How Modular Buildings Fit In

By Laurie Robert, NRB Modular Building Systems

It’s a construction concept dating back to Egypt’s Great Pyramids; a practice of design and building that’s found commonly today in school districts worldwide—in ordinary temporary classrooms.

The fundamental principle of "systems building" has been around for thousands of years. Designing, shaping, transporting, lifting, raising, and precisely connecting components together have all been an integral part of a building concept that dates back to the Neolithic architecture of Stonehenge in England and to the Great Pyramids of Egypt. Not unlike these particular enigmas, the concept of modular construction and the untapped potential of such an exacting system still remains a mystery to many, though it is one easily explained.

Simply stated, "modular building" is a method of construction by which a building ranging from 50 to 50,000 square feet (or more), is created off-site under controlled conditions, transported to a site in three-dimensional sections, and installed on a foundation. Typically, buildings fulfilling temporary needs such as classrooms or classroom complexes are anywhere from 80 to 95% completed before they leave a manufacturer’s plant. As a result, site disruption is kept to a minimum.

The roots of modular building can be traced back over a century, but advances in trends and technology over the past decade or so, have propelled it forward, making it one of the most flexible and efficient construction concepts on the market today.

Making the Right Choices
Whether you are an owner, architect, engineer, school administrator or facilities planner, you should be aware of all of the options currently available to you in factory-built construction. From the temporary classrooms outlined in this issue, to the latest in permanent schools or school additions that will be detailed in our next issue, you can be assured that modular building suppliers in this industry are a veritable wealth of information, focused on helping you achieve your objectives.

This magazine has been developed to help you, the buyer, explore the endless possibilities of modular construction, while learning what challenges, solutions, ideas and innovation have been discovered and applied throughout the U.S., Canada, and beyond.

More often than not, the modular building you receive is a result of a good innovative and an educated approach. As a guide, here are five suggestions to help you maximize your opportunity to obtain a temporary classroom facility that exceeds your expectations.

1. Communicate; Research Your Options
Ask questions, meet with potential suppliers to discuss your program in depth, and if you have not already done so, research your options. Look at all the materials, features and finishes available today that are being incorporated into these classrooms to create a healthy, comfortable learning environment and consider how they might work for you.

Understand that, just like traditional construction methods, modular buildings must conform to building code standards. There is no "free license" for design criteria, no exemption from the rules. In fact, the process of modular building is subject to stringent inspection procedures by the manufacturer, and in many cases, a third party inspection agency and/or a state or local official. In most instances, builders must have a quality assurance program in place that has been approved by either the state or third-party agency, or both.

2. Set Your Expectations High!
As the buyer, planner, or specifier, you are in control. You can set the specifications, you can set the standards, and you can drive the results. So set your expectations high! There is no reason to receive "second best" in any learning environment, including relocatable classrooms. In order to ensure that your classrooms and complexes meet or exceed your expectations, communicate your needs clearly to your potential suppliers. There should be no misunderstanding.

3. Outline Your Buying Criteria
This ties in a little with communication. Modular construction offers a multitude of features and benefits. Knowing them and using them to your advantage will assist you in attaining your desired objectives.

Financing options, building features, relocatability, speed of construction, minimized site disruption, and design flexibility are just a few of the motivators that prompt school administrators and planners to look to temporary classrooms for accommodation. Letting your suppliers know what particular motivators are driving your purchase will help them prioritize, make recommendations, and respond with your specific needs in mind.

4. Establish Your Base, Then Look for More
You may have specified your classrooms right down to the fasteners, and unquestionably this is the best way of evaluating your package on an "apples to apples" basis. But consider going a step further. Ask for recommendations. You would be amazed at the breadth and depth of experience and knowledge your modular building suppliers have in house—all looking for an opportunity to apply their innovation.

5. Go For the ‘Valley’ Whenever You Can
Understandably there are external environmental forces at work that can prevent a school board from going out for proposals whenever they choose. Funding is usually at the top of the list. However, wherever possible, try to get a jump-start on the process so that you can be assured of securing regular production time.

Modular building companies look favorably on a steady diet of year-round production, as opposed to the peaks and valleys that tend to be more characteristic of the industry. Find out when the industry slows down in your region. It will vary between locations. Make an effort to slot your requirements into those "valley" time frames. It could be a win-win for you and your builder.

Laurie Robert is vice president of sales & marketing at NRB, Inc. Modular Building Systems in Grimsby, Ontario, Canada. She is also immediate past president of the Modular Building Institute.

Copyright © Modular Building Institute, January 2003.