Design Tips For Your Next Modular Building

Modular buildings are incredibly adaptable, and can be configured to meet a full range of different needs – but with so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start.

In this guide, we look at some of the decisions you need to make when designing your next modular building, to ensure that you get the structure that’s right for you and your organisation.

Traditional or modern

When it comes to the style and shape of your modular building, you’ve got a couple of options.

The first is to go for a traditional modular building – these are the fairly simple, utilitarian, box shaped structures that most people think of when they hear the words “modular buildings”. 

Basic and functional, the design of the traditional modular building hasn’t changed much is the last 30 years, and whilst perfectly serviceable, they aren’t particularly attractive, and are instantly identifiable as modular structures.

The alternative is to go for a more modern, contemporary and design led modular building, that’s made to look more like a permanent building, like the Clearview Modular Building. 

Designed to be aesthetically superior to traditional modular structures, the Clearview Modular Building features larger windows, unique entrance design, and an external perimeter skirt that enhances the exterior appeal of the building and that hides any unsightly foundation pads.

The function

The most important consideration that you need to take into account when designing any modular building is its function. Whilst it’s fairly easy to extend or reconfigure modular buildings at a later date, it’s more time efficient and cost-effective to get it right first time!

Before you start to work on the designs, think about who will be using the building, and what they will be using it for. During this process, write down all the facilities you require, and consider the practicalities and interior layout, as well as any future requirements that may need to be accommodated in the design.

If you’re struggling with any aspect of this process, a good modular building supplier will be able to provide you with free advice and some example layouts to help ensure you make the right decision.

Let there be light

If you’re planning on using your modular building as an office, classroom, training suite or salesroom, then it’s sensible to ensure you get a modular building that lets in enough natural light.

Natural light helps to make spaces seem larger and more welcoming, and helps to increase the productivity and wellbeing of people working inside them. 

Traditional modular buildings tend to come supplied with fairly small windows, but there are options available (like the Clearview Modular Building), which feature larger, full length feature windows designed to help maximise all available natural light. 

Another alternative is to have the smaller windows on modular buildings replaced with larger ones that let in more light.

Choosing the right finish

Modular buildings are available in a wide range of colours, and choosing the right one can really help to improve the aesthetic appeal of your building, and create the right first impression to your customers.

When designing your building, it’s always best to opt for a palette that matches or complements the colours of your existing structures, so that they blend in to the overall environment.

In addition to different colours, some modern modular buildings, like the Clearview Modular Building, are also available with timber cladding. This attractive option can transform the look and feel of your modular building, making them appear to be more natural, permanent and aesthetically pleasing.

Timber cladding is a particularly good option for modular buildings located in remote or countryside settings, helping them to blend into the environment.

Future flexibility

During the planning and design stage, it’s sensible to consider the future requirements of your organisation.

If your business is growing, it’s better to opt for a larger building than you currently need, so that it is capable of meeting the future staffing levels and space requirements of your business.

In the same way, if you’re buying for an education setting, consider the future requirements of your school in terms of capacity when specifying the size and facilities of your modular building.

When it comes to positioning your building, think about the access, and whether you’ve got enough space around your modular building to adapt or extend it in the future if your circumstances change.

How we can help

At Portable Building Sales, we’ve got a wealth of experience in helping organisations across every sector to get the modular buildings that are right for them.

We’re also the UK’s only supplier of the Clearview Modular Building, an advanced, cost-effective and aesthetically superior modular building that’s available in a full range of sizes and configurations.

With a comprehensive, end-to-end service, extensive experience, and friendly, professional teams, we’ll ensure that you make the right decisions when it comes to specifying your next modular building.