Rethinking modular buildings

Andrew Nicholls from S Jones Modular Buildings, part of S Jones Containers, explains how advances in modular cabins and container-based solutions can bring tangible benefits to a variety of different construction projects. 

As specifiers working across education, healthcare, commercial and retail sectors respond to complex regulations, tighter budgets and evolving user needs, developing flexible infrastructure has never been more important.  

Modular buildings are not a new concept, but it’s fair to say they have moved far beyond their early reputation as being a temporary solution. Once seen as basic overflow spaces, today they present a versatile, durable and efficient option for long-term use across a number of different sectors. Our dedicated Modular Buildings division supplies high-performance, fully finished spaces that are built off-site under controlled conditions. These purpose-built cabins and containers are manufactured and pre-fabricated to offer a lifespan of at least 25 years, challenging the idea that modular construction is only for the interim. 

This shift from short-term solution to long-term investment is evident in the projects being delivered, from new classrooms and SEND facilities to healthcare consulting suites, commercial office expansions and retail pop-ups. We are seeing modular buildings increasingly chosen not just for speed of construction, but for the quality, flexibility and long-term value they offer. 

A teachable moment 

Speed is one of the key advantages of modular construction, offering quick expansion with minimal disruption. Schools can complete works during holidays, healthcare providers can add clinics without interrupting care, and commercial or retail spaces can become operational faster with reduced downtime.  

In the education sector, modular buildings offer a fast, flexible and future-proof solution to rising pupil numbers, evolving curriculum needs as well as tighter budgets and stricter efficiency targets. Despite their many advantages, modular buildings still face some outdated assumptions. The idea that they are visually unappealing or less robust than traditional structures is simply not true, as they can be thoughtfully designed, well-insulated, and finished to a high standard. By incorporating decorative facades and energy-efficient systems, and giving schools the potential for future expansion, they offer a flexible solution that can adapt with the needs of the staff and students. 

Challenging the traditional view of a modular classroom, the unit we supplied for the Grow Learn Play Project CIC in Banbury is fully insulated and features extensive glazing to flood the interior with natural light. The unit has also been designed with a fire rating of REI 30, meaning its structural integrity will resist fire for at least 30 minutes to allow safe evacuation.  

A healthy alternative  

In the healthcare sector, modular buildings can also transform how providers respond to patient demand and changing regulatory standards. Clinics, diagnostic hubs and even modular wards can be delivered rapidly, with flexible layouts tailored to clinical workflows and compliance with relevant Health Technical Memorandums and Health Building Notes guidelines. Offsite construction allows healthcare environments to be expanded or reconfigured without interrupting essential services, while offering long-term durability.  

Offsite construction also enables a higher degree of quality control, which can translate into reduced maintenance needs over time. In addition, the use of modular buildings can support environmental goals by reducing construction waste. At a recent project at Orsett Heath Academy, S Jones supplied a fire-rated modular school blocks to house students during construction of the main buildings. Originally planned as a temporary solution, the quality and finish meant the units continued to be used for extracurricular activities long after the permanent facilities were complete. 

Preparing for the future 

Modular buildings are no longer just a quick fix but also a smart investment that helps specifiers meet current needs while preparing for what comes next. Schools need buildings that grow with them, healthcare providers need safe, scalable environments, businesses need offices that adapt to new ways of working and retailers need agile spaces that reflect consumer demand. Choosing a modular approach does not require a compromise in terms of the compliance, performance, or the appearance of a building.  

sjonescontainers.co.uk/modular-buildings