As new technologies continue to enhance efficiency and decision-making in the operating room, hospital administrators must ensure that their spaces are flexible and ready for the next generation of healthcare innovation.

Modular construction, which involves constructing parts of the building off-site in a factory and piecing them together on-site, provides hospitals the flexibility they need to rearrange spaces to accommodate future technologies and healthcare delivery methods.

According to Matthew Bluette, director of healthcare for CUBE 3, an architecture and design firm with offices in Boston and North Andover, Massachusetts, Miami, San Diego and Princeton, New Jersey, the recent growth of modular systems in healthcare design and construction is contributing to an increased level of efficiency which enables faster initial construction time and expedited project delivery.

“The use of prefabricated and custom modular systems speeds up the construction process, especially in projects with operating rooms,” he said. “Modular options include walls that are designed to easily tilt up into place and integrated ceiling systems that are installed as a sealed unit providing all of the required HVAC and lighting and increased options for equipment boom locations.”

The most important benefit CUBE 3’s clients realize with modular systems is the flexibility they afford after construction, Bluette said. Wall panels can be removed and modified to allow for medical gases and electrical outlets to be reconfigured quickly and with minimal disruption. In contrast, stick-built construction requires drywall to be cut and patched, which takes time and significant clean-up, which leads to longer shutdown times of clinical spaces.

Bluette said that an additional benefit is that modular systems offer a variety of wall materials such as glass and stainless steel, which are durable, easily cleaned and have antimicrobial properties. These options eliminate the need to paint walls and install wall protection, which are both costly and wear quickly.

Despite these benefits, some hospital administrators may still be deterred by the upfront costs of modular systems, he said.

“While it may seem more costly to use modular methods, the price isn’t much greater than that of stick-built construction,” Bluette said. “The actual cost of modular is not inexpensive, however, compared to traditional stick-built construction of metal studs, drywall, ductwork and piping, the costs start to even out. The challenge is ensuring that contractors correctly price the two options.”

Trends in healthcare continue to evolve, however, the need for flexibility holds strong, Bluette concluded.

“When clients want flexibility, CUBE 3 always encourages a full exploration of modular options,” he said.

This article was produced in collaboration between Studio B and CUBE 3. Bisnow news staff was not involved in the production of this content.

Studio B is Bisnow’s in-house content and design studio. To learn more about how Studio B can help your team, reach out to studio@bisnow.com.