A recent article on Architizer: The future of architecture is not worth considering without also considering the future of the construction industry as a whole. With a few exceptions, construction suffers from inefficiencies that are detrimental not only to clients’ time and money, but the well-being of the environment. Material waste, high labour costs, long construction times and onerous levels of maintenance are just a few of the many consequences of today’s outdated building practices. It’s no wonder, then, many are arguing for modular construction to overhaul the industry.
If carried out successfully, modular construction has the power to potential to revolutionize the building process, with factory-controlled quality, reduced construction schedules and a smarter use of materials make it considerably more sustainable than conventional techniques. The following A+ Award-winning projects were composed using this increasingly popular construction method, proving that the functionality of modular construction does not have to mean compromising on design:
The Cherokee Residence is comprised of six modules on two levels that form the primary living spaces, custom built stair volume, garage, and guest annex. Inspired by mid-century modernism, the design blurs the boundary between exterior and interior spaces while maintaining a strong sense of privacy.
Utilizing prefabricated construction methods for the majority of the home minimized neighborhood disruption and reduced the time and cost of overall site construction. Off-site and on-site construction of the home occurred simultaneously, allowing the project to be delivered and assembled on site in a single day.
Nestled discreetly on a sylvan lot in the Hudson Valley, Clinton Corners was envisioned as both a family retreat for weekends away from the city and a gathering space for special occasions. The simple building shapes leverage prefabricated panelised construction to streamline design and integrate fast track construction.
Fabricated in a nearby facility, the exposed heavy timber frame and super insulated wall panels were delivered to the site and assembled in less than three weeks. The precision of the prefabricated components also provided a high performance building envelope resulting in greater energy performance and precise control over indoor air quality.
