Popular in the post-war years to meet an urgent need for housing, prefabricated buildings are experiencing a resurgence. Modular buildings, constructed in sections within a controlled environment and then transported to site for final assembly, are offering a cost effective and reliable way to meet the current requirements for new buildings.
The government’s strategy for post-Covid economic recovery and growth centres on the creation of jobs and infrastructure with a clear focus on sustainable construction.
“To that end we will build build build. Build back better, build back greener, build back faster and to do that at the pace that this moment requires.”
Boris Johnson, Prime Minister
These targets will be challenging using traditional techniques but modular buildings offer a modern method of construction that can ensure high quality, flexible design and meet targets for sustainability, cost and efficiency.
The construction industry currently contributes 39% of UK total carbon emissions so sustainable building methods will be key to reaching our 2050 target for net carbon neutral. Modular building technology could help the industry respond to recent demand whilst also reducing its energy use by 67% and waste by up to 90%.
With modules fabricated in factory production lines, quality and safety can be assured and costs kept to a minimum with efficient use of materials. Assembled to the project brief as ground work is simultaneously completed, the modules are then transported to site and quickly secured together and connected to utilities. This methodology reduces build time and delays due to adverse weather while fewer site deliveries minimise disruption for the local community.
Offering a customisable product, modular buildings are suitable for both domestic and commercial markets, from family homes and garden studios to schools, offices and healthcare settings. Ideal for temporary buildings, the modules can be easily expanded or relocated as required to adapt to changing business needs.
Biophilic design will connect the building with its locality and improve occupants’ health and wellbeing so when it comes to specifying materials for the interior, choosing products that reflect the natural world and protect indoor environmental quality (IEQ) is key.
Holding BREEAM, ISO 14001, ISO 9001 and Quiet Mark certification, you can be confident that specifying Karndean flooring will satisfy project sustainability and IEQ requirements. Authentically replicating the natural materials that inspired them, our flooring offers endless bespoke design options, a practical and attractive surface that is ortho-phthalate free and low in VOCs to protect air quality, naturally quiet and comfortable underfoot and hard wearing enough to cope with the busiest environments.
With its innovative format featuring a friction grip backing for quick and easy installation without the need for adhesive, specifying Karndean LooseLay can help meet tight project deadlines, budget constraints and IEQ requirements as well as providing an attractive natural look. Post-installation, planks can be simply lifted for repairs, to access underfloor utilities or for reuse in another project.
Like our rigid core range, loose lay has a pre-attached acoustic backing to help manage noise pollution, reducing noise transfer to the floor below by 13dB. It also contains recycled content.
By embracing people-centric sustainable design, modern methods of construction and innovative materials, we can be confident that the building industry will be able to meet the government’s challenging targets for environmental impact, health and wellbeing and carbon emissions, and build a future where both people and nature can thrive.