The Advantages and Importance of Modular Housing for Correctional Facilities

One in every hundred people are incarcerated in the United States today. Due to these high numbers, correctional facilities are overcrowded and in need of inmate housing. Many inmates are facing poor sleeping conditions because of a lack of space including makeshift cots on hard concrete floors. Correctional facilities are choosing modular prison housing as an efficient and quick space solution to ease overcrowding.

Modular housing is a more time efficient solution to inmate overcrowding because buildings can be completed 30-50 percent faster than with traditional construction. This is particularly helpful for correctional facilities needing an immediate solution. In addition to its speed, modular construction also results in less site disruption and reduced material waste.

Modular buildings can be custom designed to suit the needs of each correctional facility with many flexible design options. The different modular options include inmate housing, minimum and medium security buildings, medical facilities, juvenile detention facilities and guard houses.  Buildings can be a temporary or permanent solutions and range from single story open floor bunking to multi-story secluded dormitories.

Modular buildings meet or exceed the same construction codes as traditionally built inmate facilities. In addition, modular buildings adhere to all federal, local and state security and safety concerns. Buildings can be equipped with bulletproof glass, surveillance systems and security doors.

Modular construction is the best way to meet the needs of inmates and the community.

Modular Correctional Facilities

With roughly one in every 100 adults in the United States incarcerated, correction facilities are experiencing an extreme degree of overcrowding. In fact, with budget cuts and a lack of funding, the prison system is desperate to find a plausible solution. In the meantime, correctional institutions should take a look at relieving the crowding strain by using modular construction to take care of their excess inmate housing needs.

 Besides the obvious speed of using modular construction, modular buildings offer more advantages for constructing medium and minimum security facilities such as flexibility and cost effectiveness. Complying with all federal, state and local regulations, these buildings can be customized to include surveillance equipment and other necessary items to maintain security parameters. 

Modularcorrectional facilities are primarily built at a factory. Once the bulk of construction is complete, modules are transported to any location inmate housing may be needed. Once delivered, final interior and exterior finishes are applied and utilities are connected. This accelerated construction process results in a shorter project timeline and earlier occupancy. 

For correctional institutions looking for an inmate housing solution, a modular building offers a cost-effective and long-term answer. Modular buildings are just as safe, secure and protective of public welfare as alternative options. With overcrowding continuing to be a foreseeable problem, administrators are urged to take action now by considering modular construction.