As Richard Hipkiss, development director of the Modular & Portable Building Association (MPBA), makes clear – fire resistance and building safety are no longer just compliance matters; they are now defining measures of how the construction industry is judged
The construction industry has had to take a long, hard look at itself in recent years. Safety cannot be compromised for cost savings or delivery speed. Occupants need absolute confidence that the places where they live, learn and work are built to the highest standards of fire protection. For modular methods, this is not a hurdle – it is an opportunity to demonstrate leadership.
Built-in advantage
Factory-controlled manufacturing gives volumetric modular technology a unique edge. Fire resistance measures can be embedded from the outset, with consistent use of fire-rated materials and robust quality assurance at every stage of production.
Unlike traditional builds – where varying site conditions can compromise quality – modular systems benefit from repeatable, precision-driven processes that ensure compliance every time. When it comes to fire performance, precision matters.
Whole-building approach
At MPBA, we champion a holistic approach. Fire resistance is never about a single wall panel or doorset – it’s about how every component interacts as part of a complete system. Non-combustible cladding, high-performance insulation, compartmentation and fire-stopping around service penetrations must work seamlessly together.
That is why rigorous testing and certification is crucial. MPBA members subject modular systems to demanding fire performance trials, from spread-of-flame resistance to structural integrity under extreme heat.
Importantly, testing focuses not only on individual materials but also on completed assemblies, proving that the system as a whole can deliver. Certification is not about ticking boxes; it’s about providing regulators, building owners and end users with the confidence they deserve. This is particularly vital in schools, hospitals and other settings where many of our members operate.
Beyond the factory gate
Execution onsite is just as important as the engineering built into production. Safety does not end in the factory. Once modules arrive onsite, installation is critical.
That is why training and competency are central to our guidance and why we opened the MPBA Learning Hub – ensuring site teams understand how to maintain fire integrity throughout installation.
Innovation driving progress
The pace of innovation is energising, such as advances in material science that are delivering non-combustible insulation that combines thermal efficiency with fire resilience.
Modular systems are increasingly designed to integrate active protection – sprinklers, alarms and detection systems – as standard rather than optional extras. Such a forward-thinking approach not only strengthens safety but also streamlines compliance as regulations tighten.
Compliance: The baseline, not the finish line
The regulatory environment is shifting and rightly so. Stricter rules provide clarity and raise expectations across the sector.
But at MPBA, we urge our members to go further – treat compliance as the baseline, not the finish line. Building trust, reputation and long-term value means exceeding standards, not just meeting them.
Collaboration is key
Fire safety is a collective responsibility. Manufacturers, designers, contractors, regulators and clients must work together.
At MPBA, we foster collaboration by creating platforms to share best practice and lessons learned. Our goal is to keep the conversation moving forward – ensuring no one works in isolation.
Fire safety is about protecting lives. If modular construction is to continue its rapid growth – delivering schools, hospitals and vital infrastructure – safety must remain at the
forefront. The public will only embrace modular at scale if we consistently demonstrate reliability, resilience and trustworthiness.
At MPBA, we are committed to driving the industry forward, raising standards and proving that modular and portable buildings can lead the way on fire safety. The message is simple – safety is not negotiable and with volumetric modular construction, it is not compromised.
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