What is a Portable, Modular Construction?
Modular construction is a technique whereby the bulk of the construction of a building is done off-site at a factory, and the pre-fabricated build elements are transported to the construction site and assembled. A portable building has many potential benefits, including shorter development timelines, cost savings and an overall safer and more efficient development process.
The trend of using modular buildings is on the rise. It is expected to continue as businesses increasingly seek ways to reduce costs, improve efficiency and create more flexible and sustainable spaces. Portable buildings may be labelled as temporary but can have a life span of over 20 years. Choosing a portable building means you can have the extra space within weeks, compared to months, if not years, if it were a permanent building.
TF Jackson proudly provides high-quality modular solutions tailored to a cross-section of industries. Whether you need a new office space, classroom, sports facility, or anything in between, our pre-fabricated, portable buildings are weatherproof, insulated and highly durable, providing a comfortable environment all year round.
The Modular Construction Process
Like traditional construction, portable buildings are durable and built to last, conforming to the latest building regulations and planning requirements. However, when planned and executed correctly, modular construction shows some significant benefits over traditional onsite construction techniques, the key advantage being the significant time-saving.
A modular construction timeline is typically 30 to 50 per cent shorter than traditional construction. TF Jackson has delivered and finished modular building projects in as little as six weeks from the order date. The onsite construction phase can be completed in just a few days. The reduced production schedule is because most of the physical construction is performed at a manufacturing plant and then delivered to the construction site. This means the construction of modular buildings occurs simultaneously with site development work and any foundation preparations. A further benefit is eliminating weather delays; when 60 – 90% of the construction, including features and finishes, can be completed inside a factory, the risk of weather delays is significantly reduced. This means buildings are ready for use sooner, creating a faster return on investment.
Stage 1: Design and Engineering
A build project begins at the design phase in the modular building process. Design engineers use specialised software to create exterior and interior plans. Modular construction makes it easy to customise the layout and interiors according to your taste and needs. The design of a structure includes a detailed plan and specifications.
Stage 2: Permits and Approvals
Modular buildings must meet the same building codes and standards as site-built structures, including Part L2. Every temporary building we supply is made to conform to static calculations to meet building regulations for wind speed and snow load. You must also follow the relevant planning permissions.
Stage 3: Site Development and Foundation
Site preparation usually involves excavation for foundations, water management systems, utilities, walkways, and other site development procedures. A flat concrete pad with level access is the best base for a portable, modular building. However, we can find a solution to install a portable building in most places, including tarmac, hardcore, paving slabs or grass. We can even work around sloping sites and existing obstacles and sometimes integrate a modular extension into an existing permanent building.
Stage 4: Install and Site Restoration
Portable, modular buildings are delivered to the site by rigid or articulated HGV. TF Jackson will plan the logistics so that an entire building, consisting of several modules, can reach its place of use at the same time.
After delivery, our trained onsite assembly teams ensure your cabin is erected quickly and safely. The final assembly time depends on the design and size – typically within a few hours to a few days.
The Benefits of Portable, Modular Construction
A McKinsey study indicated that modular products can reduce a construction schedule and reliably accelerate projects when done correctly. These advantages are due to a more predictable schedule and off-site manufacturing process, transforming a traditional construction linear sequence to a concurrent one. Another benefit of portable, modular construction is a safer working environment for workers. Removing up to 80 per cent of a construction project from the site location and transferring it to a controlled environment significantly reduces exposure to adverse weather and other construction site hazards.
Modular buildings are inherently sustainable because they are portable and can be recycled and refitted repeatedly. Relocating or refurbishing modules for new use reduces the demand for raw materials and minimises the energy expended to create a building to meet the new need. The factory setting allows for efficient control of material use, reducing waste. Reduced travel by labourers, fewer trucks required onsite, and other small material deliveries can reduce CO2 emissions from transportation and other sources. At TF Jackson, we prioritise energy efficiency and minimal environmental impact in all our projects. We take pride in constructing these facilities with energy-efficient insulation and timber cladding with optional green roofs and solar panels.
Modular Portable Buildings – Exploring your Options
A portable building can be quickly assembled onsite to meet the rising demand for aesthetically pleasing, efficient, sustainable, modern buildings and housing. By using pre-fabricated modules, we significantly streamline and accelerate the construction process compared to traditional methods, allowing businesses and other organisations to solve space and accommodation challenges quickly and cost-effectively.
As one of the UK’s leading portable building manufacturers, TF Jackson leads the way in providing custom modular constructions incorporating cutting-edge design, rapid lead times and exceptional service. Our diverse range of modular buildings caters to the needs of many sectors with standard and customised solutions. The flexible construction supports various design combinations in multiple materials, layouts, sizes, finishes and storeys.
A portable, modular building has many benefits, from quick construction to environmentally friendly bonuses. It’s worth exploring a modular option as an alternative to a traditional construction. Are you ready to explore the advantages of modular buildings? Get in touch with us today. Fill out our online enquiry form or call us at 01298 79753, and a member of our friendly team will be happy to help.