The Future of Modular Construction
Modular builds are gaining traction worldwide and are already revolutionising the construction industry. In previous blogs, we’ve already looked in detail at what modular construction is and the differences from traditional building methods. This time we’re giving our predictions for the future of modular construction.
Modular construction is trending
Modular construction is becoming a significant trend in the building industry. This approach has been around for decades but recent advancements in technology, materials and design have seen it become a genuine alternative to traditional building methods for all kinds of project, in sectors including education, military, residential and healthcare.
Off-site construction methods, including prefabrication and modular building, offer numerous benefits, such as reduced construction time, cost savings and improved quality control. These advantages are driving the industry to embrace modular construction as a viable alternative to traditional building methods.
The global construction market is expected to grow
In the most recent NBS Digital Construction Survey, 57% of respondents said they had worked on a project that used modular techniques – a 7% increase on the report two years before. We fully expect that upward trend to continue and that is backed up by the predictions of market analysts.
In this decade the global modular construction market is expected to double in value. It was worth about US$137.8 billion in 2021 and by 2030 this is expected to grow to US$271 billion, according to the Global Modular Construction Industry Report. The demand for efficient, cost-effective and sustainable building solutions is pushing the industry towards modular methods.
More job opportunities in the modular industry
As modular construction gains popularity, it is creating new job opportunities across various sectors. The need for skilled labour in off-site manufacturing facilities is rising, along with demand for professionals in logistics, design and project management.
The modular construction industry offers a range of career options, from factory workers to high-tech roles in digital design and engineering. Trades and labouring roles are often more appealing than those in traditional construction because they involve working at the same location every day, as opposed to being away during the week, and the factory environment is unaffected by bad weather.
Improved worker safety
Modular construction enhances worker safety by moving much of the building process to controlled factory environments. This shift reduces the risks associated with on-site construction, such as falls, exposure to the elements and accidents involving heavy machinery.
Factory settings provide a safer, more regulated environment, leading to fewer workplace injuries and improved overall safety for construction workers. You can read more about why health and safety is so important to us and how we ensure a safer workplace on .
An increase in affordable housing
One of the most promising aspects of modular construction is its potential to address housing shortages and provide affordable housing solutions. Research commissioned by the National Housing Federation (NHF) and Crisis from Heriot-Watt University estimates that around 340,000 new homes need to be supplied in England each year to meet housing demand, of which 145,000 should be affordable.
Modular methods allow for quicker and more cost-effective construction of residential units, making it possible to meet the growing demand for affordable housing in urban areas. This approach can significantly reduce construction costs and timeframes, making homeownership more accessible to a broader population.
High-rise buildings
Modular construction is not limited to single-family homes or low-rise buildings. It is increasingly being used for high-rise structures, demonstrating its versatility and scalability. Notable examples include , the world’s tallest modular building at 135 metres, and Addiscombe Grove, a 21-storey modular apartment block. These projects showcase how modular methods can be applied to complex, large-scale developments.
Increased amount of functional learning spaces
Educational institutions are also benefiting from modular construction. Many adults will have been taught at least partly in what were termed “mobile classrooms”. Today, schools and universities are using modular methods to create functional, adaptable learning spaces that can be built quickly and efficiently.
These modular buildings can be easily reconfigured or expanded to meet changing needs, providing flexible solutions for educational facilities. This approach helps institutions manage costs and timelines more effectively, ensuring that students have access to high-quality learning environments.
The future of modular construction looks bright, with significant advancements and trends indicating its growing importance in the global construction market. From improving worker safety and creating job opportunities to addressing housing shortages and enabling innovative designs, modular construction is poised to revolutionize the way we build.
As technology continues to evolve and the benefits of modular methods become more widely recognised, we can expect to see even greater adoption and innovation in this exciting field. Enlight10 will be at the forefront of this, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible every day.
