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Modular
Building
Associates
Installation
Criteria ~ Project Objectives
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Elevation Variations
Changes to the elevation of a modular building
can drastically alter the "Box Appearance". Modular buildings are
constructed in sections. These sections are pieced together to create
the finished floor plan. Nothing can beat modular buildings at getting
finished square footage on-site in a very short period of time and at a
reasonable price. The only problem with the system is that the finished
buildings typically look like big boxes or rectangles (as the case may
be).
Various "tricks of the trade" can be utilized
to minimize the "Box Appearance". Again, the solution is driven by
matching your needs and budget with your project objectives. To hide
the square appearance of your modular building, you can make changes to
the floor level, the roof line, the building depth, the color of trim,
the texture of siding, the height of landscaping, etc. You want to
draw the eye of your visitor away from the plain box shape and toward pleasant
features, colors and textures.
   
Think "Outside the Box" with MBA.
Ingress/Egress Design
Defining how people go into and exit your
modular building is one of the most important and most overlooked features
in modular construction. When I see an attractive modular building
with a poor Ingress/Egress Design, it reminds me of the gold ring placed
in the nose of a pig. The only answer is lack of experience and lack
of construction knowledge. Unfortunately, most modular retailers
do not know the different methods available for modular installation so
they go with what they understand. They park your trailer and either
build you some wood steps with ramp or rent you some aluminum steps.
If you establish your Installation Criteria,
it will define your Ingress/Egress and create an entrance that is attractive
and satisfies you Project Objectives. The entrance into your modular
building should be balanced and present a positive impression. The
use of auxiliary structures can dramatically impact the overall appearance
of your facility. Portico and pergola structures are very compatible
with modular buildings. Incorporating other elements such as site
excavation, raising the building grade, auxiliary structures, landscaping
and construction of sidewalks can completely eliminate the "Box Appearance".
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