Our Managing Director, Alan Wilson, Speaks to UK Construction Online About the Benefits of Modular Construction

A modular set of medical buildings outside, on a sunny day.

The team at UK Construction Online recently caught up with our Managing Director, Alan Wilson, to discuss how modular construction could have significant benefits for the entire industry.

While we proudly specialise in designing bespoke, modular healthcare facilities for NHS Trusts around the country, there are many benefits to the offsite approach that can be applied to the wider construction sector.

Unfortunately, the safety measures put in place to combat the COVID-19 pandemic forced many construction companies to halt works for several months. As a result, the majority of those now back working are up against the clock to get projects finished within pre-agreed timeframes.

While this is undoubtedly a difficult time for the industry, it has taught us valuable lessons and encouraged many industry leaders to look at more innovative approaches to their work. One of the key considerations for the future should be unlocking the potential of modular alternatives.

As industry experts, we could speak extensively about the benefits of a modular approach, but here are three critical reasons why modular construction has an advantage over more traditional builds.

• The off-site approach involves minimal disruption on site, with the majority of work being undertaken in a controlled factory environment. Once modules are delivered on-site, they can be installed, connected and commissioned ready for use in a few short weeks.

• There is minimal risk of delays as the modern method of offsite construction ensures the majority of snagging and faults are identified early on. This minimises lengthy delays on site, which can be typical of a traditional build.

• Costs are efficient and payments can be flexible. For example, MCH provides a unique flexible finance package, amalgamating all costs into one affordable monthly fee, meaning no capital is required upfront. This unrivalled financial experience also means we can include project- associated costs into the hire rate, such as equipment or groundworks, where applicable.

Within the article, Alan said, “I am a firm advocate for using modular construction methods as a way to deliver much-needed projects in a timely and efficient manner.

“Seeing how the offsite method has evolved and developed in recent years has been phenomenal and now would be an ideal time for the entire industry to embrace this game-changing approach.”

Modular construction has come a long way in the past few years and is a viable option for construction work, particularly in healthcare, where NHS Trusts need a cost-effective, rapidly-deployable facility that’s high in quality and adheres to key HTMs and HBNs.

Moreover, the environmental impact of modular facilities compared to that of their traditional counterparts is much more favourable. All of our modules are reusable and relocatable, with the potential for expansion, making them far more sustainable and environmentally friendly than traditional builds.

If you would like to discuss the modular construction method in further detail or find out more about our facilities and flexible rental options, you can get in touch with our sales team via sales@healthcarehire.co.uk or call 0151 556 0411.

Picture of Sam Scott

Sam Scott