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What Are The Three Types of Modular Buildings?

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Modular buildings are revolutionizing the construction world, but there’s more to their classification than meets the eye. While most people are familiar with the 3 main types—permanent, relocatable, and hybrid—this article will dive deeper into these categories, offering additional insight by exploring how we can also classify them based on structure design and Mobility. 

Whether you’re considering a residential, commercial, or temporary project, understanding these types will help you make informed decisions. Let’s dive in and break down the details!

A modern modular building on water with dark panels and large glass windows, set against urban buildings.

3 Modular Buildings Types by Structural Design

This classification is primarily based on the modules’ characteristics and how they are assembled and used in construction. Let’s take a closer look at these design types.

Fully Enclosed Modules

These modules are complete structures with four walls, a ceiling, and a floor, offering fully enclosed spaces, Fully Enclosed Modules also named Volumetric Modules, can be understood as a form of ordinary modular architecture. The design typically includes extra support structures, such as steel reinforcements, corner braces, and additional load-bearing columns, to maintain stability, especially in taller buildings. 

These modules are ideal for creating private, functional rooms that can serve a variety of purposes, from commercial spaces like retail shops and healthcare clinics to specialized facilities such as laboratories or emergency response centers. They are also commonly used for offices, classrooms, or residential units.

Semi-Open Modules

This type allows for some open space within the module, making it a great option for flexible environments like outdoor classrooms or open-air markets. They usually require additional structural support, such as corner posts or central pillars, to maintain stability. 

Semi-open modules strike a balance between indoor and outdoor functionality, perfect for spaces that need airflow or openness without sacrificing strength. These modules are also ideal for community centers, event venues, or temporary exhibition halls, where adaptability and visibility are key.

Completely Open Modules

Designed with one or more sides open, these modules are perfect for applications like loading docks or covered outdoor areas. They generally require strong edge beams for structural integrity and are often combined with other module types to create larger, more complex structures. 

These open modules offer the most flexibility when it comes to large, spacious areas where the interior needs to remain exposed, making them ideal for warehouses, carports, sports pavilions, and even outdoor dining areas or market stalls.

Comparison of Three Types of Modular Buildings Divided by Structural Design

This table compares Fully Enclosed, Semi-Open, and Completely Open Modules based on factors like customization, cost, environmental impact, speed, load capacity, and materials.

CategoryFully Enclosed ModulesSemi-Open ModulesCompletely Open Modules
Customization FlexibilityHigh. Fully customizable interiors and exteriors.Moderate. Some flexibility but limited by open areas.Low. Limited customization, mainly for open spaces.
CostHigher. More complex structure and support.Moderate. Less complex, lower material costs.Lower. Simple structure with minimal materials.
Environmental ImpactGoodBetterBest
Production SpeedFastFastFast
Construction SpeedFast. Quick on-site assembly.Fast. Quick on-site assembly.Fast. Quick on-site assembly.
Load CapacityHigh. Suitable for structures requiring strong support.Moderate. Suitable for medium load-bearing needs.Low. Best for low-load or temporary structures.
MaterialsSteel structure combined with concrete (e.g., steel framing with reinforced concrete panels).Steel frame with galvanized steel panels (e.g., Grade 50 steel for load-bearing).Lightweight steel frame with galvanized steel panels.

Each modular type—Fully Enclosed, Semi-Open, and Completely Open—offers unique benefits. Fully Enclosed suits private spaces, Semi-Open is great for flexible areas, and Completely Open is fast, cost-effective, and ideal for low-load or temporary use. Choose the best fit for your project!

3 Modular Building Types by Lifespan and Mobility

This classification is based on the expected lifespan and mobility of the modular buildings, offering flexibility based on the project’s duration and need for relocation.

Permanent Modular Buildings (PMB)

PMBs are designed for long-term use, typically lasting 50+ years. They are ideal for permanent structures like offices or schools, offering durability, compliance with local codes, and functionality that matches traditional buildings

For projects like these, we provide customized manufacturing and prefabrication, ensuring each module is built to your exact specifications and ready for quick deployment on-site.

Important consideration: When choosing PMBs, ensure the modular building meets local codes and assess site factors like leveling, load capacity, and accessibility. Poor site conditions may require foundation work or road adjustments, adding costs and time to the project.

Related Reading: What Is The Difference Between Temporary And Permanent Modular Buildings?

Relocatable Modular Buildings (RMB)

RMBs are ideal for temporary or movable uses, with a lifespan of 10-20 years. They’re easy to relocate and reassemble, making them perfect for construction sites or emergency shelters. These buildings, often referred to as Temporary Modular Buildings, offer the same flexibility and adaptability for short-term applications.

To support these needs, we offer efficient prefabrication, ensuring that the modules can be quickly manufactured and ready for fast deployment and multiple relocations.

Important consideration: We recommend using our bolt connection method, which ensures strong connections while improving the efficiency of disassembly and reassembly.

Hybrid Modular Buildings

Hybrid Modular Buildings combine modular core structures with traditional materials for exterior finishes, offering flexibility and a lifespan of 30+ years. Because of their adaptability and balanced design, Hybrid Modular Buildings are ideal for retail spaces, mixed-use developments, and educational facilities where both functionality and aesthetic appeal are essential. 

To ensure seamless integration of both building methods, we provide high-quality prefabricated components that meet the specific needs of both modular and traditional construction, guaranteeing a durable and efficient solution.

Important consideration: Hybrid buildings require careful integration of modular and traditional components, so planning for design coordination is key to avoiding mismatched aesthetics or construction delays.

Comparison of Three Types of Modular Buildings Divided by Lifespan and Mobility

This table compares Permanent Modular Buildings (PMB), Relocatable Modular Buildings (RMB), and Hybrid Modular Buildings based on key factors like customization flexibility, cost, environmental impact, production and construction speed, load capacity, and materials.

CategoryPMB (Permanent Modular Buildings)RMB (Relocatable Modular Buildings)Hybrid Modular Buildings
Customization FlexibilityHigh. Fully customizable interiors and exteriors.Moderate. Limited customization, mainly for interiors.High. Modular core with customizable exteriors.
CostHigher. More complex structure and materials.Lower. More cost-effective for short-term use.Moderate. Balanced cost with both modular and traditional elements.
Environmental ImpactGoodBetterBest
Production SpeedFast. Standardized manufacturing in a controlled environment.Fast. Quick production, slightly affected by design complexity.Moderate. Mixing modular and traditional methods can delay production.
Construction SpeedFast. Quick on-site assembly, but requires permanent setup.Very Fast. Easy to assemble and relocate quickly.Moderate. Integration of traditional materials may slow assembly.
Load CapacityHigh. Strong structural integrity for long-term use.Moderate. Suitable for medium load-bearing needs.Moderate. Strong enough for most applications, but less load-bearing.
MaterialsDurable materials like steel and concrete.Lightweight materials, primarily steel frames, and panels.Mix of modular components and traditional materials.

Permanent Modular Buildings provide durability and customization for long-term projects. Relocatable Modular Buildings excel in flexibility and cost-effectiveness for temporary uses. Hybrid Modular Buildings combine modular efficiency with traditional aesthetics for balanced, adaptable designs. Choose the type that aligns best with your project needs!

Choose You Modular Buildings At SteelPRO PEB

Modular buildings come with several key advantages. They are built using prefabricated components, which not only speeds up assembly but also helps reduce construction noise. Additionally, they are cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and highly customizable, making them a perfect fit for a wide range of projects and specific requirements.

In one sentence, when considering lifespan and mobility, we typically divide them into Permanent Modular Buildings (PMB), Relocatable Modular Buildings/Temporary Modular Buildings (RMB), and Hybrid Modular Buildings. Alternatively, based on structural design, we have Fully Enclosed, Semi-Open, and Completely Open modules.

At SteelPRO PEB, we offer a wide range of these modular building types, including Temporary Modular Buildings. For Fully Enclosed Modules, we specialize in modular homes and Modular Apple Cabin. For Semi-Open Modules, we can design open-air restaurants or beachside kiosks. For Completely Open Modules, we provide outdoor sports bleachers or steel pavilions. Our Container House are an excellent choice if you’re looking for Relocatable Modular Buildings. As for Permanent and Hybrid Modular Buildings, we ensure innovative designs and reliable delivery for any long-term or flexible project.

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