How to Design a Modular Building
Modular buildings offer flexible, efficient solutions for a variety of needs. Whether you’re planning a pop-up retail space, a temporary office, or a modular classroom, understanding the key design considerations is crucial. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the essential elements to ensure your building is fit for purpose.
Defining the purpose
The first step in modular building design is to clearly define what it will be used for, considering secondary uses or potential future applications. An office to accommodate temporary seasonal staff will look very different to an exhibition space, for example. The functionality of the structure will inform all subsequent decisions in the design process.
You’ll also need to think about the different facilities you’ll need, that will fit the purpose of the temporary structure. This might include a kitchen, toilets, changing rooms, meeting rooms, or specific equipment.
Whether you’re looking for an off-the-shelf configuration, readily available for hire, or something more bespoke, Mar-Key Group can help with this by discussing your individual needs. We can also share what we’ve done for other businesses in your sector, or you can check these out for yourself by visiting our case studies page.
Planning for size and layout
Once the purpose is established, focus on creating an efficient and functional layout. Unlike traditional cabin-style solutions, you have complete control over the building size and layout, allowing you to maximise your available space and create a completely custom temporary structure.
Think about the number of people who will occupy the building simultaneously, while taking into account any plans for future growth. Plan for a smooth and natural walk flow throughout the premises, avoiding congestion points, while ensuring accessibility for wheelchair users. This may include ramps and wide doorways.
Also, don’t forget to include adequate emergency exits and clearly signed evacuation routes!
Choice of materials
As British manufacturers, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality and custom-made temporary building designs with finishes to suit any application. We offer insulated roofs and walls as standard to our clients as this is the closest option to a permanent building.
Insulated roofs and wall panels provide an optimal working environment for employees, while preventing heat loss and condensation for temperature control.
The insulated panels are available in the full RAL colour spectrum of finishes and can be combined with a thermo-inflated roof. A blow-up roof is a great option for those requiring a cost-effective and fast solution, but still need an element of temperature and condensation control.
A single-skin temporary steel building is one of our quickest yet durable solutions available. When complete with roller shutter and pedestrian door access, the highly-robust product can remain in place for many years! If you’re looking for a complete single skin steel solution, we can apply a felt finish to the roof internally to resolve this.
When considering which material, colour and patterned finish to go for, think about the purpose and the surroundings of the building, as you’ll want it to blend in seamlessly.
Power, heating, and lighting
Any temporary structure design needs to account for power, heating, and lighting. We take care of all of these components as started so that your building is ready for use immediately.
Think about how many power and data points you may need, and whether you’ll require energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions. Smart controls could even be incorporated for improved energy management.
In addition, you’ll want to plan for natural lighting by incorporating windows or skylights to reduce reliance on artificial lighting.
Optional extras
We’ve covered the essentials when it comes to modular building design, but there are some extras you may want to budget for. This could include:
- Temperature control systems
- Wi-Fi and data
- Furniture
- Electrical packages
- Soundproof acoustic walling
- Dividing walls
- Weight-bearing flooring
- Lighting
- Building control approval
- Planning permission support
Mar-Key Group worked with a school in Suffolk to install a set of temporary classrooms in the playground. Within ten days, we had delivered a 10m x 25m clear span structure, split into four teaching areas, with each classroom able to accommodate a class of 32 students.
It was designed to be a fully operational modular building, with each classroom fitted out fully with desks and chairs, smart televisions, data points, fire alarms, and electrics. Heating and cooling devices were added for temperature control.
Get in touch with our friendly team today!