Moe South Street Primary School
Victorian Government’s Permanent Modular School Program
Case Study4 min read
Modular building is a method of construction where a building is built off-site in modules, which are then transported to be assembled at its designated location (on-site).
A modular building is often used for temporary accommodation in remote working locations, for residential and industrial buildings, schools, hospitals and during emergency events where setting up shelter and services is very time sensitive.
The Modular building offers many benefits and is often referred to as the future of the construction industry. This is primarily because constructing the buildings off-site can be more sustainable and better for the environment. There are more efficiencies associated with building off-site and all the leftover materials can be more easily recycled; carbon emissions related to transport are cut as there are fewer deliveries and workers involved. Moreover, there is less energy involved in the construction process; and the chances that the building will be re-used at its end of life is higher. From an investment perspective, building off-site provides faster construction and reduces labour costs.
The specifics of modular construction call for certain considerations when it comes to the choice of suitable insulation materials:
Modular construction relies heavily on the use of metal frames which can easily lead to poor thermal performance due to thermal bridging. If the insulation is placed in between metal frames, the high conductivity of the metal can lead to energy leaking out of the building. That is why a continuous insulation material is the best solution when it comes to modular building. A continuous insulation material, such as a rigid board, can provide consistent thermal performance, preventing unwanted loss or heat gain and strengthening the building envelope.
Modular buildings have strict requirements when it comes to space, as the modules need to not only fit perfectly together but also be easily transportable to their on-site location. There are special considerations when it comes to the width of buildings that are constructed using modular systems, as they need to fall under the permitted limits dictated by transit rules. Modules that fall outside of these parameters would call for special permits or stopping traffic which all add to the overall construction costs. A slim profile insulation product that helps achieve a bigger floor footprint can help keep the module size at a reasonable level without compromising the building envelope or causing transport issues down the line.
Modular buildings are often designed to be used across a range of different climate zones or can be re-purposed in a different climate zone at a later stage. In that case, the insulation used needs to be an adaptable solution, capable of performing well in the scorching heat of the Northern Territory to the harsh winters of Tasmania.
A lot of the modular buildings are special use buildings such as schools or hospitals. These types of buildings need to achieve higher energy performance and provide consistent occupant comfort levels. Under the National Construction Code, thermal comfort is taken into consideration and assessed under a PMV model. As insulation plays arguably the most important role when it comes to thermal comfort, the choice of the right material is crucial.
Kingspan Kooltherm insulation is the perfect solution for modular buildings. It offers a continuous layer of insulation, reducing the effects of thermal bridging. It is the thinnest commonly used insulation board for any specific R-value. Kooltherm is a thermoset phenolic insulation with a fibre-free core, making it ideal for use in healthcare environments. Being a thermoset material, it exhibits fire performance characteristics, demonstrating low flame spread and smoke emission.
Kingspan Insulation also offers a selection of flexible insulation products for various prefab solutions. Kingspan AIR-CELL is thermo-reflective insulation that provides a thermal break solution for metal-framed walls. AIR-CELL helps to reduce thermal bridging, improve air tightness, and decrease conductivity between building elements while being fast, versatile, and easy to use.
Browse our modular construction insulation products, including insulation boards for suspended metal frame floors, metal frame walls and metal frame roofs.
Kooltherm insulation boards are lightweight, making them easy to transport, handle and fast install.
Kooltherm's thin profile allows you to maximise lettable space and lifetime property value.
Products with a fibre free core.
Kooltherm is part of our Planet Passionate sustainability initiative.
Kooltherm K12 Framing Board
Framing board insulation suitable for internal wallsKooltherm K8 Cavity Board
Closed-cell cavity wall insulationKooltherm K10 G2 Soffit Board
Soffit board with a silver finish, suitable for ceiling insulationKooltherm K10 G2W White Soffit Board
White-faced soffit board suitable for ceiling insulationKooltherm K10 Plus Soffit Board
Insulated fibre cement board for concrete soffits with Group 1 fire ratingKooltherm K3 Floorboard
Underfloor insulation suitable for use under concrete slab on ground
