our hire divisional director, Mark Rooney, about the possibilities of modular design and why quality internal environments are important for temporary solutions.

Are there any limits to what a modular building can be used for?

“The flexibility of modular means that it be used for anything. Our modules are currently being used as classrooms, hospitals, barracks, laboratories, ancillary facilities on construction sites, and so much more. If there are any limits, we haven’t found them yet.”

What features help modular builds stand out from the crowd?

“Clever, thoughtful design makes all the difference. Often, it’s the smaller details and simpler features that have the biggest impact. For example, ample windows which maximise natural light, good ventilation keeping air fresh and higher ceiling height can make the room appear more spacious. Sound dampening can also be used to improve acoustics and minimise echoes, making spaces more comfortable and pleasant for those using them on a daily basis, this can help improve employee wellbeing and productivity, often making staff feel more engaged.

“Designing your space to be easily adaptable can help with futureproofing the project. Long, clear spans and open plan designs make it easy to change the internal environment as needs change. Our modules have been transformed from classrooms into laboratories, and offices into healthcare centres through flexible design.

“Design should also be purposeful. We pride ourselves on collaborating with our clients to truly understand what they need and how to make the design as practical as possible.

“A great example of this is our work with Bradfields Academy, a school that provides support for students aged 4-19 who experience a range of complex learning difficulties and disabilities. We supplied decant facilities, while the refurbishment on the school building took place over two years. Our modular solution was highly tailored to pupil’s needs, including a sensory room, therapy room and designated quiet spaces.”

Why is a quality internal environment still important for a temporary facility?

“Many construction projects take months, even years, to complete. This means that all employees – construction or otherwise – can be using temporary buildings for a sustained period of time. To improve employee wellbeing and retention, these facilities need to be designed to improve  engagement, productivity and, even, happiness. Providing pleasant working environments can even impact talent attraction and retention, which is vital in the many sectors experiencing skills shortages.

“A professional, high quality environment helps to foster the same level of professionalism amongst the workforce, in addition to making a good impression on clients and stakeholders.”

Can modular solutions be sustainable too?

“Absolutely. Sustainability is a huge focus across all sectors, with many having their own specific targets, on top of broader national goals, such as the government’s commitment to Net Zero by 2050. At Premier Modular, we’ve set our own target of achieving Net Zero by 2040.

“To promote sustainability and help your business achieve its targets, we have developed a wide range of features, from solar panels as a renewable electricity source, to rainwater harvesting systems which can collect and re-use rainwater for non-potable purposes.

“For our rental fleet, we pride ourselves on promoting a circular economy with modules adapted and re-used until the end of their 40+ lifespan. Our modules can be transformed into anything, from a laboratory to a classroom to a healthcare facility, meaning embodied carbon never gets released, lowering emissions overall.”

But what about the exterior?

“It still doesn’t have to be grey! We’ve worked on projects located in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and have had to make sure our modules complement the natural landscape. One of the best examples of this is our recent project at St Mary’s Hospital on the beautiful Isles of Scilly, where we built an integrated health and social care facility using a pitched roof and a thin coat render to ensure that it didn’t disrupt the natural environment.”

Interested in finding out more about temporary modular solutions? Click here or enquire with the team today.