Modular Building Design for Commercial Construction
How do you design a modular building so that it looks like a planned addition and not a temporary trailer?
Modular construction can utilize a wide variety of exterior veneers to change the appearance of any temporary or permanent building. Modular buildings are typically used as flex-space beside an existing structure. In that situation, the best approach to make the modular building blend into the existing campus is to build the new modular to mimic the predominant architectural features of the main facility.
What's the cost difference between a professionally designed modular building compared to a trailer or skid building? Literally, pennies per-square-foot. It does not make sense to waste your money on a trailer or skid building when, for pennies per-square-foot, you can have a professionally designed facility. What will the local community or the local building inspection department think about the temporary trailer or skid building solution? They will only support you if they understand that you plan on providing a professionally designed modular building.
Proper planning of a modular building will utilize the key features of the main facility design to make the addition looked like a planned expansion and not a quick-fix to a space problem. You can use various installation techniques to shield the raised floor level of a modular building such as excavate the site to lower the profile of the modular building. You can also use large windows that drape to the floor which will create an impression that the floor is at grade and look like a permanent addition.
A properly designed modular building will mimic the main facility through the use of colors and textures. The modular building might imitate the main structure's roof slope, siding, materials, shapes, colors, or window design to compliment the main facility design.
About the author: This article was written by Jeff Austin of Modular Building Associates located in Coppell, Texas. For more information, please call 866-266-4622 (4MBA) or visit their web sites at www.modularbuildingassociates.com, for information about new modular construction visit www.modulardesignservices.com or for information about used buildings for sale or lease visit www.modularresale.com.