The Case for Modular: 4 Projects that Highlight How Modular is Evolving Globally

Modular construction is big business in the United States. A $12 billion industry now accounting for 6.03% of all new construction, The Modular Building Institute explains that modular construction’s cost savings, on-time and predictable construction, environmental advantages, and work safety are quickly making it a popular option. And it’s not just for residential builds — we’re seeing modular applications from affordable housing and schools to emergency services, data centers, and even warehousing. 

A global view of the industry tells a similarly exciting story: Modular construction around the world is booming, and innovation is happening all over. As advocates of this method, we at Stream Modular are watching intently as the community evolves and grows. In this article, we’re going to explore a few notable developments that show the impressive variety of projects and the impact modular construction is having on communities around the globe.

4 Examples of modular construction around the world

Canada: Bringing Energy-Efficient Living to a Remote Island 

Much of the world sees Canada as a leader in modular construction, using advanced manufacturing techniques to produce high-quality modular components. The country has made notable strides in sustainability, incorporating energy-efficient systems and environmentally friendly practices into modular construction projects. Additionally, the Canadian government has supported modular construction initiatives, promoting innovation and collaboration in the industry.

Bella Bella Passive House

On the remote island of Bella Bella off the coast of British Columbia, a fire took down the housing for local hospital staff, who were temporarily placed in a hotel dedicated to fishing tourism. Developer Vancouver Coastal Health, modular fabricator Metric Modular, and GC Spani Developments Ltd. were in a race against the clock to erect a new building before the start of fishing season — and before winter hit the rugged coastal area. 

The Bella Bella Passive House consists of six, two-story attached townhomes — with each story of each home being its own 32-ton module, prefabricated in Britco’s Agassiz factory and barged to the project site. It was the first Passive House-certified project in British Columbia, setting a new conservation standard in a remote island community largely energy-dependent on diesel fuel. And, it is durable and well-built to withstand Bella Bella’s extreme weather conditions.

What makes this modular construction project unique

Such a remote project presented several obstacles including limited access to materials, transportation restrictions (by barge), limited local skilled labor, a difficult climate, and a tight timeline. Modular construction mitigated these formidable challenges by centralizing production in a climate-controlled factory setting then transporting modules fully outfitted with insulation, plumbing and cabinetry to the build site. Residents moved in one month from the day the first modules were placed, with the entire project complete in a tight 7-month timeline. 

China: Building 10 Stories in a Single Day

The Chinese government has embraced and supported modular construction on a large scale. As a country that has already excelled at assembly line techniques, modular construction is a natural step for the country’s construction industry because of its familiarity and ability to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance quality control. 

Living Building

In 2021, the Chinese company Broad Group erected a modular 10-story apartment block in just one day. The ‘Living Building,’ as it’s called, was transported to the site in Changsha, China, completely outfitted with all the electric and internal finishes, allowing the on-site builders to, “just tighten bolts and connect [the] water and electricity,” before completing the job in 28 hours and 45 minutes. 

After successfully completing in such a tight timeline, the Broad Group said they can see modular construction having a much broader impact on the Chinese construction industry than just apartment complexes. “It is perfectly suitable for luxury residences, 200-story skyscrapers, and also ideal for public and residential buildings,” the Broad Group explained. 

What makes this modular construction project unique

For rapidly growing populations, having a fast, safe and affordable method of construction could be key to meeting evolving and demanding metropolitan housing needs. Erected in under 29 hours in a major Chinese city, this project by Broad Group illustrates the real advantages and implications modular construction could have on rapidly growing societies. 

Belgium: Modular Cancer Center Focused on Restorative Design

Belgium is known for its own rich architectural heritage. Yet, somewhat surprisingly, the country has strongly embraced the modern designs coming out of the modular construction world. In recent years, an increasing number of homeowners have turned to modular construction. They do this because of its cost-effectiveness, sustainability, as well as forward-thinking design versatility. And because of its growing familiarity, as well as its advantages, organizations are beginning to embrace the benefits of modular design, too.

AZ Zeno Hospital

In Belgium, Maggie’s Centers is a renowned, charitable network of cancer centers founded by Maggie Keswick Jencks and the late architectural historian Charles Jencks. Since 1995, the foundation has entrusted countless famous architects to erect beautiful, high-quality cancer centers for patients, and now, the modular construction company Ark-shelter alongside architecture firm Archekta.

“[We see] this project as a snapshot in the long list of initiatives to support truly restorative design, one piece to contribute to the honorable path of creating healthy and healing environments,” AZ Zeno Hospital explained.  

Built around a communal dining room and an internal courtyard at the center, Ark-shelter’s prefabricated, modular spaces provide space for gathering, relaxation, and focus, as well as offices and therapy rooms for patients and doctors. 

“The modules form a strict and rational grid, but from the patient’s point of view, movement is fluid and organic,” explained the architects.”The dining room is the heart of the house; the place with the most light, allowing for a space to gather for introverts as well as extroverts, sun and shade, views outside or into the comfortable courtyard.”

What makes this modular construction project unique

This project showcases how modular design can be both completely functional and aesthetically pleasing — even healing. The design and architecture that went into these modular spaces met the cultural expectations of local patients. They needed a calming yet functional healing space at the hospital. Additionally, the spaces designed by Ark-shelter and Archekta upheld all of the important features of modular design that draw more and more people to it every day — quality and affordability, both of which are even more important for this charitable organization and the patients who need it most. 

The Netherlands: Metropolitan Modular Construction Reaching New Heights

The Netherlands emphasizes flexibility and adaptability in modular construction; this creates spaces that can easily be modified to meet changing needs. Integration with existing infrastructure and urban planning is a key consideration, ensuring seamless functionality. The Netherlands encourages collaboration and innovation to drive advancements in materials, technologies, and construction methods.

Zalmhaven I

In busy downtown Rotterdam, the Netherlands, builders used modular construction to erect the 215-meter-high ‘Zalmhaven I.’ Zalmhaven I, now recognized as the tallest prefabricated skyscraper in the world, reached completion in 2022. It is expected to house more than 450 apartments and 33 townhouses, as well as offices, commercial spaces, a garage, roof garden and restaurant.

In a bustling metropolitan neighborhood, the precast concrete skeleton of this modular construction project allowed the builders to improve safety on and around the construction site. The builders also reduced the noise and traffic nuisance in the area. They did this with fewer transport trucks and hoisting movements. What’s more, the modularity of the project also allowed workers to construct Zalmhaven I incredibly quickly, with the project only took a year to complete. 

What makes this modular construction project unique

More than just a residential building, Zalmhaven I also shows how modular construction works for large-scale, multi-purpose spaces in major metropolitan areas. Additionally, it is a great case study. It demonstrates how modular construction can be even better for residents and builders in terms of safety, speed and convenience. 

What every modular construction project needs: trusted transportation and logistics

Without the assistance of a transport and logistics team that understands your need to stay on time and on budget, all the hard work that goes into erecting a modular construction project can be deterred. Working with a trusted, experienced team that knows the unique intricacies of transporting modular construction projects, you can ensure that your project goes off without a hitch. Get in touch with the team at Stream Modular. Learn about some of our most recent success stories and how we can put our expertise to work for you. 

Stream Modular is a transportation logistics company specializing exclusively in modular construction. We help modular manufacturers and builders transport mods, pods and panels so they arrive on time and safely to the build site.

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