As the name implies, modular or prefabricated buildings consist of modules that are constructed off-site, then transported to and assembled at a permanent location. By their nature, modular buildings can be configured in any number of ways. This configurability makes them an ideal option for medical buildings.
Modular Buildings in Health Care
Because they can be configured with advanced air filtration and climate control systems, and constructed using fungal and microbial-resistant wall panels, for example, modular clean rooms and laboratories are widely used in health care facilities.
Since modular buildings are portable and can easily be transported from one location to another, they can also be used as mobile units and be completely equipped with the proper medical equipment for emergency response during crisis situations. Capacity expansion is not a problem in this case, as additional modular units can be added to accommodate large numbers of patients, if needed.
When dealing with limited floor space, the existing area of a medical facility can be expanded by stacking modular medical buildings one on top of the other. Even in the case that there is enough space for expansion, prefabricated medical buildings are an attractive option because they can be completed faster and are less costly to set up. Moreover, the quality of these buildings can match those of conventional buildings.
Compared to other construction methods, the use of modular medical buildings is environmentally sustainable. These buildings are reusable, after all.
Prefabricated medical buildings are also economical. It takes less money to add a modular building to an existing health care facility than it does to expand with more traditional construction methods. Plus, modular structures can be installed without disrupting critical operations. For this reason, modular medical buildings are a fixture in medical research, environmental testing, pharmaceutical, biotech, and veterinary applications.
Other features and options can be added to prefabricated medical buildings with ease. All-glass construction, shatter-resistant glass, chemical-resistant flooring — all of these are possible with modular medical buildings. Positive- and negative-pressure air handling systems, HEPA filtration options, air curtains, wet and chemical sprinkler systems can all be added. This range of customization options means a wide variety of applications for modular medical buildings.
Design Considerations for Modular Medical Buildings
There are three key things to consider when designing a modular medical building:
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Medical purpose
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Environmental control requirements
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Durability
The final design should consider all three of these things. For example, if the medical purpose is for disaster response to an area hit by a volcanic eruption, there might be a need for a fire suppression system and shatterproof glass, in case further eruptions occur.
The same goes for modular clean rooms. In these applications, there may be a need for an air filtration system, air-locked doors, and dust containment cabinets. For portable laboratories, HEPA air handling units can be installed in the floors or roof of a prefabricated medical building to maintain air quality.
The Smarter Option
In any of these instances — or for any health care construction project — assistance from reputable companies with expertise in custom modular buildings is crucial.
Modular medical buildings are a viable option for health care facilities looking to expand capacity and extend more services to patients. Compared to other building methods, prefab medical buildings cost less. They are also highly customizable, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. Portability further adds to the attractiveness of modular medical buildings.
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