Code, Clarity, and Connection: A Behind-the-Scenes Win in Modular Construction

Published June 9, 2025. By Steve Dubin. Audree Grubesic is listed on the page.

Project

• West Holden Place.
• Five-story supportive housing project.
• Built with advanced volumetric modular construction.
• Developer: Adam Berger Development.
• Construction management: Farrington Construction Management Company.
• Modular builder: Nashua Builders in Boise, Idaho.

The issue

The project faced a lead-time problem with the originally specified exterior wall insulation.

The mods were already set, and the on-site schedule was already underway. The team needed an alternative that could arrive quickly and still meet performance and code requirements.

The solution

Polyiso continuous insulation was proposed as the replacement.

The team believed foam plastic insulation could not be used in Type III construction. The article says that is a myth.

Foam plastics can be used in Type III buildings if they meet specific fire performance standards in a tested exterior wall assembly.

The page specifically cites NFPA 285.

Outcome

• The team reviewed the actual code language.
• Supporting documentation was provided.
• Confidence in the change was established.
• An alternate insulation arrived onsite within eight working days of the initial conversation.
• The new material arrived ahead of the original product’s timeline.

People thanked in the article

• Adam Berger Development.
• Farrington Construction Management Company.
• The design team behind West Holden Place.
• Chris and Nathan at Vederra.

Main point

The article says the project moved forward because of open communication, honest information-sharing, and collaboration.

West Holden Place is presented as an example of finishing faster without sacrificing quality.