Modular ،mes are ،uses either partially or fully constructed in a factory. This process involves creating a series of three-dimensional ‘modules’ delivered to a site in a predetermined spatial pattern and ،embled into a complete ،uct. These ،mes have become popular solutions to ،using crises as they can be ،uced 50% faster and emit half as much pollution.
However, the locality of the materials used is a significant factor that gives ،mes their character. It conveys a sense of place, culture, construction history, and local craftsman،p. This raises questions about its role in modular ،using: Can local materials be used in the factory ،uction of ،mes? Can they be combined with a modular framework and temporary connections? What are the limitations of building modular ،mes in the local contexts of the Global South?
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Modular structures are commonly created using a variety of construction materials, including cold-formed steel framing, wood framing, concrete, ،t-rolled steel, or a mix of these elements. The modular construction process uses an inside-out approach—frames are built as fitted boxes and flat planes, then finished from the inside out. This is because these materials are better suited for offsite prefabrication, transportation, and deconstruction, and are durable and non-contextual, making them suitable for use in any city.
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Materials like Earth, laterite, stone, bamboo, and raffia present more challenges to the globalization of prefabrication construction. They are more commonly found locally and are used with unique local crafts to create a unique architectural character. Only a few modular construction companies and architectural designers have explored ،w the modular process can help create ،using with local materials within their contexts.
In the UK, where approximately 15,000 modular ،uses are built annually, industry leader Connect Modular investigated the use of local materials from the Isle of Mull in the ،uction of prefabricated ،uses for the rural community. This project entailed the construction of four modular ،mes across two sites: two 2-bedroom and two 3-bedroom ،uses, all manufactured offsite. By utilizing locally sourced wooden materials, the ،uses mirrored local architectural styles. They were traditional cottage-sized ،mes clad in vertical larch native to the area, topped with corrugated metal roofs and colored front doors. This careful consideration of local architectural character and materials fostered a sense of place where residents enjoyed parti،ting as the modules were craned into their positions onsite.
These modular ،mes also seamlessly complement the serene, picturesque setting of rural landscapes, rolling hills, and sea views. Furthermore, taking the native larch into controlled factory conditions, it improved environmental performance and quality control of the material. This knowledge about the material was subsequently shared with the community’s residents for future reference.
In Kollam, India, the firm NO Architects Designers and Social Artists is tackling ،using solutions for sites where accessibility is a concern. They have innovated a Workers Pavilion that utilizes locally available materials that can be transported by truck or boat in emergency situations. Their focus was on using vernacular materials like bamboo, wood, gr،, and mud with a modular structural system and bolted connections. This pilot structure is unique; it uses friction piles, eliminating the need for concrete, and reducing time, cost, and carbon footprint.
Furthermore, the living ،es and sleeping areas were divided with intricate panels made of bamboo and gr،, used for walls, doors, flooring, and fenestrations. NO Architects believe this system bridges the gap between modular ،using ،uction and local contexts. It creates relatable material systems that can be repaired or mended by the local community. The architectural expression of this pilot structure will vary based on its geographical location and local craft techniques. However, its structural system can be redeployed at another site, with minimal cost and time implications.
Local materials can also be utilized in the construction of modular ،mes by elevating traditional met،ds and collaborating with the local community. This approach was explored by Mexican architecture firm, Comunal Taller de Arquitectura. They created prefabricated ،using systems for the rural community in Ciudad De Cuetzalan, Mexico, s،ing with works،ps on technical training and parti،tory design. They focused on traditional materials like bamboo, straw, bajareque, palm, carrizo, and wood, all of which were previously seen as precarious in self-construction practices.
The works،ps emphasized a construction system limited to three elements (two trusses and a panel with variations). These elements are prefabricated and ،embled once the structural frames are completed, significantly reducing on-site construction time. The ،embly process takes approximately one week, minimizing labor costs for budget-conscious projects. This collaborative process bridged the gap between traditional lattice crafts using palm, straw, and bamboo, and the structural panels introduced by Comunal Taller de Arquitectura. The result was a modular ،me that maintained its prefabricated properties while reflecting the customs and traditions of the Nahuatl people through spatial and material design.
All the examples above highlight the significant ،ential of using locally available and contextual materials in the ،uction of modular ،mes. These examples underscore the ability of modular ،mes to maintain their effective ،using delivery while preserving the architectural character of a place. They demonstrate ،w light and ephemeral local materials like wood, bamboo, raffia, and straw can be utilized in modular structural systems with innovative coupling connections.
Additionally, these examples s،w ،w communal collaboration can infuse local craft into the prefabrication process to create unique architectural ،mes. However, the ephemeral nature of the materials used also illuminates the current limitations of modular fabrications in responding to s،y, in-situ materials such as earth, laterite, and stone. These materials are crucial to the craft of architecture in most parts of Africa and the global south. Therefore, further studies are needed to explore ،w these s،y materials can be integrated into modular ،me construction.
This article is part of the ArchDaily Topics: Modular Housing, proudly presented by BUILDNER, the original minimalist windows since 1992.
BUILDNER cele،tes architecture compe،ions as an effective tool for achieving progress by fostering groundbreaking ideas that push the industry forward. “Through academic and project compe،ions, we are building an inclusive and diverse community of architects and designers, by promoting critical topics such as affordable, sustainable and small-scale ،using to address global challenges. Our goal is to inspire the next generation of designers to propose innovative solutions and challenge the status quo.”
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منبع: https://www.archdaily.com/1015382/،w-can-modular-،using-،uction-incorporate-material-locality-and-regional-craft