Changes in lifestyle which come with sophistication in terms of taste and class of individuals are being matched, incrementally, with advancement in architectural designs and modern technology.
The result of all these is, among other innovations, a revolutionary shift towards modular homes, which the housing industry has witnessed in recent years, offering a cost-effective, sustainable, and efficient alternative to traditional construction methods.
As an alternative building method, modular housing, also known as prefabricated or factory-built homes, is gaining popularity worldwide for its innovative approach to design, construction and customisation.
They are built off-site in factory-controlled environments using standardised components or modules which are transported to the building site and assembled to create a complete home. The homes so created can range from single-family dwellings to multi-story apartment buildings, offering flexibility and scalability to meet various housing needs.
According to housing industry players, this building method comes with some benefits. Udo Okonjo, CEO, Fine and Country West Africa, lists cost-effectiveness, sustainability, quality control, speed of construction, and customisation as top of these benefits.
Cost-effectiveness: The streamlined manufacturing process of modular homes reduces construction time and labour costs compared to traditional stick-built homes. Additionally, bulk purchasing of materials and efficient use of resources contribute to overall cost savings. These cost savings lead to significant reduction in the house prices.
Sustainability: Modular construction generates less waste and consumes fewer materials than traditional construction methods. Moreover, the controlled factory environment allows for optimisation of energy efficiency and integration of sustainable features such as solar panels and green building materials.
Quality control: Factory-built modules undergo rigorous quality control measures to ensure adherence to building codes and standards. The precision of assembly and use of advanced technology result in higher-quality construction and fewer defects compared to on-site construction.
Speed of construction: Modular homes can be constructed in a fraction of the time required for traditional homes. With simultaneous manufacturing and site preparation, construction schedules are accelerated, allowing homeowners to move in sooner and developers to realise returns on investment faster.
Customisation: Contrary to common misconceptions, modular homes offer extensive customisation options, allowing homeowners to choose from a variety of floor plans, finishes, and design features. Advanced computer-aided design (CAD) technology enables precise customisation to meet individual preferences and lifestyle needs.
Okonjo noted that application of modular housing is gaining traction fast among developers of residential, affordable, commercial and institutional buildings, especially those operating in the cities.
“Modular homes are suitable for a wide range of residential applications, including single-family homes, townhouses, and condominiums. They offer homeowners the opportunity to own a quality-built and customisable homes at affordable prices, she explained.
As for affordable housing development, Okonjo said that modular construction has the potential to address the crisis in this market segment by providing cost-effective housing solutions for low- and moderate-income individuals and families. She added that mass production and economies of scale contribute to the affordability of modular homes.
Besides residential housing, modular construction is increasingly being utilised for commercial and institutional buildings such as schools, offices, healthcare facilities, and hotels and, according to the Fine and Country boss, the speed, efficiency and flexibility of modular construction make it well-suited for these applications.
