INDUSTRY NEWS
PERSPECTIVE
Going modular Choosing the right system for affordable housing By Tom Jaleski
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ccess to adequate and affordable housing is one of the biggest problems facing communities around the world today. With the current housing shortage and new construction not keeping pace with the projected population growth in many communities, more permanent, affordable housing solutions are needed. The increasing frequency of emergency situations caused by storms, flooding and migration also has created a growing need to quickly provide temporary, transitional housing for displaced and homeless residents.
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Modular construction is one way of addressing these challenges in a manner that can quickly adapt to changing conditions and demands. Modular building systems can provide housing at a lower
COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION & RENOVATION — ISSUE 2, 2024
cost and reach far more locations than site-built housing. Two main approaches can be used to provide affordable modular housing, with transportation costs being the primary factor in determining the type of modular system employed. A localized, market-rate approach allows for a wider diversity of unit sizes but requires a local fabrication facility to reduce transportation costs. A global approach uses standard shipping sizes as its base. Ultimately, the further away the site is from a fabrication facility, the more the unit needs to fit typical shipping size and strength standards. Why Build Using Modular Systems? Modular housing is built off-site, usually in an indoor, quality-controlled setting. It is completed in sections and then transported from the factory to the site, where the sections are installed onto foundations as individual units or multi-story assemblages. Modular systems offer several advantages for cost savings. Construction can take place simultaneously on the building site, with products being transported to the site upon completion. This effectively speeds up the timeframe for construction, which helps cut costs for labor and financing. Using prefabricated modules also prevents issues arising from weather and material delivery delays, resulting in significant time savings. A shorter timeframe for construction and smaller on-site construction crews can help lessen the disruption to the surrounding community and reduce traffic control expenses. Moreover, modular housing presents opportunities for more sustainable construction if the materials are selected with low carbon production and energy efficiency in mind. Building the units in a factory environment allows for more control over waste and pollution than traditional construction methods.
A Localized Approach
Localized construction focuses on finding a market area, like California’s San Francisco Bay area, where housing shortages and high costs create a market for lower-priced housing with easy commutes. These marketrate and low-income housing needs can benefit greatly from modular construction