Jackie Maginnis, chief executive of the Modular & Portable Building Association (MPBA), argues it is time for the volumetric modular industry to broaden its horizons
The pandemic clearly demonstrated agility in our built environment is not a luxury, but a necessity. Hospitals required immediate expansion. Schools had to adapt quickly. Offices transformed to accommodate hybrid working. This moment marked a turning point and revealed the urgent need for a smarter, faster, more adaptable way to build – whether temporary or permanent.
With the majority of members operating across these industries – I believe it is time to broaden our horizons and bring these sectors into the conversation.
Spearheading a new era of industrialised construction
Volumetric modular construction has reached a new level of maturity in the UK, driven by the long-term commitment of MPBA members to industrialise the way buildings are designed and delivered.
Over the years, the manufacturers within our ranks have evolved from labour-intensive manual assembly to highly efficient, semi-automated production lines – introducing robotics, advanced CNC cutting and digital planning tools that streamline processes and drive quality.
A volumetric modular approach applies mass production principles, factory-based manufacturing and precision engineering to building – something other forms of construction have never fully achieved.
As the housing industry grapples with an escalating crisis, volumetric modular technology – hailed as the first true form of industrialised construction – is quietly redefining the education, healthcare and commercial sectors.
Crucially, industrialised modular construction offers a scalable permanent or temporary solution, as we witnessed during the pandemic when factories operated 24 hours a day, seven days a week to keep up with demand.
Our members can ramp up production quickly, without compromising quality or performance. According to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, volumetric modular construction can reduce build times by up to 50% and offer standardised quality at scale.
As demand grows, MPBA members are ready – with the maturity, capability and vision to deliver industrialised construction that is smarter, greener and built for the future. In a time where adaptability is linked to resilience – volumetric modular buildings offer scale and speed without sacrifice.
Sustainable by design
Beyond speed and scalability lies sustainability. With construction responsible for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, change is not optional – it is essential.
Modular manufacturing, conducted in factory-controlled environments, significantly reduces waste, optimises material use and lowers transport emissions. Many MPBA members are already integrating carbon-conscious design, renewable energy systems and lean production techniques into both their buildings and operations.
Waste reduction can be vast – up to 90% less material waste compared to traditional methods. Transportation and onsite energy use are minimised. Increasingly, modular factories are powered by renewable energy and operate with remarkable efficiency.
Moreover, modular buildings are designed for disassembly and reuse. Components can be repurposed or reconfigured, extending the material lifecycle and reducing landfill – a critical advantage as we move toward a circular economy.
In sectors like education and healthcare, these benefits are especially valuable. Modular solutions help schools, NHS trusts and local authorities meet sustainability targets while delivering high-performance buildings.
Prioritising fire safety
Fire resistance remains a top priority for the MPBA and our members. The controlled nature of modular construction allows for consistent fire safety measures that not only comply with UK Building Regulations but often exceed them.
As an industrialised construction method, modular technology is uniquely positioned to meet the requirements of the Building Safety Act (BSA) with greater control. Factory-based environments allow for more consistent quality assurance, rigorous documentation and traceable manufacturing processes – all of which align closely with the emphasis on accountability, safety and the golden thread of information.
Additionally, the centralised nature of modular production makes it easier to implement and monitor safety protocols. Fire-resistant materials and detailing are incorporated from the design stage. Factory conditions ensure the precise installation of non-combustible linings, fire-rated insulation and reliable fire-stopping systems – key elements in preserving compartmentation and system integrity.
Also driven by the Building Safety Act, it must be acknowledged how the temporary building industry reacted quickly and positively to the requirements of the Joint Code of Practice for Fire Prevention on Construction Sites following changes made by the Fire Protection Association.
MPBA members routinely engage in full-scale fire testing and participate in third-party certification to validate performance. This rigorous approach ensures modular buildings are tailored for safety as well as function.
The post MPBA: Promoting the power of controlled construction with volumetric modular appeared first on Planning, Building & Construction Today.
