{"id":36621,"date":"2026-10-13T15:42:05","date_gmt":"2026-10-13T13:42:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.grupomalasa.com\/?p=36621"},"modified":"2026-10-27T10:17:10","modified_gmt":"2026-10-27T09:17:10","slug":"modular-construction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.grupomalasa.com\/en\/modular-construction\/","title":{"rendered":"MODULAR CONSTRUCTION, TYPES OF MODULES, AND ASSEMBLY PHASES"},"content":{"rendered":"

Modular construction involves manufacturing building modules or components in a factory so they can be transported and subsequently assembled on-site. It includes 3D systems, 2D panels, hybrid systems, and concrete systems, and requires planning the design, transportation, foundation, and assembly from the outset. It is used for residential buildings, offices, educational facilities, healthcare facilities, and other buildings. Timelines depend on the project and the site, and permanent structures must comply with regulations and have the appropriate permits.<\/p>\n

What Is Modular Construction?<\/h2>\n

Modular construction involves dividing a building into modules or components that can be prefabricated and later assembled on-site.<\/p>\n

In a volumetric system, for example, a module may leave the factory with a significant portion of its systems, enclosures, and finishes already in place. In other systems, such as those based on panels, separate elements are transported and assembled on-site to form the building\u2019s structure.<\/p>\n

Advance planning is essential in this type of construction. Before the modules arrive on the site, aspects such as dimensions, connection points, utilities, transportation methods, and the assembly system must be defined.<\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

Modular and Prefabricated Construction: Differences<\/h3>\n

The concepts of modular construction and prefabricated construction are related, but they are not exactly the same.<\/p>\n

Prefabrication generally refers to the advance manufacturing of building components off-site. These can include panels, beams, facades, staircases, systems, or complete modules.<\/p>\n

Modular construction uses this same principle of advance manufacturing but incorporates a building design based on modules that are subsequently assembled.<\/p>\n

Therefore, a building can incorporate prefabricated elements without necessarily being modular.<\/p>\n

For example, a traditional construction project may use prefabricated staircases or panels manufactured on-site. In contrast, in a prefabricated modular construction, the manufacturing and assembly system is planned from the design phase so that the different modules or components fit together.<\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

Industrialized Modular Construction<\/h3>\n

Industrialized construction applies industrial processes to the production of building components and systems. It aims to shift a significant portion of construction work to controlled environments, using standardized processes, planning, machinery, and quality controls. In Spain, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda is promoting this model through the PERTE for the industrialization of housing.<\/a><\/p>\n

According to the Ministry itself, the plan calls for investing 1.3 billion euros over ten years to reach a rate of 15,000 industrialized homes per year, which will rise to 20,000 by the end of that period. In addition, the 2026\u20132030 National Housing Plan<\/a>v includes additional aid of up to 8,500 euros per unit for the construction of public housing or public-private partnership projects when industrialized construction techniques are used.<\/p>\n

Modular construction can be considered one form of construction industrialization, especially when there is systematic manufacturing of modules and a predefined assembly process.<\/p>\n

However, the terms are not synonymous. Industrialization can be applied to specific elements of a building without the building necessarily being divided into three-dimensional modules.<\/p>\n

<\/h2>\n

Module Types<\/h2>\n

There are various modular construction solutions. The choice depends on factors such as the building\u2019s design, dimensions, location, available transportation, the number of units needed, and the level of finish to be achieved in the factory.<\/p>\n

In addition to the system, the structural material also plays a role. The most common materials are steel, which allows for lightweight yet strong structures and is widely used in volumetric modules; wood, which is lighter and provides good insulation; and concrete, which offers thermal inertia and durability but results in heavier components.<\/p>\n

Among the main alternatives are 3D volumetric modules, 2D panel systems, hybrid solutions, and concrete-based modules.Estas son sus principales diferencias:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
System<\/strong><\/td>\nWhat’s Coming to the Lot<\/strong><\/td>\nConstruction Work<\/strong><\/td>\nWhen is it appropriate?<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
3D Volumetric Module<\/td>\nCompleted or partially completed buildings, including the structural framework, exterior walls, utilities, and some of the finishes<\/td>\nCrane installation, connections between modules, and connection to the general utility systems<\/td>\nWhen transportation and handling allow for the movement of complete units<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2D Panels<\/td>\nFlat elements: walls, facades, roofs, or floor slabs<\/td>\nAssembling the panels to form the structure<\/td>\nWhen it is not practical to transport large volumes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hybrid systems<\/td>\nPanels combined with three-dimensional modules or other prefabricated components<\/td>\nPanel Assembly and Module Installation<\/td>\nWhen it is appropriate to tailor the degree of prefabrication to each part of the building<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Concrete<\/td>\nPrecast concrete elements or three-dimensional concrete modules<\/td>\nInstallation depends on the weight of the parts and the lifting capacity<\/td>\nWhen structural performance and durability are prioritized<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n

H3: 3D Volumetric Module<\/h3>\n

The 3D volumetric module is one of the systems most commonly associated with modular construction. In this case, the factory produces complete or partially complete modules, which may include the structural framework, exterior walls, building systems, and certain finishes before being shipped to the construction site. The modules are transported individually and, once on the site, are positioned using cranes or other lifting equipment. The modules are then joined together, and the necessary connections are made to the building\u2019s general systems.<\/p>\n

\"Estructura<\/p>\n

While the modules are being manufactured at the plant, certain site preparation and foundation work can be carried out in parallel.<\/p>\n

The size of each module is determined, among other factors, by transportation and handling constraints. For this reason, the design must take into account from the outset the maximum permissible dimensions for transporting the units from the factory to the site.<\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

2D Panels and Hybrid Systems<\/h3>\n

2D panel systems are based on flat elements that are assembled on-site.<\/p>\n

These panels can form part of walls, facades, roofs, floor slabs (the horizontal elements separating floors), or other building components. Unlike a volumetric module, they do not necessarily arrive on the site as a finished room or volume. Between these two approaches, there are also hybrid systems that combine two-dimensional elements with three-dimensional modules or other prefabricated components.<\/p>\n

This type of solution can be particularly useful when the nature of the project makes it impractical to transport large, complete volumes. It also allows the degree of prefabrication to be tailored to the needs of each part of the building.<\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

Modular Concrete Homes<\/h3>\n

Concrete can also be used in modular construction solutions, whether through prefabricated elements or three-dimensional modules.<\/p>\n

Modular concrete homes can incorporate prefabricated components that are assembled on-site. Concrete provides structural integrity and durability, although it also requires consideration of factors such as the weight of the elements, transportation methods, and the capacity of lifting equipment.<\/p>\n

In this type of construction, the design must coordinate the structure, the connections between elements, and the utilities particularly well so that assembly can proceed according to the planned schedule.<\/p>\n

<\/h2>\n

Assembly Steps<\/h2>\n

Although every project has its own unique characteristics, modular construction typically follows a sequence in which design, manufacturing, transportation, and assembly are closely interrelated.<\/p>\n

\"Las<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Preliminary Planning and Design<\/h3>\n

The process begins long before the first module is manufactured.<\/p>\n

During the design phase, the building\u2019s layout, structural system, materials, utilities, and module characteristics are defined. However, specific aspects of modular construction must also be analyzed from the outset.<\/p>\n

These include:<\/p>\n