Modular construction is enhancing the way people build. For your next development project, consider a revolutionary approach that fuses design and functionality. So, what are the top modular design trends? This article covers what you need to know. 

Get the project done up to 50% faster than traditional construction while providing the latest trending design elements. 

Below are the top five trends of modular design and the ensuing benefits, but first, let’s discuss the growth in the modular design market and what it means for the residential construction industry. 

Key Takeaways:

• Challenges in obscure location development, turnkey logistics management, time and budget concerns, and the demands of the outlying areas positively impact the growth of modular design.

• Benefits of modular design include the speed of construction, safer production, and sustainability that help developers meet project demands. 

• The latest trends in modular designs include the innovations of technology, adaptability, and the addition of luxury features.

Growth in the Market 

In the recent past, modular construction projects were exclusive to commercial buildings. However, there has been a crossover in residential modular construction (which you will read more about later in this article). 

This crossover, along with the rapid growth of the modular constructions market in the Asian Pacific, is why experts predict a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.03% by the end of 2025.

Other reasons for growth in modular designs include:

• Ability to build in obscure and challenging locations
• Design plans can meet special demands of outlying areas
• Complete turnkey modular logistics throughout the project lifespan
• Oversight of transportation to complete projects on time and budget
• Expert work crews allow companies to maintain tight timeframes
• Some of the world's largest companies trust modular designs

Image Source:  https://vestamodular.com/remote-logistics/ 

Developers build these structures to meet the demands of urbanization in heavily populated areas. As this market grows the meet these demands, the modular design trends continue to evolve year by year.

5 Trends in Modular Design 

The advantages are why modular design trends continue to evolve. These advantages include the speed of development, safer construction, and sustainability. You get factory precision without compromising design. 

So, what are some of these design trends for modular structures? Let's review them.

1. BIM Technology 

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a process of planning, developing, building, and executing construction models. It is a 3-D model-based technology providing a digital representation of physical and operational building characteristics. Everyone involved in the construction and oversight of the project shares data and works collaboratively. 

The benefits of modular construction BIM include:

• More reasonable schedule performance
• Workflow optimization
• Cost-savings 
• Enhanced overall project quality 

Many developers associate BMI with modern construction. They use this powerful tool to prepare a digitized, 3-D rendering of a construction project. 

This innovative tool enables contractors, engineers, and architects to ensure they evaluate every facet of the structure and meet project and code requirements. This technology provides more efficient communication between modular factories and on-site crews. 

It produces exact measurements of prefabricated modules. Then it makes them available to sub-contractors to ensure that everything (such as windows and doors) fits correctly when it arrives on-site.

2. Commercial and Residential Crossover 

As mentioned above, developers used modular construction almost exclusively for commercial buildings. One growing trend in recent years is the increased development of modular homes. 

While manufactured homes have been on the market for several decades, modular homes differ from manufactured homes. 

For one, crews build manufactured homes on a steel chassis so that the structure can move when or if needed. Developers place modular homes on permanent foundations. These buildings do not move once constructed. 

Modular home construction continues to grow to answer the housing crisis impacting communities worldwide. These design trends deliver a cost-effective way to provide affordable housing options to those affected by this crisis.

3. Augmented Reality (AR) 

One interesting fact about modular buildings is that this is not a new concept. You can date modular construction back to ancient times when the Romans used prefabricated components in fort and tower construction.  

What is new is the use of augmented reality (AR). This technology provides developers and stakeholders opportunities to receive identical representations of the modular construction projects without being on-site physically. 

They can discuss the project, obtain insights, and work with specialists using an AR device. It is also a useful tool to showcase project details to investors without the ad

ded expense of travel.

4. Digital Management Tools

Modular designs are not immune to roadblocks and construction disruptions. While it has many advantages over traditional construction, it requires a digital management tool to coordinate teams off- and on-site and all project assets.

Digital management tools are also effective in managing multiple projects at once. These tools enable clear communications and ease of control over all aspects of modular design projects. 

Digital management tools are reliable sources of information. They help you streamline the process and give you the insights necessary to make the most advantageous decisions.

5. Luxury Modular Designs 

The final trend on the list is the addition of luxury to modular design concepts. When most people think of modular construction, they assume it means prefab structures with cookie-cutter designs without individual characteristics. 

In previous years this may have been true. Today, including luxury materials that add extravagance is the latest modular design trend.  

These trends include components like cross-laminated timber, recycled materials, and other sustainable products. These design elements are eco-friendly and focus on the well-being of those working in, visiting, or occupying the build.

Purchase Sustainable Modular Design Products from Geberit

The significant differences between modular and traditional construction involve saving time, money, and precious resources. 

At Geberit, we understand that sustainability is why developers like yourself choose modular construction. It's why you should consider Geberit for the environmentally friendly products we offer. 

Our eco-conscious manufacturing practices and the use of sustainable materials are why developers, designers, and architects purchase from us. Let us help you find the most sustainable products for your next modular design project.

For the latest trends on modular designs, contact us today to speak to one of our friendly design experts today. You can also visit our learning center for more tips on how design meets function.