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. (more…)
- Published in Modular Construction
Facts About Modular Construction Part One – Minimized Weather Delays
Pier and Beam Foundation for a Permanent Modular Building
One of the benefits of modular construction is the inherent ability to minimize weather delays on the job site. Since the structure is being produced offsite, the ability to quickly set the modules on the foundation and weather them in speeds up the entire construction timeline. This means there’s no waiting for the framing or erection and other onsite construction activities to take place – the typical site-built work elements that are subject to weather related delays. With modular construction, once you install it you can immediately begin performing the interior finish-out with no delays. This also keeps any weather related materials damage to a minimum.
Completing Duct Connections in a Permanent Modular Buil;ding
The Pier and Beam Permanent Modular Buildings that Ramtech is currently building for First Baptist Carrollton is a good case in point. Although the rainy spring made getting the foundations in place a challenge, once the first one was poured we were able to quickly get one of the two modular buildings placed on it. Then, as the pictures show, while the foundation for the second building was being developed we were already performing the interior work on the first building. With J&P Contractors Inc.
- Published in Modular Construction
New McKinsey and Company Report Adds to the Case for Modular Construction
Last month, McKinsey & Company published a comprehensive study of the growing impact of modular construction in the U.S and Europe. Titled, ‘Modular Construction: From projects to products‘, the study puts into focus what the commercial modular industry has long held to be the case. (more…)
- Published in Commercial, Modular Construction, Technology
Ramtech Begins Manufacturing of Modular Office Building for Dallas County Sheriff’s Department Academy
Ramtech has begun the manufacturing phase on the 25,243 square foot modular office building we are constructing for the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department Academy. Designed and developed using our slab-on-grade permanent modular construction process, the building will allow the Sheriff’s department to consolidate their training program for new recruits into one facility located 12 miles South of downtown Dallas in an unincorporated area of Dallas County. (more…)
- Published in Government, Modular Building, Modular Construction, Ramtech News