Modular Approach

The structure for mass timber buildings is pre-fabricated offsite and shipped to the project site for installation / assembly. Shop fabrication for the mass timber columns and slabs is often done with a multi-axis CNC router, which allows for close quality control over dimensional tolerances and can achieve tolerances as low as 1/16” (compared to 1”+ for concrete or steel).

The same principles apply for modular MEP components which are also pre-fabricated and maintain the tight tolerances of manufactured components. This pre-fabricated synergy between building systems allows the building to be thought of as a kit of parts that is assembled on site instead of being custom built in place. This approach does require close coordination between the design team, fabricators, and contractors but this front end effort is rewarded with increased speed of construction in the field and greater quality control over the final results.

The pre-fabrication process for architectural and structural components is increasingly allowing for custom or complex geometries without a cost premium. In essence, this means that a project can have a more articulated, irregular, or varied form for the same cost as a standard form. This allows projects with repetitive modules (eg. residential dwelling units) to achieve a varied and dynamic architectural expression using the same kit of parts. Modular design principles can extend to façade design itself, where the ability to customize cladding and curtainwall can provide a project’s unique architectural character. For projects like this case study, which have multiple buildings with the same program elements located across a large site, this kit of parts approach provides the opportunity to build an architectural language from repetitive components which can be arranged in a unique way from building to building.