High-rise modular building: ten-year journey and future development

Abstract

Along with the sweeping adoption of prefabrication in the construction industry there has been increasing attention to and practice of exploring volumetric modular building technologies. While the modular approach has been reported with the benefits including shortened construction period, improved site health and safety, reduced construction waste, enhanced life cycle cost performance, lessons have also been learnt. More recently there have been cases of adopting modular construction for high-rise buildings that are a significant building type in cities. The aim of this paper is to review the 10-year journey of high-rise modular building and elicit learning for its future development. The research was carried out through a critical literature review, case studies with seven representative high-rise modular buildings constructed during the 10-year period from 2007 to 2017 selected worldwide from U.K., U.S., Singapore, Australia and China, and interviews with the project teams for verification and with industry stakeholders for consultation. The case studies together enabled a longitudinal examination of the adoption of high-rise modular buildings. Despite the available modular buildings in concrete and composite materials, steel framed solutions appear to be the norm for high-rise. Compared with the normal design decision criteria for prefabricated buildings, structural stability, wind load resistance, connection details emerge to be prominent considerations for high-rise modular solutions. While the many benefits claimed from prefabrication also apply to the use of modular building for high-rise, policy promotion, and client leadership are revealed to be the main drivers. Partnering between the client and its professional advisors and supply chains, particularly early contractors’ involvement, proves to be essential to secure project success. While there is in general premium direct building cost, cost neutrality can be demonstrated taking into account financial gains and operational savings. Learning for the future development of high-rise modular building is presented.