Modular Envy – Pod on the Edge of the Earth
19 June 2014
A History of Modular Buildings
19 June 2014World firsts – modular builds that have pushed the design barriers.
Here we take a look at the extensive innovation within the modular industry and explore Pre-Fabs that have become the first of their kind.
The World’s First Modular Shopping Mall.
Box park is the world’s first pop-up shopping mall. It’s currently enjoying its third year in Shoreditch High Street where it houses an array of tasty street food shops and fashion outlets. Designed by Waugh Thistleton, the ‘mall’ is made up entirely of shipping containers providing low cost leases and fit outs for businesses in comparison to conventional real estate. On top of being affordable, leases are flexible and Box Park offers a desirable alternative to long and onerous lease terms. Box Park is buzzing on a sunny summer afternoon as it’s terrace space (on the roof of a shipping container) is filled with Shoreditch workers on their lunch break soaking up some rays. But Boxpark won’t be here forever – as with all modular builds it can be erected and dismantled very quickly. You’ve got until 2016 to check it out.
The World’s First Airport SnoozeCube
If you’re lucky enough to have a changeover in Terminal 1 at Dubai’s Airport, you can look forward to spending the intervening hours in the comfort of your own SnoozeCube. Designed by Larry Swann, a Kiwi who was inspired by the Tom Hanks film ‘The Terminal’, the world’s first modular accommodation for airports meets the needs of travellers for safe, affordable and convenient places to rest between long-haul flights.
Each unit is air-conditioned and has high-speed internet in addition to the main components: a large bed and LCD screen which not only offers a selection of music and TV, but is linked to the airport’s own flight departure system to make sure that even the most rested of SnoozeCube users doesn’t miss their connection.
The World’s First Wooden Modular Skyscraper
15 years ago, Michael Green, a Canadian architect proposed a 20 storey structure be made from prefabricated modular technology using cross laminated timber panels. Now, he is proposing a ‘Tallwood’ Tower in Vancouver. At 30 stories, Green’s latest proposal seems to be sparking a renaissance in using wood to build urban high rises – a concept that might seem far-fetched to city dwellers used to living in concrete jungles.
There are significant environmental benefits to the wooden method and Green has been recognised for his sustainable design innovation and eco-architectural vision.
Over in Singapore, there are those who have undertaken even more daring design feats with the City having hosted a Bamboo Skyscraper Competition in 2013.
The World’s First Modular Boat
Now owning a boat is always cool, but owning a modular boat is seriously cool! Ethos E30 is a modular boat that harnesses the flexibility of modular with features that can be rearranged depending on what you need the boat for. Be it fishing or pleasure sailing, you can modify the shape quickly and easily to suit your purpose.
The World’s First Modular Castle
Because modular homes are custom built, you can really stamp your own design on them. They say the Englishman’s home is his castle and this resident has obviously taken the age-old aphorism to heart!
Whilst your own modular build aspirations might be more modest, these World Firsts show just how much is possible within the industry. Reds10 are here to get your project off the ground no matter what the scope or scale.
Get in touch today!
Image: Boxpark,SnoozeCube, The Economist, Ethos Boats, Castle Homes