top of page
Search

Sustainable Materials & High-Performance Systems in Modular Construction

Featuring Audree Grubesic & Heith Bibby | Advancing Prefab Series Sponsored by Mandeville Modular


As modular construction continues to evolve, the conversation around high-performance building is expanding beyond speed and scalability. Today, industry leaders are placing greater focus on the materials, systems, and environmental impact behind the structures themselves.


In this discussion, Audree Grubesic of Offsite Dirt Network sits down with Heith Bibby, CEO of Mandeville Modular, to explore how material selection, steel framing systems, and sustainability initiatives are shaping the next generation of modular development.



Building with Performance — and the Planet — in Mind


For Mandeville Modular, sustainability is not an afterthought — it’s engineered into the system from the start. Heith Bibby explains that recycled components play a major role in their assemblies. From drywall to structural elements, the goal is to reduce environmental impact while enhancing building performance.


By limiting off-gassing materials and prioritizing recycled inputs, their modular units support:


• Healthier indoor air quality

• Reduced environmental footprint

• Improved fire ratings

• Lighter, more efficient assemblies


This balance of performance and responsibility reflects a broader industry shift toward eco-conscious construction practices.


Why Education Drives System Performance


One of the most overlooked components of high-performance buildings isn’t physical—it's educational.


Whenever Mandeville Modular introduces new materials or components, their teams undergo training to understand:


• Proper installation methods

• Performance benefits

• Application best practices

• System integration impacts


This internal education ensures that every component performs at its highest capability once deployed in the field. As Bibby emphasizes, maximizing material performance requires alignment between design, manufacturing, and installation teams.




Steel Framing & Composite Envelopes


At the core of Mandeville’s modular system is a structural steel frame paired with light-gauge infill walls — a configuration designed for durability, scalability, and resilience.

Unlike traditional wood framing, their assemblies eliminate organic materials within the structural envelope. Even exterior sheathing utilizes composite concrete components.


This approach delivers several advantages:


• Mold and mildew resistance

• Moisture durability

• No de-lamination from water exposure

• Enhanced structural longevity


By removing wood from the structural equation, the system achieves higher lifecycle performance—particularly in challenging environments.


Designing for Coastal & Island Conditions


Modular construction often serves regions with extreme environmental exposure—including island and coastal developments. For projects in locations like Jamaica or the Bahamas, Mandeville Modular incorporates additional corrosion-resistant strategies. Structural steel members are treated with protective coatings designed to prevent saltwater penetration. These members are then encapsulated within exterior insulation and cladding systems, adding another layer of environmental defense. This multi-step protection strategy ensures structural integrity even in high-corrosion climates.


Rethinking Building Codes & Performance Standards


An interesting tension highlighted in the conversation is the gap between modular performance and existing building codes. According to Bibby, many codes currently in use were developed around traditional construction methods — not advanced offsite systems.


As modular innovation accelerates, systems are now outperforming legacy code benchmarks in areas like:


• Energy efficiency

• Structural performance

• Fire resistance

• Assembly precision


This signals a need for regulatory frameworks to evolve alongside construction technology.


Scaling Modular to New Heights


Mandeville Modular’s steel structural system is also opening doors for vertical expansion.

By leveraging structural steel and light-gauge assemblies similar to those used in high-rise hotels, modular construction can now compete at greater heights than ever before.


From multifamily housing to large-scale commercial developments, the ceiling for modular growth continues to rise — both literally and operationally.


The Ecosystem Mindset


Perhaps the most important takeaway from the discussion is the concept of ecosystem thinking.


High-performance modular construction isn’t just about materials — it’s about collaboration between:


• Architects

• Engineers

• Manufacturers

• Installers

• Developers


Education, communication, and shared innovation are what allow these systems to perform at scale.


As Heith notes, the future of modular depends on how effectively the industry can align around knowledge-sharing and continuous improvement.



FAQs

1. Why are recycled materials important in modular construction?

Recycled components reduce environmental impact, limit off-gassing, improve fire performance, and create lighter, more efficient building assemblies.


2. What makes steel framing better than wood for modular systems?

Steel eliminates risks like mold, rot, and moisture damage while offering greater durability, structural strength, and lifecycle performance.


3. How does modular construction adapt to coastal environments?

Protective coatings, encapsulated structural members, and corrosion-resistant materials help modular buildings withstand saltwater and humidity exposure.


Comments

bottom of page