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Building elements

Volumetric module

A volumetric module is a complete three-dimensional section of a building, such as a room or apartment, built in a factory and transported to site as a unit.

Also known as volumetric construction, modular construction, modular building, room module, 3D module, pod

Volumetric (or modular) construction takes prefabrication furthest: the walls, floor and ceiling are assembled into a box in the factory, and interior finishes, bathrooms, services and even furniture can be installed before the module leaves. On site, modules are craned onto foundations and connected.

The trade-off is transport. A module is mostly air, so road dimensions limit its size, and shipping it costs more than a flat pack of panels. Many producers therefore combine modules for the service-dense rooms with flat panels for the rest of the building.

Related terms
Panelized constructionPanelized construction builds a house from flat prefabricated wall, floor and roof panels that are assembled on site. Offsite constructionOffsite construction is building in a factory rather than on the building plot, then delivering the finished elements or modules to site. Prefabricated houseA prefabricated house is a house whose main parts (walls, floors, roof) are manufactured in a factory and assembled on site.
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