So often when we discuss the concept of modular housing people automatically think of flat pack housing, demountables or even Tiny Homes. The best way to describe the Fortro operation is volumetric modular construction.
Volumetric modular construction is a building process where entire three-dimensional rooms (or “modules”) are built off-site in a factory, complete with plumbing, wiring, and finishes, before being transported and assembled on-site.
Key Characteristics
- 3D factory production: Units are built as fully enclosed boxes (rooms) rather than flat panels.
- High level of finish: Modules often leave the factory 90% complete, including flooring, cabinetry, painting, and appliances.
- Structural independence: Each module is structurally sound on its own and can be stacked or joined together to create multi-storey buildings.
Volumetric vs. other construction types
- Traditional building: Workers build everything from scratch on the actual construction site, exposed to weather.
- Panelised modular (2D): Factories make flat walls and floors, which are shipped flat and put together on-site.
- Volumetric modular (3D): Factories build the entire 3D room, which arrives on-site ready to be hooked up to utilities.
Core Benefits
- Massive time savings: On-site foundation work and off-site factory building happen at the same time, cutting project schedules by up to 50%.
- Superior quality control: Building inside a controlled factory environment eliminates weather damage and allows for strict quality checks.
- Reduced waste: Materials are digitally measured and cut in mass quantities, significantly reducing material waste and carbon footprint.
- Less site disruption: Because most of the building happens off-site, there is minimal noise, dust, and traffic disruption around the actual property.
