Why modular construction is a game-changer for the built environment

Modular construction is transforming the sector, offering innovative solutions that challenge traditional construction methods. While initially associated with military and emergency housing, modular techniques have evolved into a mainstream method with widespread application across various sectors.

This approach is gaining traction from residential to commercial and public buildings for its speed, efficiency, and sustainability. But what is driving the rapid growth of modular construction, and how does it fit into the future of the building sector?

We spoke to Shaun O’Neill, Senior Building Control Project Manager at Harwood, about some of the factors behind its increasing popularity and the benefits from both construction and building control perspectives.

Why is the modular sector growing?

Shaun explains: “Modular construction isn’t a niche or temporary solution; the use of offsite construction, also known as Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), is on the rise for several reasons:

• Advancements in technology: The adoption of technology such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) has made modular construction more accessible and efficient. By providing detailed 3D models, BIM allows architects, engineers, and construction teams to better plan and execute offsite building projects. This precision leads to fewer errors and less waste, streamlining the entire construction process.
• Growing industry adoption: Major industry players are recognising the value of modular construction. Barratt Developments, the UK’s largest housebuilder, has announced plans to use MMC and offsite methods for 30% of its new homes by 2025. This shift indicates that even the most traditional companies are investing in the future of construction, realising the potential of modular techniques to meet housing demands more efficiently.
• Addressing housing shortages: One of the most pressing challenges globally is the shortage of affordable housing. Modular construction offers a solution by increasing the speed of production and allowing for mass production of units in controlled factory environments. This accelerates housing delivery and can help address the housing crisis both in the UK and worldwide.”

What are the benefits of modular builds from a building control perspective?

“From a building control point of view, modular construction offers several unique benefits,” Shaun comments, “at Harwood, we have firsthand experience supporting modular projects, and we’ve seen how this approach can aid compliance and enhance the quality of builds.

“In a controlled factory setting, there’s a high level of detail that goes into air-tightness and insulation measures for each module. These carefully regulated environments allow builders to reduce carbon emissions more effectively, aligning with the government’s environmental goals. Achieving better insulation and airtightness directly lowers a building’s energy consumption, making modular homes more eco-friendly.

“With modular construction, the building process can start offsite, while groundworks are being completed onsite. This parallel approach significantly reduces construction timelines, leading to less disruption on-site and quicker project delivery. For building control, this faster turnaround often means a streamlined inspection process, as many compliance checks are performed in the factory before the units arrive on-site.

“In addition, as each module is produced under factory conditions, they often undergo more stringent quality assurance checks than traditional builds. This results in fewer defects and a higher standard of workmanship. For building control, this rigorous process simplifies compliance checks and minimises the likelihood of defects being discovered post-construction.

“One of the challenges of traditional construction is the reliance on weather conditions, which can delay projects and introduce additional risks,” Shaun continues, “in contrast, modular construction is largely unaffected by the weather, as most of the build can occur in controlled indoor environments. This makes projects more predictable and lowers overall risk, improving both the timeline and the safety of the project.”

At Harwood, we’ve seen the benefits of modular construction firsthand through our involvement with a range of innovative projects. We’ve partnered with the likes of modular construction specialists Reds10 and Darwin Group to provide building control services for their modular schemes. These collaborations showcase how modular construction is revolutionising the way we build, offering faster, more sustainable, and higher-quality outcomes.

Modular construction is reshaping the future of the built environment, offering a faster, more efficient, and more sustainable alternative to traditional methods. With advancements in technology, increasing industry adoption, and a clear path toward addressing global housing shortages, the modular sector is set to become a dominant force in the construction industry.

From a building control perspective, the benefits are clear – better quality assurance, faster project timelines, and reduced environmental impact make modular construction a win-win.

For further information about how our building control services can bring value to your next project, contact our team at +44 (0)1227 931 777 (Canterbury), 01908 012 666 (Milton Keynes) or email enquiries@harwood.uk.com.