Thursday, October 18, 2012

Modular Buildings for Retail Spaces



Modular buildings are prefabricated structures that consist of multiple building modules or sections.  Modular construction is often associated with temporary facilities, but the cost effectiveness of buildings has encouraged retail owners to utilize this prefabricated building method for permanent use as well.  
Permanent modular buildings are ideal for large retail spaces and convenience stores alike.  Off-site construction of buildings provide owners with a faster return on their investments due to shorter construction timelines as well as additional cost savings with sustainable features such as photovoltaic roof panels, sustainable cladding and low-e glazing to reduce heat gain. 
The renovation or expansion of an existing retail space can often displace staff and other occupants.  Swing space, or temporary building modules, can help in such instances to house displaced employees throughout construction.  This swing space concept allows retail stores to remain operational with minimum interruptions and prevents retailers from losing revenue.  Modular kiosks are also viable temporary (or permanent) solutions for retailers.  Kiosks, with their compact design, can open within 24 hours of being delivered to the site.
Technological advancements in traditional and modular construction enable builders to integrate the two construction types to expedite the building process.  The option of combining modular and traditional construction results in a turnkey project that is seamlessly integrated and masterfully created.  Modular construction, when combined with traditional construction, can also help reduce the project’s overall timeline by a month or more. These types of constructions can be applied to larger scale projects such as shopping malls with traditionally built common areas and the use of modular units for store and department spaces.
The flexibility and standardization of design with permanent modular structures provides a quality building that is highly functional and versatile; while temporary structures are ideal and are appealing solutions for swing spaces and kiosks.  These innovative design systems are unrivaled and can be applied to any renovation, expansion or new retail construction project.

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