Modular building construction is an off-site method used to create permanent-quality spaces such as classrooms, offices, and hospitals, up to 70% faster than traditional builds. But what is a modular building exactly? In simple terms, it’s a structure made from prefabricated units called modules, assembled on site to form a complete, high-quality building. This modular approach delivers exceptional speed, consistency, and value, making it one of the most efficient modular building systems available today.
How Are Modular Buildings Constructed?
The modular building construction process consists of the following steps:
1. Individual modules are built off site under factory conditions. Typically, modules for modular construction projects go to sites fully fitted with all electrics, plumbing and heating elements. 2. Modules are delivered to the site by a lorry. 3. Modules are then craned into position. 4. They can be connected side-by-side or end-to-end and interconnected to create multiple storeys. 5. Any additional fit-outs are carried out according to your specific needs, as well as internal finishes applied on site.
That's why modular construction is such a fast way to achieve your aims. Modular buildings give you both speed and certainty.
Minimal time on site
Because most of the modular construction process takes place off-site, time spent on installation is minimal. It prevents delays faced on traditional site-based builds such as adverse weather or labour shortages and minimises the construction time of your modular office project. Once delivered to site, modules are craned into position to produce a watertight modular structure within days.
Complete flexibility
Modular construction offers flexibility to create buildings to any scale, also allowing the addition or removal of building units as your needs change. Buildings can also be moved to another site at any time, complete with components and all essential parts intact.
Perfect for healthcare, classrooms, offices and more, you can scale up or downsize without disruption too.
Portakabin buildings give you complete flexibility because you can hire your building for the period of time that you need it. You can also buy buildings from Portakabin and another benefit there is that we provide you with buy-back options to help you get the best from your investment.
Is modular construction expensive?
Modular buildings are a cost-effective alternative, perfect for unlimited uses. Costs are kept low because labour takes place off site, construction schedules are shorter, and there is far less material waste.
Modular construction can have a significantly lower carbon footprint than traditional on-site projects. Building modules off site results in 90% less vehicle movements and up to 90% less waste. Portakabin uses lean manufacturing processes to achieve this. We were also the first modular building company to meet the challenges of the Major Contractors Group Sustainability Charter.
When did modular construction start?
Modular building units date back to the 19th Century. A London-based carpenter wanted to create a prefabricated building to help his son emigrate to Australia. In 1837, he built the first prefabricated home.
Things have come a long way since then, with Portakabin founded in 1961 and developing the first portable building model, the PK16. With an early vision to make ready-built, easily transportable buildings a reality, we are now one of the UK’s best known brands and work with far more sustainable, long-lasting methods.
How long do modular buildings last?
Though modular buildings can be used for temporary settings, they are made with durable steel frames which gives them longevity. All of our modules are totally weather resistant and come with a 30-year structural warranty.
Why Choose Portakabin Modular Building Systems
Portakabin is one of the UK’s leading modular building manufacturers, providing proven modular building systems for education, healthcare, commercial, and public sector projects. Our approach combines precision engineering, sustainability, and rapid delivery, ensuring every building is built to last.
Discover more benefits, how programme times compare against traditional methods and what sets Portakabin and our buildings apart from the rest of the modular construction industry.
The rapid installation time combined with reduced planning conditions meant we could get the building completed within our limited timeframe. Close liaison with our Estates team ensured that all the challenges associated with site logistics and connections to infrastructure were overcome in a timely manner.
Ian Jones, Head of Property Services, Cardiff Metropolitan University
