Forbix Modular Development at 1619 Firestone Boulevard, Los Angeles
What is modular construction?
It was only a matter of time before Forbix CEO Emil Khodorkovsky sought the answer. “The best way to learn about something is to actually do it,” stated Emil. And so he did it.
The result: the construction of 20 apartments that provide an efficient multifamily housing option in Los Angeles County. More specifically, the structure is located in the community of Florence-Firestone, two blocks west of Metro’s Firestone Station at 1619 Firestone Boulevard. The building utilizes solar panels for common area lighting, and is made up of single units that are sub-metered for water and electricity. It also includes bike storage and a Laundry facility, both located on the first floor.
Back to the question of modular construction. According to the Modular Building Institute, it is a construction process that takes place in a controlled factory environment rather than at the intended building location like ground-up construction. Building components, known as modules, are constructed and then delivered and installed on site.
Benefits of Modular Construction (Modular Building Institute):
Modular construction is a revolutionary way of building in a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and innovative manner. Below are some of the main advantages of this cutting-edge form of construction.
This type of building is a greener process as it generates less waste by recycling materials, reducing the demand for raw materials, and utilizing dry materials which improves air quality.
Construction time can be significantly reduced, as site work and preparation can occur simultaneously with the off-site modular construction.
Indoor construction makes for a safer work environment.
The utilization of BIM visualization determines the most cost-effective efficiency measures.
Modular units can match the external aesthetics of any units, so the design opportunities are endless.
They are stronger than site-built construction, because the modules are built to bear the stresses of transportation and lifting onto foundations. This display of durability is a testament to their structural integrity.
This once vacant lot is now a one-of-a-kind four-story apartment building with 20 units, each measuring approximately 320 square feet. Every unit has a private kitchen, bath, living area, and balcony. Of the 20 units, 18 of them are market rate while the other 2 are classified as affordable. By providing on-site affordable housing, the project was allowed to surpass the zoning restrictions pertaining to property density, which normally limits the construction to eight apartments.
Modular construction has come a long way. Initially used to construct smaller homes off-site and then transport these tiny homes to their desired location, modular building now fires on all cylinders as it can assemble an intricate multifamily complex faster and more sustainable than ever.
According to Fortune Business Insights, modular construction is projected to be worth $131.58 billion by 2030, as it exhibits a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.5%. “We wanted to do modular, so we did it, and now we can preach about it,” asserts Forbix CEO Emil. Modular building is a construction technique of the future, as it is a far more sustainable and effective approach as the world continues to look for greener building methods.
Check out the property here!