Modular Volume Templates for Standardized Core Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Volumetric modular construction faces challenges in achieving economies-of-scale due to variations in external building façades and elevations, limiting the realization of identical modular units and efficient off-site fabrication.
Innovation Solution
A modular building system with predefined volume templates and core libraries, allowing for standardized core and volume configurations, off-site fabrication, and flexible building layouts, exterior designs, and utility services, while enabling efficient assembly and connection of volumes on-site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If volumetric modular construction is used with standardized units, then economies-of-scale are achieved, but flexibility in building design and façade variations are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The building is divided into discrete volumetric modules that can be configured in different arrangements. Each module is a standardized unit that can be combined with others to create varied building layouts and designs, achieving both economies of scale through standardization and flexibility through combinatorial configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic configuration of modular units to create different building layouts and designs. The standardized modules can be arranged in various patterns and configurations to meet different architectural requirements, enabling flexibility without sacrificing the benefits of standardization.
2Productivity
If off-site factory fabrication is used, then construction efficiency and quality control are improved, but coordination complexity among multiple construction disciplines increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple construction disciplines (structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing) are merged and integrated within a single volumetric module. This consolidation allows all disciplines to be coordinated and assembled together in the factory setting, improving efficiency while managing complexity through integration rather than separate coordination of multiple independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
All construction disciplines are preliminarily assembled and coordinated within the volumetric module in the factory before final delivery. This preliminary action allows complex multi-discipline coordination to be completed in a controlled factory environment, simplifying on-site assembly and improving overall construction efficiency.
3Quantity of substance
If thousands of materials are delivered to factory for assembly, then comprehensive building components are achieved, but material management and assembly coordination become complex
Solution Approach 1:
Thousands of building materials and components are merged and integrated within the standardized volumetric module. This consolidation allows comprehensive building components to be achieved while managing material management and assembly coordination through the modular container approach, where all materials are organized and assembled within the defined module boundaries.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular building at a job site comprises one or more volumes templates, each comprising two or more core locations and a corridor all bounded within a volume footprint. A core for each core location is selected from a core catalog. Each core includes a base, at least three walls projecting upward from a floor of the base, a ceiling closing off an interior space, and an interior kit of internal walls, appliances, fixtures, and the like. Each volume template, the selected cores, and internal kits are constructed concurrently at a manufacturing facility along with external walls to complete each volume, which is transported to the job site. Adjacent volumes are connected together, with service lines of each core being connected with supply lines at the job site.