Structures for Work & Play

Arctic Modular Buildings

Modular homes and modular buildings are sectional prefabricated buildings or houses, which consist of several modules or components manufactured in a remote facility and then delivered to their intended site for use. The modules are then assembled into one or more complete buildings, either by a crane or a truck.

Modular buildings are significantly different from mobile homes. Off-frame modular dwellings differ from mobile homes largely in their lack of axles or a frame, so they are usually transported to their site via truck platform, but some houses are built on a modular steel frame (on - modular frame), which can be used for transportation to the site. Many modular homes are of multi-level design, and are often then assembled using a crane.

Modular buildings are usually less expensive because the construction of these buildings takes place in a purpose built factory and then just assembled on site so they are cost effective compared to traditional construction but you do have to allow for the transport which can significantly affect the cost if going to remote areas. These structures are often built around the weather factor in the construction time line when installing in Arctic areas so that the buildings can be delivered when the weather is good and quickly assembled before the weather closes in. This eliminates delays, saves money and reduces the chance of any materials being lost or stolen from site.

Kitchen in Modular Building

Housing prices are often lower than the cost of neighboring dwellings and create a cost-effective solution for ordinary consumers and builders. "These new homes can be ready in far less time than ordinary housing would be. Manufacturers state the following reasons that the typical cost of this housing is more affordable.

Speed of construction / investment back faster - modular construction allows for the completion of the project in typically 50% of the time of traditional construction.
Construction can be timed so that it is independent of weather conditions so less time is lost with bad weather and it also avoids damaged building materials.

Price discounts from the supplier. Large manufacturers can effectively negotiate with suppliers for discounts on materials. The ability to service remote locations. Especially in countries like Australia, housing sites will cost more in remote areas or areas that flourish, such as construction or mining towns. Modular homes can be created quickly in urban areas and regions.

Modular Office

With good planning, a builder can very accurately order the correct amount of materials from the manufacturer so there is less wastage. The waste from residential building sites can often fill several large containers, this is can be largely eliminated with modular construction.
More environmentally friendly construction - less waste and less disturbance of the surrounding areas are required.

Standards and zoning considerations

In general, modular homes are built to the local government codes or regulations as required, depending on the final destination of the module. Steel and / or wood are the general options for the construction of modular homes. Modular home designs can be easily adapted for local area codes. For example, modular buildings to be installed in a hurricane prone area can be in-built with extra bracing to meet local building codes.

There are a number of American courts have ruled that zoning restrictions do not apply to mobile homes. However, modular homes, because they are often permanently sites, do come under these restrictions. Modular Manufactured Home Parks in Australia, are covered by additional legislation, which applies to regulated permanent modular homes. Developments of modular housing are growing in popularity and are now being recognized as a real estate asset that can appreciate in value and this will only grow in time as more are built and sold.

Building strength

The modular housing buildings are generally designed initially stronger than traditional homes by, for example, replacing nails with screws and adding glue joints. This will help the modules maintain their structural integrity, as they are transported by truck to the site. Despite claims to the manufacturer that the modular home was originally built to be stronger than a traditional house, it is difficult to predict the final building strength since the transport must be taken into account and traditional homes never experience this.

When a FEMA study looked into the devastation caused by Hurricane Andrew in Dade County, Florida, they concluded that modular homes and masonry homes survived better in comparison to other construction.

Typically, a modular house survived up to 10% to 20% better when compared to conventional Timber Frame homes. This is because the modules are transported to the site and the extra timber included for this means they are more stable.

Surfaces and Interfaces

Modular buildings can be based on various surfaces and can be fitted together on stilts (for areas prone to flooding), with a full basement if required or on a  standard concrete pad. They can be built multi-storey heights. Motels and other multi-family structures have been built using modular construction techniques. The no. of stories that can be built in a modular structure depends on the jurisdiction, but some countries, especially in Asia, they are regularly constructed of 24 floors, and sometimes even more.

Outer surfaces can be finished during production or can be finished with a brick or block veneer once installed on site depending on the builders requirements. Roof systems can also be altered depending on conditions and requirements once the basic installation is complete.