Building module

Faster, Smarter, More Efficient: Building Skills for Offsite Construction, published by CITB in April 2017, defines a building module as an: “Alternative name for ‘Pod’. A full area of a room manufactured offsite. Can be one of many units to make a complete building or can be placed inside the main structure as one room.”

The role of Standards in offsite construction, A review of existing practice and future need, published by BSi in 2019, states in relation to ‘module’: ‘These terms would imply a level of modular coordination. However, more commonly, they refer to volumetric building modules where the units form the structure of the building as well as enclosing useable space. The terms are also sometimes used to describe room modules, which do not incorporate their own superstructure. They are particularly popular for hotels and student residences due to the economies of scale available from many similar sized modules and the benefit of reduced site construction time.'

Offsite residential construction, Glossary of terms, published by Buildoffsite in 2018, defines a building module as a: ‘Self-contained volumetric element of building, typically room-sized, that has its own superstructure and is manufactured offsite. It is attached to or placed inside the main building structure and is typically used to house plant and services, washrooms and for similar relatively complex purposes. An alternative term for ‘pod’, but sometimes used to describe units that make up the whole building.’

For more information see: Pod.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• Hybrid building.
• Kit house.
• Modern methods of construction.
• Modular.
• Off-site construction.
• Pod.
• Prefabrication.
• Volumetric.