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Modular architecture that adapts
In the architectural world, aspects such as adaptability, lightness or modular architecture prefabricated.
And it is that new technologies, materials and techniques allow us to take a step further compared to traditional construction, not only in reducing costs, price or breaking the possible construction restrictions that we can find, but a long list is added. of advantages that will directly benefit the occupants of the house and that therefore, is an option to take into account when planning and directing a new project.
What is modular architecture?
If we delve into the essence of the architectural concept of what is modular architecture and adaptable, from Algeco they define it perfectly…. «The one whose base is governed by a design made up of individual volumes or components, which by uniting them we will obtain a useful architectural unit and, in most cases, habitable; be it a home, building, industrial warehouse, a school … etc ».
Ruled by two basic skills; The first, the construction is formalized first in the factory and later, it will be moved and assembled in the specific location where the building will go and the second, has the capacity that the components - modules can be added or replaced in a relatively easy way.
There is "Set of prefabricated modules" with the intention of obtaining an adaptable and living architectural elements that we can clearly see represented in the diagram of the following image with the examples … It is an adaptable construction without limits!
Main properties of the module
It must be taken into account that working with modules confers a versatility that we can understand perfectly in the following diagram:
What is the construction process of modular architecture
Regarding the construction process of a modular building we can establish that you can live in six specific phases:
- Previous analysis. It includes the analysis of the implementation of the client's needs, the study, the budget and the formalization of the agreement.
- Technical development. Understand the definition of the project, the adaptation of the structure and the modulation of the building.
- Manufacturing and civil works. Construction of modules in factory, packaging of modules, foundation and corresponding solar sanitation.
- Transport. Determined by the quantity and size of the modules to the established place.
- Assembly. Crane placement, module unloading in the precise place and assembly of the same.
- Start up. They are all the auction and verification works including the end of the work, delivery to the client and corresponding guarantees.
Advantages of modular architecture
Although it may seem that this type of construction does not represent many advantages over traditional building at first glance, in reality modular design in architecture hides a range of opportunities and benefits.
Two main directions are the benefits of modular architecture; one for the occupants of the house and another from the technical part of the project and its execution.
1.- Optimization in materials
Before the modules that are assembled in the factory we can have a more exhaustive control of the materials.
From the quality of the same, exact control of the material that is used without losses or excesses and therefore an economic benefit, to the storage space necessary for the material that we are going to use. Without taking into account that the materials used are much lighter and more treatable than traditional structural concrete, so we have a lightweight architecture.
An erroneous trend is that many times we think that the materials used in the prefabricated modules, whether on the roof, on the facade or inside, do not respond to our design or quality requirements, and in reality the reality is different.
As an example, I leave an image that collects some materials that can be used in facades; from wood to include a green facade …
2.- Optimized installations with fewer problems
We all know that determining the facilities of a project and executing them on site is literally a headache. But on a modular system in which a study of optimization of the facilities has been previously carried out and a controlled execution in the factory, really good results are obtained, of energy efficiency and effectiveness of the different devices and facilities (Sanitation, DHW, plumbing … etc) used in the home
3.- Adaptability
The modular construction It represents a milestone in terms of constructive adaptability, not only because we can add as many modules as we want, but we can also eliminate even throughout the construction process of the building. Or to be able to move - move the building from one place to another, according to needs, with low economic costs. Is a adaptive architecture to modern times!
4.- More controlled projection and execution times
It may be that it is one of the most interesting sections where the economic savings are palpable and the costs are drastically reduced due to the optimization in the use of materials, machinery, facilities and above all, the control of the work flow during the construction process.
But in reality, if we are directed to large constructions such as schools or office buildings, prefabricated architecture offers us even more optimized times. As examples of a classroom or school …
5.- Security control
We are facing a more detailed control of the actions carried out by the operators when they are located in a controlled environment when they carry out their work and in addition, we will reduce conflicts and also reduce conflicts since we have programmed the tasks that must be carried out.
6.- Control of conditions
Since there is no climatological dependence in the assembly processes, if it rains we can continue working when we are in the factory, to be able to have greater control over the supervision of the works that are carried out, delivery of materials or greater ease of access to the necessary tools in the work of the operator.
7.- Environmental benefits
In themodular buildings there is an optimization in the use of all materials (we know that we are going to use), working times, transport … etc. This leads us to significant energy savings, yes counting noise, possible water losses, dust … ect. In addition to complying with the rule of the three r's in ecology; Reuse, Reduce and Recycle, are applicable in modular processes, so we are facing a sustainable modular architecture!
Examples
If we look at our streets modular architecture examples we have many and history confirms it; homes with modular style, schools, office buildings,modular buildings of houses, work booths,modular stands… etc. There is a great variety and with a design that really surprises.
A different and imaginative proposal in modular design, from the SOA architects studio they reveal to us a modular home that establishes quality, geometry and design in abundance.
An example of adaptability can be found in Barcelona in the expansion of a school by means of two floors using modules with surprising technology features …
Another really interesting singular building is the Colegio Santa Mónica located in Madrid, where the assembly systems and the flexibility of the materials have managed to capture a quality architecture, light and with an excellent design.
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