3 Big Brands Expanding with Modular Construction

Jul 10, 2018

All across the country, and even internationally, big brands are expanding their operations through modular construction. Utilizing the benefits of prefab building these companies are completing projects faster and at a cost-savings. But you don’t have to be a famous, multi-million dollar brand to use modular construction to build your new headquarters, healthcare facility, franchise, or sales office. This off-site construction method is an accessible building alternative for organizations of any size, in almost any industry.

Here are a few examples of mainstream brands who have recently unveiled new building projects that were completed using modular construction, as well as advice for how smaller companies can benefit from giving modular construction another look.

Google-expansion-with-modular-construction

Google announced back in 2015 that it had plans to build a new modular headquarters. The ambitious design includes interior walls that can be removed to change the size and shape of office spaces and work areas, as needs change. It also features a tent-shaped glass and metal structure that allows light and air to flood the 2.5 million-square-foot campus which will house parks and green space.

Although they’ve been working through issues concerning their desired plot of land, Google hasn’t given up on their modular building plans. In fact, they announced a second modular construction project, this time a $30 million project to provide affordable housing options for their employees in the extremely expensive Silicon Valley housing market.

Office buildings are notorious for being energy inefficient. To combat this, many companies, like Google, are trying to include energy efficient elements to their offices, including opportunities for natural light and ventilation, which in turn will keep their operating costs down. In general modern HVAC systems are energy efficient (check out HVACDirect.com). Other energy efficient upgrades that you can incorporate into your prefabricated office building include:

Energy efficient windows — Maximize solar heat gain in the winter and minimize it in the summer. Moreover, shutters reduce my energy bills.
CFL lighting — Use about 1/4 of the amount of energy as incandescent bulbs.
Motion sensor switches — Add potential savings on your energy bills.
High-Efficiency HVAC and programmable thermostats — Save on heating and cooling costs.
Smart Options for Roofing Color — Roofs that are gray or contains flecks of white reflect heat and prevent absorption. Dark roofs will help snow melt faster and absorb heat.

McDonald’s

In England, even fast food chain McDonald’s is expanding their brand through modular construction. These new franchises look no different than restaurants built through traditional construction methods, but they do come with one big advantage — they are open for business in just four weeks.

The problem with any kind of building expansion or renovation is that it can often disrupt day-to-day operations and affect your productivity and revenue stream. Working off-site and on-site simultaneously is an advantage of modular construction that reduces a building schedule by as much 50%, allowing your company to take occupancy sooner. No matter what your line of business, using modular building methods is an option for completing construction quicker, with less money loss.