Breaking down myths about modular buildings and off-site construction
11/09/2022
Contemporary construction methods and materials – such as modular and pod construction – are increasingly being considered and used in preference to traditional concrete and brick new build.
If used appropriately, innovative construction practices such as these can deliver significant benefits, including minimising waste and labour costs and satisfying green energy requirements. But are the risks properly understood?
In a new Zurich podcast, a panel of claims and construction experts explore myths and misconceptions surrounding modular buildings and off-site construction.
The panel challenge the traditional wisdom that buildings constructed using contemporary methods are guaranteed to deliver an improved carbon footprint. They discuss the importance of considering the whole lifecycle of a building before making a judgement. For example, does a modular building designed to last 30 or 40 years really outperform a brick building that could last several times longer?
They also discuss other challenges relating to modular and off-site construction that are often overlooked.
These include:
- Adaptability – What happens if the owner/occupant wants to extend or repurpose a building? With some newer structures, that may not be possible.
- Claims investigation – Claims experts have decades of experience in traditional construction, but there is less depth of knowledge relating to some contemporary construction methods and materials. Locating and assessing damage can also be more complex – for example it can be extremely difficult to trace a water leak in a building where water has percolated through hidden voids.
- Repair costs and complexities – Components for modular buildings are often designed and manufactured by specialists. Obtaining replacement components in the event of damage can be extremely challenging, with long lead-in times frequently leading to delays in repairs. Availability of specialist repairers is another issue – and repair costs are often significantly higher than with traditional builds.
Many of these issues build on our recent whitepaper, Sustainability in a changing built environment, in which we encourage organisations to consider whether they are asking themselves the right questions on sustainability. Above all, it is crucial to think carefully about how a building will actually be used or lived in, and to weigh up the sustainability benefits of different construction methods and materials based on the entire building lifecycle.
At Zurich, we share the aspiration of our customers to work towards a resilient and sustainable future, and we recognise that technological innovation in construction offers huge advantages. But there are also risks that need to be better understood and managed. By working together, we can embrace building innovation with greater knowledge and confidence.
You can listen to our podcast here, or download or listen to the audio version of our sustainable construction whitepaper.
