Modular construction offers an efficient, low-cost, low-waste alternative to traditional building methods. Companies that use modular designs, which are prefabricated before arriving at their intended location, can create more homes at a faster rate, too. Learn more about Modular construction: Scandinavia’s answer to urban housing challenges.

It should come as little surprise, then, that the region that gave the world IKEA is leading the charge on prefabricated homes. Today, plenty of Swedes, Danes, Fins, and Norwegians have already bought modular houses and lead happy lives in their small, well-designed homes.

Modular construction can be particularly powerful in urban areas, where limited space and high demand put real pressure on local government. These prefabricated homes provide affordable housing for many and can help city planners fill demand quickly.

Modular Construction

Modular construction has been on the rise in recent years. This is largely thanks to technological breakthroughs, which now allow modular construction companies to design, assemble, and ship high-quality homes at a low cost. It’s not just homeowners that have jumped on the modular design bandwagon, either. Today, businesses are ordering pre-fabricated offices for their sites, and are embracing the benefits of modular design, which include:

• Reduced Waste: Unlike production on building sites, most materials stay within the factory and any excess can be reused. It’s also in the best interests of the fabricator to produce minimal waste, as this will reduce costs associated with over-purchasing and storage.
• Shorter Timelines: Scandinavian demand for housing is booming. Pre-fabricators can fill this need quickly as modular buildings can be assembled on a fast-moving production line. On-site constructors can work quickly at the same time by laying foundations and completing additional work like connecting plumbing.
• Fewer Delays: Inclement weather can postpone timelines and cause costs to spiral. Modular design, however, occurs indoors and can be complete come wind, rain, or snow.

While modular design does face some challenges, the benefits are clear for folks who live in urban Scandinavian areas and want a home that will be delivered on budget and without delay. As modular construction grows, expect to see greater variety in designs, too. This is crucial, as some folks may be hesitant to order cookie-cutter-esque housing. Many cutting-edge modular designers already offer customization to overcome this issue and may be willing to work with prospective homeowners to make changes that better suit their needs.

Modular Construction: Scandinavia’s Answer to Urban Housing Challenges, article continues below image.

Swedish Uptake

The potential of modular construction is huge. If leveraged correctly, prefabricated homes can help close the global housing shortage and may bring house prices back down to sensible levels. This is why Sweden is pioneering the pre-fab process and benefiting from off-site construction on multiple fronts.

Today, companies like Lindbäcks Bygg are capable of producing homes with a floor plan of up to 25,000 square feet with a quick turnaround. These homes aren’t pre-fab cookie-cutter buildings, either. Lindbäcks Bygg utilizes loose timber laws to produce semi-bespoke homes for private and public clients. This construction process is primarily driven by a blend of robotics and human builders, meaning each building is produced with a high degree of accuracy and is quality-assured.

Scandinavians who have embraced modular construction find that the designs align with their sense of taste and style, too. In 2011, “Lokki” — a 1,206-square-meter modular cabin — won the Log House of the Year Award thanks to its seagull-inspired design and hygge vibe. Similar pre-fabricated designs, like “Gapahuk” and “The Plus House”, are strategically designed to help folks lead full lives in small spaces.

Home Offices

The rise of remote working has been a boon for folks who enjoy working from home. However, many urban dwellers may find that their living situation suddenly becomes cramped when they are forced to work from their kitchen table or bedroom.

Rather than squeezing themselves into nooks and crannies around the house, Scandinavians who WFH while living in the city can consider ordering budget-friendly prefabricated home office spaces. Pre-fab units are designed to fit in even the tightest of urban gardens and add a lot of value to the home. They have plenty of windows to let light in and give folks a chance to escape the chaos of their home during the workday.

Opting for a pre-fab home office may be the perfect solution for Scandivans who have recently accepted a remote working position, too. When choosing a place to work remotely, employees must consider factors like core work hours and proximity to family and friends, as well as the quality of life they’ll have in their new location. This may convince many remote workers to stay in the city, even though they could move to the countryside. If this is the case, a pre-fab modular home office will give folks the dedicated workspace they need to be successful in their new remote role.

Modular Construction: Scandinavia’s Answer to Urban Housing Challenges – Conclusion

Modular construction is on the rise in countries like Sweden — and for good reason. They offer low-cost, high-quality designs that can be completed with a quick turnaround and minimal waste. This makes prefabricated homes the perfect option for folks who live in urban areas and are looking for affordable, new housing. Pre-fabs are great for people who work from home while living in the city, too, as a small prefabricated home office provides the perfect sanctuary to work in peace without having to move to the countryside.

Modular Construction: Scandinavia’s Answer to Urban Housing Challenges, written dedicatedly for Daily Scandinavian by Ainsley Lawrence. Ainsley is a regular contributor to Daily Scandinavian. She is a freelance writer from the Pacific Northwest. Ainsley is interested in better living. through technology and education. She is frequently lost in a good book.

Feature image (on top): © Valentina Giarre / Unsplash