What if you could build a commercial building in half the time or complete a residence in just a few weeks? This is the revolutionary potential of modular steel construction, a trend that has revolutionized the construction world in Brazil and around the world.
The combination of the structural strength of steel and the efficiency of modular systems enables the creation of precise, durable, and highly adaptable buildings, promoting a paradigm shift in the way we understand and carry out construction.
In this article, we'll explore the concept of modular construction, particularly steel-based construction. We'll also share the advantages and examples of projects that can be built this way. Enjoy!
First, it is important to understand that the concept of modular construction (also called offsite construction) does not just involve the steel.
The modular method is a technique of civil construction which uses individual modules prefabricated on an assembly line, later installed at the construction site. Thus, most of the work is carried out in prefabricated modules in a controlled environment, such as a factory. The materials are then transported and assembled at the construction site.
These modules, built with materials such as wood, glass, concrete or steel (which we also know as steel frame), allow for a industrial production efficient. One example of this is the ability to implement simultaneous processes, which results in lower costs and timeframes compared to other methods.
These simultaneous processes also optimize integration between the design and execution phases, as this approach promotes improved communication and collaboration between the workers involved, from the initial stages of the project.
In Brazil, modular steel construction has been gaining ground due to its ability to offer a variety of designs. This allows it to adapt to any architectural style and provides versatility in engineering projects.
The ability to adapt to a wide range of projects makes modular construction an ideal solution for a variety of buildings, from family homes to industrial complexes, including educational institutions, corporate buildings, and even more complex projects such as hospitals and hotels.
The main difference lies precisely in the use of ready-made modules, which are pre-fabricated components taken to the construction site to be assembled.
Unlike more conventional construction methods, characterized by the sequential execution of tasks on site and the considerable generation of waste, modular construction operates with this system of prefabricated materials.
The modules, built in an optimized environment, arrive at the construction site practically ready for integration, minimizing the need for complex and time-consuming on-site activities. Furthermore, the environmental impact associated with material disposal is reduced.
Modular construction follows two main approaches, meeting different needs and applications. Let's take a look at them.
This model uses modules that are structurally joined and designed to remain permanently fixed in place. It's an ideal solution for a variety of projects, including residential buildings, commercial buildings, educational institutions, and hospitals.
The main advantage lies in the significant agility in delivering the work, combined with the possibility of customizing the modules to precisely meet the requirements of each project.
Furthermore, the permanent modular construction model enables effective integration with other traditional methods construction. This way, the result combines quality, comfort, and durability.
Demountable buildings can be easily removed and transported from the site. This type of construction is used in environments such as temporary construction sites (serving as accommodation or support rooms, for example), temporary healthcare facilities, temporary offices, and more.
Flexibility is the main advantage offered by these structures, which can be moved to different locations as needed, without compromising structural integrity or construction quality.
Although designed as temporary solutions, demountable buildings provide the same level of comfort and strength found in permanent constructions.
The major advantage of this construction method is that it accelerates the overall project execution process. This means it can be completed in significantly less time than traditional methods.
However, that's not the only advantage. Discover other benefits of the modular steel construction method!
Modular steel constructions stand out for their sustainability, which stems from the way the processes are executed.
One of the priorities when it comes to sustainability is minimizing waste in the construction process. The industrial manufacturing of steel modules, with high precision and in a controlled environment, results in optimized consumption of raw materials and energy resources.
Another important point is that controlled assembly allows the construction site to be cleaner and more organized, generating less waste compared to traditional construction methods.
In fact, the very nature of steel contributes to this sustainability, as it is a highly recyclable material at the end of its useful life and reduces the demand for virgin resources. Furthermore, the durability and low maintenance requirements of structures made from this material increase the longevity of the building.
The benefits don't stop there! In many cases, modular steel designs also facilitate the incorporation of other sustainable technologies, such as renewable energy systems and efficient thermal insulation. This combination maximizes environmental benefits.
The versatility of the modular steel model allows for application in a wide range of buildings, from individual and family homes, to commercial buildings and educational institutions, including hospitals, tourist establishments and even corporate spaces.
The flexibility inherent in modular steel is manifested in the ease of adapting projects to different functional needs and aesthetics, allowing the creation of customized layouts, the integration of different finishes and the possibility of future expansions or reconfigurations with relative ease.
Additionally, the ability to disassemble and relocate modular steel structures offers valuable flexibility for growing businesses or owners requiring spatial adaptability.
When we talk about the benefits of modular steel construction, it's worth highlighting the speed of execution of this method, as it has a significant advantage.
The assembly of prefabricated modules on the site can be up to 50% faster than conventional methods. Furthermore, the execution of a modular project is not interrupted by the presence of other constructions on site, which contributes to shorter delivery times.
This reduction in time is a result of the pre-fabrication of the modules, in which approximately 60% of the construction process takes place in a factory environment, as in the example of Resia in the United StatesThis significantly optimizes the work schedule.
One study by the consultancy McKinsey & Company points out that, in well-planned scenarios and with optimized conditions for implementing the methodology, investment in modular constructions can generate a cost reduction that reaches 20%.
The study details that these favorable conditions generally include projects with a high degree of standardization, efficient logistics processes for the transportation and assembly of modules, as well as a well-established supply chain for the building materials prefabricated.
Another important point highlighted by McKinsey's research is that cost optimization is also linked to reducing material waste, reducing construction time, and providing greater budget predictability through modular construction.
Next, we will explore the types of buildings that can be developed using the modular construction method — in steel or with use of other materials.
Whether for building compact, functional homes or creating spacious, sophisticated residences, the modular steel system combines agility in execution with the ability to customize construction.
Homeowners who prioritize practicality and efficiency benefit from superior quality finishes delivered in significantly shorter timeframes than traditional construction.
Design flexibility, one of the key features of modular construction, allows for adaptable layouts and a variety of finishes. This allows for the creation of spaces with diverse styles and meeting a wide range of needs.
The concept of modular construction transcends the idea of simple and economical solutions, as the method is also used in high-end constructions.
Driven by the use of technology and sophisticated materials, the modular system enables the construction of luxury homes with multiple floors, maintaining the desired exquisite aesthetics and comfort.
The main advantage of using steel modules in high-end properties is the significant reduction in construction time, a very valuable advantage for a public that values speed of construction.
For the retail sector, modular construction is an advantageous solution for the rapid and cost-effective implementation of commercial spaces. This model is particularly attractive for large chains and franchises that need to expand their market presence quickly.
The ability to customize interior space to the specific needs of each store is a strength of modular construction, allowing each project to be tailored to meet distinct operational and visual identity requirements.
Modular construction is also present in the education sector. After all, modularity enables the construction of not only classrooms, but also libraries, common areas, and other essential environments for a good educational institution.
Furthermore, the method allows for the expansion of spaces and the creation of structures to accommodate new projects, a central aspect of the development of educational institutions.
The hotel industry finds modular construction an efficient approach to expansion and development. The modular nature provides organization and flexibility, with each module representing housing units or support areas.
Again, speed in construction is a differentiator, as the hotel and tourism sector, besides being competitive, is constantly expanding, with new destinations being discovered by tourists every day. The quality of the finishes and the freedom in the project design ensure that aesthetics and comfort meet each establishment's standards and the needs of the public.
Restaurants are present in many businesses and institutions, and are an important structure in educational institutions, hotels, associations, companies, and other types of establishments.
Modular construction also proves to be an efficient solution for the rapid implementation of cafeterias of various sizes and in diverse contexts. As in other areas, the modular process ensures agility, efficiency, and cost-effective construction.
As we know, spaces that house a large number of people require careful planning, including proper structural sizing. Modularity is a major advantage in this case, as it allows for dimensional and layout adjustments to be made according to the specific characteristics and requirements of each space.
For business projects that require large built-up areas, modular warehouses stand out as a particularly suitable option. This is due to their speed, flexibility of construction, sustainability, and the other advantages we've seen throughout this content.
Warehouses can be used for a variety of purposes, including storage, production, or distribution centers. Their modular nature facilitates quick and straightforward future expansion.
Modular steel construction has become increasingly common, both in Brazil and elsewhere, and is used in a wide variety of structures, from private residences to hospitals, tourist establishments, schools, and warehouses. The success of this construction method is due to the speed of project execution, sustainability, and versatility it provides, among other benefits.
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