Why is Modular Construction Growing Demand over Conventional Construction?

The construction and engineering industries are constantly changing and evolving, bringing in advanced methods of construction, innovative materials, and new economical methods of doing business.

As the world becomes more environmentally aware, and the construction industry more progressively competitive, contractors and engineers are coming up with ways to switch from a conventional and traditional way of construction, to modernized, Modular processes.

While building a cleanroom facility, many decisions and choices must be made. The facility should be cost-effective, suitable to the company’s needs, and developed under necessary regulatory requirements and certifications.  

The top two choices: Conventional and Modular construction.

Conventional construction makes use of metal studs and drywall in the creation of walls and ceilings, which are covered with Epoxy Coating, PVC, or Fibreglass Cladding.

What is Modular Construction?

Modular construction is simply developing the predesigned structure in sections off-site, and then installing the various different parts together on-site.

Minimal construction is completed on-site, reducing space requirements and labour costs as well as decreasing overall timeline. Majority of the facility is developed in a specialist factory. Once the structure is ready as per customized design, it is transported to the site, and assembled to fit the building layout. Additionally, entire rooms and units can be pre-fabricated using Modular concepts off-site. Steel structural frames can be built on-site, and the prefabricated panels would be inserted into place, and connected to utilities and power.

Benefits of Modular Construction

It is often perceived those Modular solutions cost more as the materials and building components are generally costlier. However, when fully designed, Modular cleanrooms can be installed up to 20-40% faster than traditional cleanroom construction, saving labour and time costs while significantly decreasing downtime.

Modular Cleanrooms offer much more flexibility for the client in terms of remodeling or relocating the structure. Modular components can easily be taken down and put back together without damage and waste.

Modular Construction, especially that utilizing aluminum parts also benefits the environment, as manufacturing can be done with recycled contents, developed to reduce waste (waste with drywall installation and drilling as often noticed with traditional construction) and can be relocated or rebuilt.

Moreover, Modular Cleanrooms have the ability to moderate ISO Class ratings, mainly controlled by mechanical systems (HVAC filtration). The monolithic surfaces of the cleanroom panels also allow inceptive, and ongoing cleanliness, as well as affinity with most cleaning and disinfection agents and conventions. 

Critical Environmental parameters (temperature, humidity, air flow & pressure) are also supplemented with modular construction. Transmission of humidity cannot be halted, only slowed, so with modular construction of the cleanroom along with insulated sandwich panels, hygroscopic components assist in controlling humidity. The efficiency of the tight-fitting panels in the construction of the structure also aids with pressure control. 

Finally, Modular Cleanroom Construction offers a large variety of prefab utility cut-outs and integrated components which are usually difficult to find with conventional construction. 

Customizations with pass throughs, doors and windows are possible with modular construction as needed for project.

Overall, Modular Cleanroom construction significantly reduces labour cost, construction time, downtime, and any other associated costs, while enhancing customized solutions.

Gaining Popularity

A range of contributing factors influence contractors and companies to choose Modular and Prefab construction over conventional. This type of construction offers builders more opportunities to be creative and allows clients to have more control for customization.

Reasons for Growing Traction in the Cleanroom Construction Industry

• World Economy – The Perfect Solution in the Midst of Global Recession

Recent years have seen a recession in the global economy, disabling governments and companies from spending high costs on construction. Modular construction is greatly cost-effective and allows governments and companies to save money and time with prefab systems.

• Construction Industry – Staying Competitive in the Market

There are numerous companies and contractors seeking work in the construction industry today. To have a competitive edge over the other options, a company must adapt and offer alternative and advanced methods of services. Modular construction is a great way for clients to save money, have customization control and receive a quicker end product. For example, a contractor providing modular cleanroom solutions has a greater advantage over other businesses offering traditional construction. 

• Space-Reduction – Space-Saving Systems 

As the population continues to rise globally, overcrowding and shortage of housing and building facilities can seem to be a growing problem. With modular structures, this can be avoided. Modular construction allows quick assembly and minimal space required. These structures can be made off-site in specialist factories and installed immediately on site – allowing creative applications to become much more accessible in comparison to traditional. 

• Safer Working Conditions – Health & Safety First 

Lastly, modular cleanroom construction provides an excellent level of employee and worker safety. There are no associated dangers and hazards on-site as materials and structures are prefabricated off-site, often according to health and safety standards using automated machinery. 

• Environmental Benefits – A Green Construction Solution

With the reduction in waste of materials, modular cleanrooms allow for a more environmentally beneficial solution from prefabricated systems. As the world becomes inclined to reducing the carbon footprint, modular construction aids in establishing a recyclable, reusable, and waste-free structure, while minimizing construction debris, dust and damage on-site.