How can modular design improve construction processes?
With the amount of people in need of housing rising at a rate of 90,000
per day, modular design with prefabricated wood elements can offer a
fast and efficient approach to building design.
McGraw Hill
Construction recently conducted a study of companies that have utilised
lean construction methods in their operations. Out of those surveyed,
84% reported higher quality in construction, and 80% experienced better
customer satisfaction.
By employing prefabricated methods of
construction, design firms can benefit from shorter design times;
modular design enables each individual designer to handle more projects
per year.
Modular design with engineered wood
Whilst a project may
have to be executed quickly due to time constraints or limited work
space, architects must be wary of quality when accelerating the speed of
design. Hurrying may lead to design mistakes, which can cause further
delays at the building site.
By utilising engineered wood products,
such as Metsä Wood’s Kerto LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber), designers can
accelerate the design process, whilst maintaining a high level of
quality.
Kerto’s technical and constructive qualities enable formal
cuttings; the system offers more dimensional accuracy than other
materials, such as steel or concrete, in which temperature needs to be
considered.
Information about the environmental performance of Kerto
products can be found in Metsä Wood’s Environmental Product Declaration.
Tools and technologies for modular design
When designing with wood, designers can employ a number of tools and technologies to enhance the process. Building Information Modelling (BIM) and calculation software, such as Finnframe and Finnwood, can support structural design and enhance resource efficiency.
Utilising prefabrication in design can enable interaction between the client, builder and design agencies; the use of predesigned elements speeds up the design process and eliminates mistakes.
Original link - Building Talk
