Modular Construction: Building 50% Faster, Producing 90% Less Waste, and Reducing Carbon Emissions
In this first edition, we take a closer look at why modular construction matters—and how we’re delivering the Netherlands’ largest modular housing project.
What Is Modular Construction?
Modular construction is a modern building method in which structures are manufactured in a controlled factory environment before being transported and assembled on-site. Using the same materials and adhering to the same regulations as traditional construction, this method enables significantly faster delivery while maintaining high quality. The buildings are created in “modules” which, once combined, are seamless in both appearance and performance.
Going Greener: A More Sustainable Way to Build
Modular construction offers a smarter, more sustainable approach to building:- Efficient Use of Resources: Factory production enables precise material planning, reducing the need for raw resources and lowering overall energy consumption.
- Reduced Waste: With controlled environments and streamlined processes, far less waste is generated compared to traditional on-site construction.
- Healthier Indoor Environments: Factory-based construction prevents moisture intrusion, supporting improved indoor air quality and healthier living spaces.
- Reusability & Flexibility: Modular buildings can be disassembled, relocated, or repurposed—extending their lifespan and reducing environmental impact.
Going Faster: Speed Without Compromise
Time efficiency is a defining advantage of modular construction:- Parallel Workflows: Site preparation and module fabrication happen concurrently, reducing overall project timelines by up to 50%.
- Minimal Weather Delays: With up to 90% of the work completed indoors, weather-related disruptions are virtually eliminated.
- Faster Returns: Early completion enables quicker occupancy and faster returns on investment.
- Quality & Compliance: All modules are built using high-quality materials—such as wood, concrete and steel—and meet or exceed applicable building codes.
Going Smarter: Innovation at Every Step
Modular construction represents the future of building:- Enhanced Safety: Indoor work environments reduce exposure to hazards, improving worker safety across the board.
- BIM-Driven Precision: The use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) optimises cost-efficiency, sustainability, and design coordination.
Ballast Nedam : A Leader in Modular Construction
As part of the Rönesans, Ballast Nedam is a recognised leader in modular construction in Europe. This expertise is driven by Ursem Modulaire Bouwsystemen (UMBS), one of Europe’s most advanced modular system providers, working closely with Heddes Bouw & Ontwikkeling.
At UMBS, modules are produced in a fully controlled indoor environment, then assembled on-site like building blocks. This approach reduces noise, disruption, and environmental impact—while improving overall efficiency.
Advanced digital technologies allow designs to be integrated directly into the production line, enabling the output of up to four modules per day. Unlike conventional construction, which depends on large teams of highly skilled workers, modular methods allow for specialised labour, expanding the talent pool.
Meeting Urgent Housing Needs
In the past two years, Ballast Nedam has doubled its modular production capacity. With the Netherlands facing an annual demand of over 100,000 new homes, modular construction is increasingly becoming part of the national solution. It shortens construction times, reduces emissions, and improves resource efficiency.Modular construction allows projects to be completed up to 50% faster than traditional methods, with significantly lower carbon emissions and drastically reduced on-site time. Compared to conventional construction, modular methods generate 90% less waste, enabling a much more sustainable and efficient building process. This efficiency has allowed Ballast Nedam to rapidly scale up its capacity.
Production Completed in 5 Months: 13-Storey Modular Building in Zaandam, the Netherlands by Ballast Nedam
Waldorp Four: The Netherlands’ Largest Modular Housing Project
Located in The Hague’s Innovation District, Waldorp Four is a landmark project led by Ballast Nedam West and Heddes Bouw & Ontwikkeling. At 70 metres in height and comprising 1,171 residential units, it is the largest modular housing development in the Netherlands—and one of the largest in Europe.
Delivered under the Team Modulair partnership (UMBS & Schouten Techniek), the modules are nearly completed in the factory and assembled on-site. This drastically reduces construction waste, on-site traffic, and environmental impact.
Project Overview
- 560 mid-income units
- 399 student units
- 212 social-rental units
This project serves as a powerful example of how effective public–private collaboration can address pressing housing challenges in a sustainable, scalable way.
