Around the world, modular construction is being widely adopted by businesses, schools, hotels, and more as their method of choice to build or add on. The benefits of modular, including shortened timeline, faster ROI are leading more and more industries to choose modular over traditional. In the U.S. on the other hand, it has taken a bit longer to realize the benefits of modular for building needs. However, with the latest environmental, financial and technical benefits of modular, more U.S. based businesses are choosing to build modular. To learn more about how the trends in the U.S. have influenced the modular industry, read on. Or check out www.mspaceholdings.com for more information.

1. TRENDS IN THE U.S.
MODULAR
CONSTRUCTION

2. Modular Construction in the United States
In countries around the world, the demand for modular construction
is rapidly growing. Take the United Kingdom and China for example;
modular buildings are being used to build skyscrapers, massive data
centers, hotels, apartment complexes and much more. The benefits
of modular, such as the shortened construction timeline and faster
return on investment, are tipping the scales in favor of this method.
While the United States may be at the forefront of a lot of industry
trends and revolutionizing technology, it wasn’t until the last few
years that it started to really take advantage of modular construction
for larger multi-story projects. Because of the financial,
environmental and technical benefits of modular construction, now is
an ideal time for the United States to capitalize on the industry.
Currently, modular construction is a five billion dollar a year industry
in the United States, which is just over 1% of all United States
construction revenue. In the United States, educating potential
building owners about the benefits of modular construction is
important. Often, potential builders make decisions on whether or
not to use modular construction based on assumptions instead of
facts.
There are financial, environmental and technical benefits that will
help to increase the use of modular construction in the United States.
As we look into the trends that are influencing the decision to choose
modular construction over traditional construction, it will also
explain why industries are transitioning to modular solutions.

3. ECONOMIC TRENDS FAVORING MODULAR
It may not be a new trend, but keeping a strict bottom line has
always been a common goal of building administrators and
contractors. In many cases, the most cost effective solution in
maintaining the bottom line is modular construction. Modular
buildings are built to the same building codes using the same
materials as traditional construction and can be completed up to
40% faster. The streamlined construction process allows for the
majority of construction to take place off site, while the foundation
is set and the utilities are laid. A shorter construction timeline allows
for earlier building occupancy. Because buildings can be occupied
earlier, companies and organizations are able to save money and
start generating a faster return on investment (ROI).
M SPACE AT WORK
The Atkinson County Health Department was in serious need of a
new facility to replace its outdated, overcrowded building. The
Atkinson County officials originally sought designs for traditionally
constructed buildings, but all of the estimates they received were
over budget. M SPACE worked closely with the county officials to
find ways to work within their approved budget and proposed
various layouts to meet their unique needs. With a few slight
modifications to the roof design and an alternate mechanical
system, M SPACE was able to provide a building that matched
Atkinson County’s original design and stayed within their budget.
The final product was a 5,880 square foot permanent modular
health clinic with brick exterior. The clinic includes seven exam
rooms, a lab, offices, medical records room, nurse work area, break
room, conference room, waiting room and handicap accessible
restrooms.
1 | TRENDS IN THE U.S.

4. ENVIRONMENTAL TRENDS FAVORING MODULAR
As the green movement continues to expand and impact our
everyday decisions, it becomes apparent that our construction
efforts must follow suit. One solution is to construct buildings with
the lowest impact on the environment and surrounding area.
According to an article published by the Modular Building Institute
(MBI), a study in the United Kingdom determined that modular
construction can typically lower the overall carbon footprint of a
project by 38% and reduce CO2 output by 42% while improving the
energy use for the building and maintenance by 21%.
One attention grabbing benefit of modular construction is the fact
that it is an inherently greener process. Because a majority of the
construction takes place indoors, there is less material waste and
reduced site disturbance. Another reason why modular construction
is inherently greener is because temporary buildings can be
repurposed and reused. Modular buildings can be dismantled,
reconfigured and refurbished to meet a client’s space needs. By
encouraging the reuse of these buildings, there is less material waste
over time and a reduced demand for raw materials, which avoids
unnecessary use of materials and energy that are required for new
buildings.
Modular buildings also have the opportunity to be more energy
efficient. They can be designed to better leverage daylight and
reduce the amount of energy that is wasted during the day. Lowering
operational costs and overhead energy costs is important to many.
Green building designs can also offer a variety of benefits to the
occupants. Improved air quality from high-efficiency heating and
cooling equipment increases the comfort and wellbeing of
occupants resulting in improved occupant performance.
2 | TRENDS IN THE U.S.

5. 3 | TRENDS IN THE U.S.
M SPACE AT WORK
Lake Mohave’s Cottonwood Cove Marina needed a durable and
eco-friendly space solution to replace its previously damaged
building. The final product was a floating marina, the first in the
world registered for LEED Gold certification. The marina was
designed to fit comfortably on the dock amongst the boats and
features a lobby/welcome area, an office, storage and supply rooms,
a dive locker and restrooms. Recycled and low-emitting materials
were utilized throughout construction. The deck is made from
recycled plastic and all flooring is made of recycled carpet remnants.
Additionally, the marina is placed in an ideal location for captivating
natural sunlight and air ventilation, saving energy and electrical
costs.

6. TECHNOLOGICAL TRENDS FAVORING MODULAR
Innovations in modular technology have helped transform the way we
construct buildings and homes in the past century. When it comes to
modular, the expectations far exceed what was created in the past. With
today’s technology, modular buildings are cost-effective, flexible and
adaptable to everyday uses.
The use of prefabrication is being incorporated into more and more
projects thanks to technology. With certain computer programs,
contractors and architects can virtually build modular buildings on the
computer before the plans are drawn up and the buildings are
constructed. With this technology, they are able to plan every aspect of
the building from the lay out of the walls to the doorway openings. From
here, the plans can be shared directly with the manufacturers that can
produce the components. Thanks to the new technology, it is easier for
industries to incorporate modular construction into the building design
allowing the process to be more time efficient.
4 | TRENDS IN THE U.S.

7. 5 | TRENDS IN THE U.S.
M SPACE AT WORK
Lake Washington School District wanted to construct an innovative
building for their expanding science, technology, engineering and
mathematics (STEM) program. M SPACE worked closely with another
construction company to seamlessly integrate both modular and
traditional building practices. The building was designed to be
adaptable, which provides versatility in the use of space to best meet
the diverse educational needs of the STEM program. A traditional
school design was not conducive because the building needed to be
more fluid and offer ample room for group and lab activities. Totaling
65,000 square feet, the two-story STEM school consists of 24
classrooms, a presentation hall, common areas, administrative offices, a
full service kitchen, restrooms and a nurse’s office. Project features
include motorized skylight louvers, open balconies, intelligent sensors,
an elevator, windows with motorized shades and photovoltaic solar
panels. The building also has an equipment efficiency system, which
students will monitor as part of the STEM curriculum.

8. If you are considering expanding your current facility — whether it’s new or
preleased, permanent or temporary, M SPACE can help you design and create
the building that is right for your space needs.
Give us a call and request a quote
877-677-2231
www.mspaceholdings.com
We look forward to partnering with you!