Building Better – The Modern Modular Image
Until recently, the modular industry as a whole has experienced mild resistance because of a lack of education on the process and the product. Many confused this construction method with trailers, mobile homes or manufactured homes. And, truthfully, many in the industry did not help this image by using the term “modular” to market an unattractive, boxy home that looked much like a trailer. Many referred to this as a “HUD-ular.” Not surprisingly, a homeowner or builder planning to build a modular home in a neighborhood could often expect to be met with active protests from members of the community or the planning or architectural committees.
However, in the last few years, much has been done to educate the public about the capabilities of modern modular housing and remove the stigma that had attached itself to the industry. Primarily, the work of talented architects to develop unique and appealing exterior elevations for modular homes that make them virtually indistinguishable from site built. Since 2003, Tony Lucas, Palm Harbor’s own designer, has been putting his years of modular experience to work with builders and developers across the country to create exterior applications and floor plans that are designed specifically for that region, land type, usage and customer lifestyle. As the industry grows, the role of architects will be vital to its maturation and public acceptance as a mainstream home building method.
Public displays in large venues such as the International Builders’ Show have also played an important role in exposing the public and homebuilders to the myriad of applications for modular construction in all types of residential and commercial construction. Features such as elevators, gourmet kitchens, luxury master suites and media rooms are commonplace. In addition, modular construction is adaptable to multi-family construction, reducing the cost per square foot, which is particularly appealing for cities, community planners and developers charged with creating much-needed work force housing.
Today, more and more cities, states, zoning boards and building officials are fluent in the aspect of modern modular construction. In fact, many municipalities look forward to working with modular because of the decreased construction time, decreased impact on the surrounding areas of the community and the increased strength and quality of the product.
Modern modular construction provides increased building efficiencies, decreased construction costs and renewable resources. As developers and architects continue to work with modular builders, the industry will continue to expand its capabilities and, consequently, continue to “improve its image.” This will permanently erase the last remaining areas of resistance due to a perceived lack of quality or architectural appeal and establish modular construction as the modern version of “traditional construction.”
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Tags: architects, community development; exterior elevations, local building codes, modern modular, Modular Construction, modular homes, multi-family, Tony Lucas, zoning boards
