Facts About Modular Construction Part Five – Unlimited Architectural Appeal
Split-faced Block Installation Using Permanent Modular Construction
Whether it’s a freestanding facility or an addition to an existing building, modular buildings can be designed to meet or exceed the architectural aesthetics of traditional site- built structures. Ramtech’s pier and beam and slab-on-grade permanent modular construction methods can accept any exterior cladding combinations, providing the same curb appeal as site-built structures. This includes brick, block, or stone masonry, an Exterior Insulation Finishing System (EIFS), various fiber-cement sidings, and all types of architectural metal panels.
Masonry Application to a Pier and Beam Permanent Modular Building
In these images, pre-finished architectural split faced block standard concrete masonry units (CMUs) were chosen to match the exterior of the adjacent main structure. They are accompanied by a wainscot row of smooth white block at the window level with additional split faced block above that rising to two additional bands of white block at the top of the building. Today’s generation of both relocatable and permanent modular buildings have a greater degree of curb appeal and functionality than ever before. This ability to compete with the aesthetics of site-built facilities has led to an increase in the number of design professionals willing to embrace modular building systems.
- Published in Modular Building, Modular Construction, Permanent Construction
Modular Construction Continues to Grow
The modular units for Carmel Place in NYC under construction. (Courtesy nARCHITECTS)
A very positive review of the current state of the modular construction industry and the future outlook for it was recently published in The Architect’s Newspaper. The article quotes the The National Real Estate Investor which showed that in the last five years the modular construction industry has doubled in size to over $8 billion. The increased productivity and lower overall design and construction costs were indicated as the most significant factors in the choice of using modular construction for commercial projects. The article also references the 2018 Commercial Construction Index economic indicator, a report jointly published by USG Corporation and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce that tracks trends in commercial construction. It showed that more than 70 percent of surveyed contractors see eight distinct benefits in using modular construction including increases in efficiency, productivity, safety, and quality, while reducing risk, costs, material waste, and construction times. The reduction in the overall project timeline also leads to an increase in the opportunity costs by allowing revenue-earning buildings to begin doing so faster than facilities built using other construction methods. The whole article can be viewed here.
- Published in Commercial, Modular Building, Modular Construction, Technology
Facts About Modular Construction Part Four – High Quality Materials
Installation of Plywood Sheathing at the Roof Mate Line on a Permanent Modular Building
The materials used in permanent modular construction are no different than site built structures. This includes critical features like roofing applications. For large or small parapet wall facilities with low slope roofs, Ramtech prefers to use and install TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) roofing material because of its durability and flexibility. This type of roofing material will adapt to a building’s movement and setting while still remaining resistant to impact damage, tears, or punctures.
Installation of DensDeck Prime Roof Board at the Roof Mate Line on a Permanent Modular Building
TPO roofs are resistant to dirt, algae buildup, and debris and will improve a building’s energy efficiency because of it’s substantial heat-reflective properties and the able to minimize the urban heat island effect. They’re also environmentally friendly with ability to be 100% recycled at the end of their lifespan. Ramtech applies the TPO material during the construction phase in our manufacturing plant, then seams the roof at the mate lines it the jobsite. This can be done quickly by nailing in both the plywood sheathing and DensDeck prime roof board before overlaying the TPO to complete the assembly.
- Published in Modular Building, Modular Construction, Permanent Construction, Technology
Ramtech Completes Modular Building for Temporary Flying Squadron Facility at Vance Air Force Base in Enid, OK
Vance AFB Temporary Flying Training Squadron Facility
Ramtech recently completed a 17,284 square foot Temporary Flying Squadron Facility for the 33d Flying Training Squadron at Vance Air Force Base in Enid, Oklahoma. Procured using a five-year operating lease, the single-story modular building complex will be used for pilot training as part of a program aimed at increasing the graduation rate to address the shortage of pilots that currently exists within the U.S. Air Force. Ramtech worked with the 71st Mission Support Group and ASRCC, Vance AFB’s Base Operations Support contractor, to develop the project. The L-shaped relocatable modular building provides space for 15 offices, eight training classrooms, four operations rooms, a squadron briefing room, conference room, and a reception area. The facility’s exterior was designed with R-Panel metal siding and a TPO membrane roof. The interior utilizes vinyl covered gypsum on the walls and a combination of carpet tiles, vinyl composition tile, and sheet vinyl for the flooring. The heating and cooling of the facility is accommodated by 14 Bard Exterior Wall Mount ducted air-conditioners. As part of the design-build contract, Ramtech was responsible for providing all of the office and classroom furniture throughout the building, along with the site development including the building pad, the extension and connection of all utilities, and the fire sprinkler and alarm systems.
- Published in Government, Modular Building, Ramtech News
What’s The Best Delivery Method?
As a vertically integrated design-build construction company, Ramtech has been at the forefront in developing a beneficial and cost-effective D-B delivery model for commercial modular construction projects. Ever since design-build became available to use for public projects in Texas in the 1990’s, Ramtech has been able to show end-users that D-B can save them money, and is a faster process than design-bid-build or construction manager at risk. There’s a good synopsis on the three methods in this article from buildingindiana.com.
- Published in Modular Building, Modular Construction, Permanent Construction