With the governments goals to produce 300,000 new homes per year and the construction industry contributing to 40% of the UK’s carbon emissions, it is crucial that we find a sustainable method of producing housing. The modular construction industry has been growing in recent years and could revolutionise the way we build our homes, with the tools to alleviate the pressure of the current housing crisis as well as notable benefits in sustainability when compared to traditional construction methods.
Modules being prefabricated in a factory for construction
Modular homes are prefabricated in factories often right down to the installation of kitchens, bathrooms and wall finishes, they simply need to be delivered to site, erected, and connected and can be used in the development of singular homes right through to large-scale residential developments. This streamlined, off-site production caters for a huge reduction in waste materials for landfill, stated to be up to 90%. Constructing the modules in factories also allows for a higher level of precision meaning that elements such as insulation and airtightness can be quality controlled to ensure optimal energy efficiency.
A key element to sustainable construction is considering the life cycle of our buildings, the robust nature of the modular components ensures durability extending their lifespan and all elements can be designed to be recyclable at the end of the building’s life contributing to the circular economy - defined as ‘re-using, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products. What used to be regarded as waste can be turned into a resource’ (European Commission 2014).
Modules being placed and cladded on a construction site
In addition to sustainability benefits, pre-fabrication allows for faster construction times reducing labour costs and allowing for the provision of affordable homes. With existing factories in Yorkshire and the Midlands the expansion of the industry and the addition of new factories could bring the construction of prefabricated homes closer to sites, reducing transport distances and related carbon emissions.
Like any new budding industry, modular housing currently comes associated with fears of risk and the unknown, government funding will be key in encouraging its use in the years to come allowing its development as a sustainable construction method.