Module: Embracing Reusability, Lightness, and Flexibility in Design
At MatrixLab, we specialize in designing modular structures, off-site construction systems, and adaptable architectural solutions through Öznur Çağlayan Architectural Workshop. Our expertise lies in creating designs that can be manufactured in a factory environment, solving complex architectural challenges through innovative construction methods. We understand the solutions – now it’s about collaborating on how to bring them to life.
Volumetric Off-Site Construction: A Design-Driven Approach
We focus on designing Volumetric Off-Site Construction techniques, providing solutions that meet the industry’s needs for faster construction, ease of assembly, clean production, reduced carbon emissions, and enhanced safety. Our designs allow buildings to adapt and expand, offering limitless possibilities while maintaining a light environmental footprint, whether built on soil, water, or sloped terrain.
What is Modular Construction?
According to the Modular Building Institute, “modular construction is a process where a building is designed off-site under controlled conditions, using the same materials and codes as traditionally constructed facilities, but in about half the time.” Modular construction includes multiple design approaches:
Volumetric Modular Construction: This method involves designing entire rooms or building sections – walls, floors, and ceilings – to be manufactured off-site and then transported to the final location for assembly.
Panelized Construction: We design interior and exterior wall panels to be prefabricated in a factory environment, with the remaining construction completed on-site.
Designing Modular Solutions vs. Traditional Construction
While modular construction can offer cost savings, its primary benefit lies in time efficiency. By designing for simultaneous site preparation and industrial assembly, project timelines are significantly reduced. For instance, a modularly designed hotel can open and begin operations 30-50% faster than a traditionally constructed one.
Other advantages include:
-Enhanced Worker Safety– Our designs are intended for safe, controlled production environments, reducing the risks of hazardous on-site conditions.
– Increased Productivity – We optimize designs for factory workflows, ensuring faster, more precise construction.
– Greater Cost Predictability – Our design-driven approach ensures that projects run smoothly, with fewer delays and cost overruns.
Off-Site Manufacturing Through a Design Lens
While we focus on design, the modular components are produced off-site by skilled manufacturers. This process ranges from individual elements such as walls and floors to entire buildings assembled from modular units. In some cases, up to 90% of the structure is prefabricated before being transported, minimizing on-site work and reducing total build time by up to 70%.
The modular systems we design simplify the construction process, much like assembling furniture or stacking modular components, making the construction process more efficient and scalable.
End-to-End Integration in Design
At MatrixLab, we provide end-to-end design services that ensure our modular building concepts are fully optimized for manufacturing and construction. We collaborate with producers to ensure seamless coordination from initial design to final assembly, delivering high-quality, efficient solutions.
Data-Driven Design for Optimized Outcomes
We use technology and data to inform our design processes, empowering project teams and manufacturers to achieve greater productivity. This approach ensures feedback loops that refine and improve both products and processes, from the design phase through construction completion.
Productized Design for Efficient Assembly
Our modular designs are created to simplify on-site assembly by turning building components into reproducible products. This enables manufacturers to scale efficiently while maintaining the flexibility to incorporate custom design elements tailored to each project’s unique needs.
Collaborative Design for Factory Production
By pushing as much of the completion process as possible to the factory environment, we enable producers to develop building components as products, saving both time and money while delivering high-quality results.
Supply Chain Awareness in Design
We design with full awareness of supply chain logistics, ensuring that our concepts align with efficient material usage, workmanship, and transportation, reducing overall project risks and improving cost control.
A Proven Design Portfolio
At MatrixLab, we’ve created numerous innovative modular building designs, including the award-winning Sunny Gardens in Bamako, which earned us the WAC 34th Cycle Award. We are excited to continue pushing the boundaries of modular design, collaborating with manufacturers to bring factory-produced buildings to life.