Everything on Modular (Off-Site) Construction

[Michael S.]

Hi everyone,

First off I hope I have this in the proper category because quite frankly, modular construction falls under many categories including real estate technology, real estate development, commercial real estate, new construction, etc. This thread/topic is primarily focused on the larger more commercial aspect of modular manufacturing. Prefabricated single family homes have been built for decades but the new focus throughout the world has been on large multifamily apartment, hotel, medical and student facilities. Essentially any type of building that encompasses multiple units that can be repeated in a factory environment. 

My name is Michael Sgambati and I am the national business development manager at one of the most innovative and technologically advanced modular manufacturing companies in the world, Kuvella Modular Designs and my purpose here is to EDUCATE and hopefully answer any and every question when it comes to off-site manufacturing processes. I will share the benefits and advantages of this sub-sector, some obvious and some not so obvious but my main goal is to educate on the advantages of utilizing this new alternative building method because it has serious benefits in terms of supplying more affordable housing to a stagnant industry and has the means to reduce waste in ways you cannot even imagine. Modularization is just a much GREENER technology all around. So much so that the U.S Green Building Council has implemented a new standard of green certified housing knows as LEED or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. 

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) also recognizes the inherent materials advantages using prefabrication and off-site construction techniques. In its LEED for Homes rating system, the USGBC awards points under its materials and resources sections MR 1.2 and MR 1.3. “Projects with a precut framing package (e.g. modular homes, kit homes) are awarded MR 1.2 and MR 1.3 (detailed framing documents) automatically.” Additionally, LEED for Homes includes a credit specifically for off-site fabrication – MR 1.5. MR 1.5 states “this credit should only be awarded if the walls, roof, and floors are fabricated off-site.” Modular manufactures are very happy that LEED recognizes this construction technique which will help combat the industry's stigma of "shipping container style mobile homes". 

Here is where I will talk not only on the green aspects of modular technology but everything else in between. The disadvantages, the advantages, the fabrication and assembly techniques, the recent projects and developments throughout the world and so fourth...

I hope we can have meaningful discussions and debates about this topic and everyone fines something of value that comes from this thread. 

Have a great day!

Michael