How modular buildings are changing the game for local governments in South Australia
In the wake of a housing crisis and increasing demand for sustainable construction, modular building is becoming an increasingly attractive option. But what exactly is modular building? How can modular solutions help local governments and communities? And how will this affect the circular economy? Let’s take a closer look.
What is modular building?
Modular building, also known as prefabricated or volumetric building, is a form of construction whereby buildings are manufactured offsite in modules that are later transported and assembled onsite. This method offers a range of benefits including speed and cost savings due to reduced labor requirements, less waste due to increased accuracy in manufacturing processes, improved safety standards due to the controlled environment of factories, and greater sustainability due to the reduced energy consumption associated with factory-made materials.
How can modular building solutions help local governments?
As well as helping meet the ever-increasing demand for housing, modular solutions can help local governments by creating new employment opportunities in the manufacturing sector, providing better access to affordable housing options for underserved populations, and reducing construction timescales. On top of this, modular buildings have been proven to be more resilient in extreme weather conditions than traditional construction methods thanks to their reinforced steel frames. This makes them particularly suitable for areas prone to natural disasters such as floods or earthquakes.
How does the modular building method impact on circular economy?
As well as being more efficient in terms of time and resources than traditional building methods, modular solutions are also more efficient when it comes to lifecycle management. This is because components are designed with reuse in mind from day one; when needed they can be removed from existing structures and repurposed for new builds, making them part of a completely closed loop system within which nothing goes to waste. In addition, many modular buildings are made using recycled materials such as plastic bottles or wood chips that would otherwise end up in landfill sites. This not only helps reduce their environmental footprint but also ensures that resources remain within the circular economy rather than being lost forever.
While still relatively niche compared to traditional construction methods, modular building is quickly gaining traction as an attractive solution for both private developers and local governments alike. Not only does it provide faster build times and cost savings but it also helps create jobs in the manufacturing sector while simultaneously promoting sustainability through its closed loop approach to resource management. With cities across Australia facing a housing shortage crisis combined with growing pressure from citizens demanding greener solutions – now could be the perfect time for local governments take advantage of this innovative new technology before it’s too late!