World's Tallest Modular Building

A combination of mystical views and practical thinking has led to the creation of the world’s tallest modular building. Atlantic Yards in Brooklyn, New York, has been selected as the site where a 32-story, 348,000 sq. ft. modular apartment tower named “B2” will be built. There is no date selected yet for construction to begin, but the estimated time it will take to construct the finished product is rumored to be anywhere from 2 to 6 months from start to finish. One of the most incredible feats to be accomplished was successful negotiation with the unions on integrating a new concept into the modular building industry.

Engineers were able to use 3-dimensional computer models to incorporate lateral bracing within the structure to ensure the integrity of the project. Great care is being taken to allocate large areas to fireproofing materials that will protect the future residents. Soundproofing measures are factored into the construction and there is an overall sense of safety being a paramount issue. Given the hype surrounding the announcement of this project, future buildings of all types could be affected forever based on the success or failure of the B2 project. Touted as a complete city within one building this modular apartment tower can serve approximately 100,000 residents within its modular walls. The building will also give residents access to public spaces such as a fitness center, bike storage, a resident lounge, game room, yoga/dance studio and a roof terrace.

The advantages for embracing modular creations are enormous. Most of the construction takes place at an off-site factory allowing for better quality control. Traditionally built hotels and apartment buildings often have hidden flaws that have led to headline disasters. Weather conditions affect key components of a building constructed from the ground up; concrete may not settle correctly due to time factors. The speed at which a modular building can be built helps avoid many problems associated with traditional construction methods.

Large structures that are already in place can integrate any additions or expansions with the use of modular construction. The exterior finish on a modular addition can be adapted to match the existing structure so there is a seamless integration.

Modular construction also allows little disruption to the lives of current residents or guests. It is a huge enticement for companies needing to expand while maintaining current revenues without interruption because the majority of construction takes place off-site.

Upon completion, B2 will dwarf the current world’s tallest modular building, a 25 story-housing unit completed in Manchester, England in 1996. B2 will also gain the distinction of being the second tallest building in the world, behind the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, built with traditional construction.

America has a long history of prefab construction. From the “Lincoln Logs” cabins that could be ordered by catalog, to the barn raising traditions of 19th century, we have displayed an aptitude for creatively constructing parts of dwellings before fitting those parts together to complete the whole building. The future of building will be determined during the prefab construction of B2 as it is constructed module by module.