Audree Grubesic speaks with Heith Bibby, CEO of Mandeville Modular, in the Advancing Prefab series sponsored by Mandeville Modular. The post was published Feb 24 and is described as a 3 min read.
Mandeville Modular says sustainability is engineered into its system from the start. The company uses recycled components in assemblies, including drywall and structural elements.
The goal is to limit off-gassing materials and prioritize recycled inputs.
The post says material performance depends on training. When new materials or components are introduced, teams are trained on:
Mandeville Modular’s system uses a structural steel frame with light-gauge infill walls. The assemblies do not use organic materials within the structural envelope. Exterior sheathing uses composite concrete components.
The post mentions projects in Jamaica and the Bahamas. For high-corrosion climates, Mandeville Modular uses protective coatings on structural steel members to prevent saltwater penetration. The members are then encapsulated within exterior insulation and cladding systems.
Bibby says many building codes were developed around traditional construction methods, not advanced offsite systems. The post says modular systems are outperforming legacy code benchmarks in these areas:
The steel structural system is presented as a path to taller buildings. The post says modular construction can compete at greater heights by using structural steel and light-gauge assemblies similar to those used in high-rise hotels. It mentions multifamily housing and large-scale commercial developments.
The discussion emphasizes collaboration among:
The post says education, communication, and shared innovation are necessary for high-performance modular systems to work at scale.
Recycled components reduce environmental impact, limit off-gassing, improve fire performance, and create lighter, more efficient building assemblies.
Steel avoids mold, rot, and moisture damage and offers greater durability, structural strength, and lifecycle performance.
Protective coatings, encapsulated structural members, and corrosion-resistant materials help modular buildings withstand saltwater and humidity exposure.