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Modular construction gains ground with more than 12,000 residential and commercial projects in the works - Infobae
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La construcción modular gana terreno con más de 12.000 proyectos residenciales y comerciales en obra
Quiénes adoptan este sistema que combina paneles, acero y contenedores, entre otros materiales. Las ventajas y precios
www.infobae.com
May 12, 2024
Who adopts this system that combines panels, steel and containers, among other materials, The advantages and prices
By Jose Luis Cieri
A worker operates on the steel profile structure to shape a modular home (Illustrative Image Infobae)
The rise of modular construction continues to set the course in Argentina and throughout the continent, driven by the demand for architectural solutions that combine effectiveness, economic efficiency and focus on environmental care.
This method is presented as a positive alternative to traditional construction, because it provides not only agility in construction times, but also a notable cost reduction that can reach up to 30% in the financial aspect.
Currently in Argentina, it is estimated that there are more than 12,000 works in progress with this system, including homes, commercial and industrial properties.
It is common for these properties to be built with materials such as steel, wood, panels, cellular bricks, recycled plastic bricks, steel profiles, steel frames and sheets, among others.
Modular homes are mainly characterized by the reduction of labor and material costs, and facilitate strict quality control, as well as their replication and easy installation in various geographical contexts, by offering solutions in inhospitable environments, because they facilitate energy self-management, use of renewable energies and reduction of environmental impact.
“In Argentina, the adoption of technologies such as solar panels and geothermal heating and cooling systems is increasing, marking a commitment to sustainability. This approach aims at greater independence from traditional service networks , integrating innovations that promote more self-sufficient and environmentally friendly homes,” Iñiguez added.
Modular construction is expanding in large cities and also in areas far from large cities (Illustrative Image Infobae)
Modular construction, historically adopted after the Second World War to address the housing emergency with quick and economical solutions, today stands out for its capacity for adaptation and flexibility.
Iñiguez highlighted: “Prefabrication and modularity are recurring themes in architecture. Usually, modular construction involves dry techniques with prefabricated materials for greater efficiency. “These methods are adaptable and replicable, allowing for rapid construction in different locations with fewer personnel.”
The specialist added that “Prefabrication and modularity are recurring themes in architecture. Usually, modular construction involves dry techniques with prefabricated materials for greater efficiency. “These methods are adaptable and replicable, allowing for rapid construction in different locations with fewer personnel.”
The current cost for modular construction stands at $910,860 per square meter. This format, from its planning, considers fundamental aspects such as the quality of the materials, as well as the integration of connection and insulation systems to guarantee the comfort of the home.
Structure based on wood (Illustrative Image Infobae)
Houses can vary from 50 m2 to 300 m2, depending on budget. The largest ones offer the possibility of more than three rooms with one or two bathrooms, contemporary designs that allow their expansion or vertical extension. They stand out for their versatility and the inclusion of large openings to allow the entry of natural light and ventilation.
Agustina Iñiguez emphasized: “Meticulous planning is crucial from the initial stages of modular construction, including site preparation and installation of fundamental services such as water, electricity and gas. Reducing work times means anticipating the design and planning until the assembly of modules.”
Steel plays a predominant role, the steel frame grows (Illustrative Image Infobae)
The efficiency of modular construction is based on standardization and analyzing the environment and future occupancy needs to achieve optimal integration and functionality of the space.
Not just homes
It is also an appropriate construction for factory warehouses, offices, commercial premises, hotels, among other types of properties, even for supermarkets.Currently in Zárate, a medium-sized project is being carried out with 1,730 square meters distributed over three levels, which was ingeniously adapted to the spatial limitations of the urban environment.
A supermarket in Zárate will operate in this modular building that is currently under construction.
Architect Guillermo Gülden told this medium that “the choice of pre-assembled elements and on-site assembly responds effectively to space restrictions, in addition to offering benefits in terms of operational deadlines and efficiency in project management.”
The beginning of the work is based on the implementation of foundations with piles and caps, using pre-built reinforcement that was installed directly after drilling, followed by the pouring of concrete. “This approach not only significantly shortened times in this initial phase, but also kept the construction area tidy and clean,” explained Gülden.
The cost of this stage is USD 45 per m2, and is executed in an approximate period of 8 weeks.
The first stage of construction of this establishment intended as a supermarket only required 8 weeks of construction.
For the main structure, precast and prestressed reinforced concrete elements were chosen. Gülden detailed: “The columns, beams and prestressed hollow slabs were carefully selected to meet the specific demands of the commercial use of the building, considering an overload of 870 kilos per m2.” This construction method accelerated assembly in just 3 weeks, at a cost of USD 250 plus VAT per m2.
The façade cladding, made of insulating metal panels, not only contributed to the building's energy efficiency but also created an attractive aesthetic.
“The panels, with a polyurethane core and prepainted galvanized steel coating, offer superior thermal insulation than traditional concrete walls and were mounted on a metal structure linked to the concrete one,” said Guillermo Gülden.
Panels that insulate against thermal effects and good ventilation are vital for the interior and exterior connection of those who will work there in the future.
Containers
Another modular version are buildings, complexes and homes that are made with containers. They stand out for their adaptability and speed of construction, offering everything from unique housing solutions to large-scale residential complexes.Romina Parquet , from CIMC Wetrans in Argentina, highlighted that, although the local market is still in an initial stage, with associations mainly to small and creative projects, “there is enormous potential to revolutionize the architectural landscape.”
The construction technique takes advantage of steel containers, which are easily assembled and expanded to form functional and aesthetic structures, from homes to larger complexes for hotels and other uses.
A housing project in full progress made with containers
According to Parquet, the company that manufactures containers, provides these modules with high quality standards, thus facilitating cleaner and more efficient projects. “This methodology not only speeds up construction times but also opens up a range of possibilities in design and application, demonstrating the flexibility of modular construction,” he said.
An innovative example of recent years is Stadium 974 in Doha , Qatar, made up of 974 containers and notable for its post-event transfer and reuse, embodying the essence of efficiency and sustainability that defines modular construction.
There, for example, Argentina played against Poland, in 2022 when the Scaloneta with Lionel Messi as their banner defeated the Europeans 2 to 0, securing first place in the group of the last World Cup.
“This approach is not only limited to temporary projects but also addresses urgent and permanent needs, such as the reconstruction of educational infrastructure or the establishment of mining camps in remote locations, testing their effectiveness and adaptability,” Parquet added.
In terms of costs, modular construction offers economic solutions adjustable to different budgets and needs, with new containers starting from USD 3,825 + VAT in Argentina, the expert exemplified.
The Holiday Inn hotel in Trafford, near Manchester, was built in just three weeks
A notable case of the application of modular construction is a 220-room world-class hotel in Trafford, near Manchester, England, built from CIMC containers, designed by renowned studio Chapman Taylor.
The modules were stacked without the need for additional support structures, to allow rapid installation, which was achieved in less than three weeks, and then moving on to the external cladding phase.
Romina Parquet concluded: “This project demonstrates the ability of modular construction to create complex, efficient and aesthetically pleasing buildings in record time, standing out for its coordination in BIM design (abbreviation of Building Information Modeling , translatable into Spanish as Intelligent Building Modeling). ) 3D and for its assembly on site in less than three weeks.”
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