b'NEW CONSTRUCTION METHODSMODULAR CONSTRUCTIONMeeting building envelopeand energy performance targetsBy Warren HeeleyT hese projects have received upof construction starts incorporatingand sites like theatres and arenas where to $390,000 in incentives tomodular design. However, buildingthere are lengthy interior spans. Experts help cover the estimated costconstruction experts believe that modularin the modular industry list a number premiums associated withconstruction will increase by about 300of advantages of this type of construc-designing and constructingper cent in the next three to five years.tion, including shorter construction time Net Zero Energy Ready Modular construction has been aroundand fewer resources needed. In addition, buildings today.since the 1800s, states Geoff Baker, Vicethe sector uses more standardized skills Modular construction has been growingPresident of Project Management than onsite construction because of the worldwide for a wide variety of build- for STACK, a modular building manu- manufacturing aspect. This helps bridge ings. This construction approach involvesfacturer. Most recently, as a result ofthe gap caused by the shortage ofthe factory building of individualthe pandemic, modular construction isskilled trades.sections or modules that are shippedmaking more sense in thebuilding market. BUILDING PERFORMANCEto the jobsite and assembled into theModular construction has traditionallyAn important aspect of modular building structure. worked well in sectors such as entertain- construction is early and careful planing, In Asia and Europe, modular construc- ment, healthcare and hospitality as wellincluding design and detail, because tion has been embraced for quite someas social housing and student residences.of the assembly or stitching of the time, while in North America, it isIts application is difficult in existingmodules onsite. Part of this process relatively new with only four per centlocationstoo tight for prebuilt modulesincludes the performance of modular 14 BCBEC ELEMENTSA BCBEC PUBLICATION'