The vast range of modular buildings

3 min read | Matt Goff | April 2018

If you’re looking at options when it comes to modular buildings, you’ve probably realised just how many there are. With so many choices available, it’s often difficult to decide which building is best for you.

Here we’re going to explore what modular buildings are, why they’re beneficial and some of the options that are available.

What is a modular building?

A modular building is the most popular alternative available to traditional construction methods. These buildings are manufactured offsite and are suitable for a range of sectors including education, healthcare and residential.

The advantages of modular

Modular construction has become increasingly popular for a variety of reasons, and has numerous benefits, making it one of the best options for your home or business:

Cost-effective

It’s one of the best options available for anybody looking for a cost-effective solution for their home or their business. Especially for people who might be looking for their first home. It offers everybody the opportunity to own their own space, simply because it’s so kind to your bank balance.

Easily adapted

If you need a space that you can easily make changes to in the future, modular can be the solution. You can easily expand modules or remove if you need to downsize due to the way they’re built. This means that you can make changes without all of the trouble of having to pay for a traditional extension.

Short construction period

It doesn’t take too long to construct one of these buildings, which is one of the main selling points. As you’ll be aware, brick and mortar buildings take a long period of time to construct. With modular, construction times are considerably reduced. Why? Modular structures are constructed offsite and then installed onsite in a matter of days or hours, so problems such as the weather don’t impact the construction process.

Types of building

As mentioned earlier, there’s a variety of buildings that are classified as modular buildings:

Modular housing

This option is for everyone. Modular housing is an up-and-coming form of housing that you’ll find worldwide. It’s an increasingly popular option for young people who are looking to invest in their first home, simply because it’s cost-effective to move into one of these properties as opposed to other construction methods. It’s perfect for those who can’t afford a traditional house for whatever reason. The materials are cheaper and construction is completed in a factory; both contributing factors to it being a great way to move into owning your own property.

Modular education building

Schools have smaller budgets than they have ever had in the past. This means that cheaper, high-quality education buildings are perfect for schools that need to expand but on a budget. Modular buildings can be used for any form of education, as they are an extremely adaptable option. This means that you can use them for primary schools, secondary schools, and extended education locations. Modular education buildings are the best option for schools as the space is adaptable. It can be changed year upon year to meet demand.

Off-site manufactured modular and relocatable cabins offer companies a flexible, efficient solution for boosting eco-credentials, as they can be readily adapted with sustainable features that enhance energy efficiency.


Thurston Group continues to prioritise sustainability, working towards our goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. Our 2023 Carbon Footprint Report, developed in partnership with Carbon.Climate.Certified, provides a detailed analysis of our environmental impact across three facilities in Wakefield, Catfoss, and Hull.