Abstract
Modular construction, which involves factory-based modular unit manufacturing followed by installation at a construction site, has been recognized as one of the sustainable construction methods. Its advantages are known to be implemented through (1) standardized design, (2) standardized production method, and (3) large-scale development (mass production system). These three conditions are basic requirements for modular construction market expansion, but it is difficult to define that these conditions are a prerequisite for judging whether modular construction applied or not. Nevertheless, public development companies in regions or countries where modular construction has just begun thought that modular construction should meet all three conditions that are suitable for applying public construction projects. This is because it is difficult to compare conventional construction projects with similar conditions to modular construction projects. This paper analyzes the cost and duration data of three small-scale public construction rental housing (PCRH) projects involving modular construction in Korea. These cases presented herein include a public college student dormitory, public low-rise rental housing, and public mid-rise rental housing in small-scale development projects. Those were applied not standardized design (common design and regulation), but were reflected in each project’s demands (different design and regulation). To compare it, this paper analyzed 91 public housing provision projects’ construction data from 2011 to 2017 from one of the public rental housing provision companies in Korea. Among them, 19 small-scale public rental housing data were extracted for comparing with modular construction project data. The results show that, even if not standardized, the design and production process, and modular construction durations, were more effective—but costs were similar or expensive. Based on the conclusion drawn from three cases, this paper presents important considerations for the application of modular construction in other small-scale public construction rental housing projects from the perspective of public development companies.
Highlights
Following Butlin and Bruntland defines sustainable construction as “development that meets the needs of present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” [1,2]
Supplied for the purpose of conversion after a lease of a given period In Korea, Public Rental Housing (PRH) activities can be classified into two main categories: Public construction rental housing (PCRH) and public purchase rental housing (PPRH)
Public rental housing is important both for people who need guaranteed low-cost housing welfare and those who need residential stability until it becomes economically possible to buy a house. These houses should be constructed to minimize environmetal degradation at resonable construction costs. It has to be constructed in order for public rental housing to satisfy both the provider and the consumer simultaneously, such housing must deliver both reasonable construction costs and rapid supply
Summary
Following Butlin and Bruntland defines sustainable construction as “development that meets the needs of present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” [1,2]. WBDG (Whole Building Design Guide) defines “the main objectives of sustainable design are to reduce, or completely avoid, depletion of critical resources like energy, water, land, and raw materials; prevent environmental degradation caused by facilities and infrastructure throughout their life cycle; and create built environments that are livable, comfortable, safe, and productive [5].”. Considering both sustainable construction and sustainable design definitions, current construction industry faces the challenge of finding new ways to replace existing construction methods at the beginning of the design stage. This paper proposes additional requirements for public housing provisions that use modular construction
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