If you’re running a growing business, you might feel stressed out or overwhelmed by the time and cost it takes to build new office space. Traditional construction can take months or even years, and during that time, it is often a huge distraction to workers. The best solution? Modular office buildings, which are not only quick to set up, but also flexible and lower cost. In this article, we’ll cover what modular buildings are, their benefits, applications, and more.
What are Modular Office Buildings?
A modular office building is a type of prefabricated office space. These buildings come in “modules,” or sections that are manufactured off-site and then transported on-site for assembly. They are more or less the same as traditional office buildings, but they can be built much faster and more efficiently. Modular office buildings generally have to follow the same building codes and regulations, so they are just as safe and reliable as traditionally built structures.
What are Modular Office Buildings Used For?
This might seem like a silly question at first glance. Aren’t modular office buildings used for, well, offices? True. But they often have many other uses besides standard office space. Let’s take a look at some of the most common applications of them that we see at Allied Modular:
Warehouse or Factory Offices
In warehouses, factories, and other industrial-type environments, there is often a need for administrative spaces. Given that such places are often loud (and even dangerous), modular office buildings are frequently set up as in-plant or warehouse management hubs. They are a quiet, safe, and organized space that sits away from the chaos for supervisors and other staff members to take care of more clerical work.
These modular office buildings can be installed directly on the production floor, and can also be easily relocated or expanded as business needs inevitably change.
Conference Rooms
Another common type of modular office building is the conference room. These buildings are a quick fix for businesses that need special meeting spaces, without the long lead times of traditional construction. They can be fully customized to include features like soundproofing, glass partitions, integrated electrical systems, and more.
Lunch and Break Rooms
A related type of modular office building is the lunch room, which can be modified to create a clean and comfortable environment for employees to take breaks or meals.
They can be equipped with kitchens, and coloring can be chosen to match the design/aesthetic of the rest of the office space.
Training Rooms
Training rooms are another popular type of modular office building. Businesses use these for onboarding, workshops, and other employee-development sessions. They can be designed with built-in technology, such as whiteboards, projectors, and smart boards.
Vision Towers
Similar to warehouse and factory offices, but not exactly the same, are vision towers. These elevated structures are built on mezzanines, which gives management and supervisors a clear view from which to oversee operations. Vision towers are great because they maximize vertical space (as in they take up only a small amount of the floor). These modular office buildings can also be customized or relocated as needed.
(For more details on customization, check out our interior product options.)
Benefits of Modular Office Buildings
If you’ve decided to add office buildings to your location, but are not sure whether to go with modular or traditionally built structures, look no further. Here are a few of the biggest benefits of going modular:
Faster Construction
The biggest advantage of modular construction is probably its speed. While traditional office construction can take many months or even years, modular office buildings can be completed in a matter of weeks. This is because the sections or “modules” are built off-site, while on-site work happens simultaneously; this, as you can imagine, speeds up the overall timeline.
Cost Savings
Similarly, modular construction can be much cheaper than traditional building methods. The quicker construction timeline lowers labor costs, while the factory production process lowers waste as well as errors.
Flexibility
Another huge benefit of modular office buildings is that they are easily scalable. As your company grows, buildings can be expanded, downsized, or even moved to a different location altogether. This is a major advantage for companies that have to deal with constantly changing business needs.
Eco-Friendliness
Finally, another added benefit of choosing modular office buildings is that they are far more environmentally friendly than traditional ones. The modular process in general (because it is done in a factory) results in far less material waste, and modular buildings are known to use sustainable materials.
What are Modular Office Buildings Made Of?
Modular office buildings can be constructed from a variety of materials, and each one is typically chosen for its features or its look. Let’s take a look at some of these materials and see how they may suit different uses, from the need for strength in industrial spaces to aesthetic appeal in office-only environments.
Wall Finishes
- Vinyl-Covered Gypsum: Has a smooth and strong surface which is both easy to clean and take care of. It may be chosen for high-traffic areas.
- Composite Materials: These finishes can be composed of many materials, including wood, plastic, or metal.
- Steel-Coated Panels: Obviously, steel is known for its strength, but it also improves fire safety (because it’s non-combustible).
- Vinyl-Coated Hardboard: This option combines the strength of hardboard with the customizability of vinyl.
- Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP): FRP is corrosion-resistant, low-maintenance, and best suited for moisture-prone areas like bathrooms or kitchens.
- Aluminum: Strong, lightweight, and rust-resistant, aluminum finishes are also popular for their modern look.
Framing
- Aluminum Frames: As we mentioned above, it is both strong and lightweight, which is why it is often used to frame modular walls.
Panel Cores
- Polystyrene (Standard): This core is great for insulation and is also lightweight.
- Polyisocyanurate: Known for its fire-resistance and insulation abilities.
- Honeycomb Cores: These are very strong but lightweight.
In any case, modular office buildings can be made with a variety of materials and customized for various needs; they can be built to improve fire resistance, soundproofing, overall aesthetics, and more.
The Bottom Line
Simply put, modular office buildings are a fast, flexible, and low-cost alternative to traditional construction. Whether you need a new multi-story office, conference room, or even a vision tower, modular office buildings are highly customized solutions that can adapt as your business expands and grows.
Looking to add modular offices to your space? Reach out to the experts at Allied Modular today and get a free quote on new buildouts.
FAQs About Modular Office Buildings
1. How long do modular office buildings last?
If taken care of, they can last just as long as (or longer than) traditional buildings, with a lifespan of 30-50 years or more.
2. Are there any size limitations on a modular office?
Not really, no. Modular offices can be built to nearly any size, from small offices to multi-story buildings. The design will of course depend on available space, local building codes, and needs of the business.
3. How quickly can a modular office building be installed?
They can be installed within a few weeks, thanks to prefabrication technology. Choosing a traditionally built structure may take months or even years to complete.
