Adapteo’s rental modular buildings are a risk-free way to prepare for changing space requirements
Sweco’s designers are involved in nearly all Adapteo building projects around Finland. Rental modular buildings adapt to many uses, including health care, and can be moved from one location to another as space requirements change.
Adapteo, the largest supplier of adaptable modular buildings in the Nordic countries and the market-leader in Europe, has in recent years developed into a versatile real estate company. The renting out of light worksite facilities has evolved into providing more permanent solutions that require extensive design competence.
“We have outsourced nearly all the design to Sweco, since our partnership allows us to implement very diverse and demanding projects within tight schedules,” explains Adapteo’s Head of Design Aleksi Peltomaa. “For example, a typical school project can be completed in three to four months.”
Sweco is in charge of the architectural, structural and building service system design of modular buildings across Finland. “Last year, we worked on roughly 100 projects and will reach the same level this year,” explains Project Manager Riina Savikko from Sweco’s design team. “We also help Adapteo with geotechnical engineering and fire consultation, as needed, and will expand to VDC solutions as well.”
Increasingly demanding buildings created out of moveable modules
The structural solutions of modular buildings are highly standardised, but also highly adaptable. Some buildings act as temporary facilities for a year or two, others for a significantly longer period.
“For example, Finland’s first three-storey modular schools in Helsinki will be used for four to five years,” Savikko says. Buildings can be extended or reduced one module at a time, and if needed, modular buildings can be transferred to a different part of the city as the population structure changes.
It is also easy to change the purpose of use of facilities. “Technology is always tailored on a case-by-case basis, meaning that modular buildings can be used equally as offices, day care centres, cold facilities or even as chemical laboratories,” says Sweco’s HVAC Design Manager Arto Sarhela.
Modular buildings are increasingly used in health care as well. “We can implement various patient and treatment rooms in connection with existing hospitals, as well as independent treatment units and health clinics,” Peltomaa says. “Module building rentals are a risk-free way to prepare for changing space requirements.”
Energy efficiency equal to permanent construction
The latest modular buildings meet the Finnish and European requirements for energy efficiency and fire safety in permanent buildings (ETA). The user of the facilities can choose between electrical radiators, energy-efficient water-air-heat pumps and district heating.
Peltomaa feels that Sweco’s designers have had a significant role in developing the structural and technological solutions of modules. “We draw on the best development suggestions from the designers’ everyday work and can implement these new solutions quickly in practice as well.”
One joint effort has been the design of heat recovery systems for distribution and modular kitchens. “Module equipment can also be connected to existing automation systems for appropriate use and control,” Sarhela explains.
Vision of a sustainable society
Construction in Finland creates around 14.7 million tonnes of waste each year. Modular construction promotes material efficiency and circular economy, since the same modules can be reused in a new building, down to the concrete foundation piles.
“Our vision is a sustainable society that, in practice, can be realised through circular economy and wooden structures,” Peltomaa says.
Furthermore, all technology in the modules is designed to work for the entire service life of 20 years. “All technology can be dismantled and moved,” Sarhela says. Attention has also been paid to the ease of maintenance. “We know exactly what kind of equipment each module has and can easily access all technology.”