Modular construction is becoming a driving force in urban development. With a focus on productivity, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness, the industry is embracing modular timber construction for a variety of projects. A prime example of this shift is MOD21’s Wittum 1 daycare center in Reutlingen, Germany, which highlights the company’s innovation in the growing modular building sector.
Founded in 2021, MOD21 specializes in modular and hybrid construction. The company is experiencing rapid growth, with its orders doubling in 2024. Marin Zec, Sales Manager at MOD21, highlights the significant demand for modular construction in urban areas such as Munich and Stuttgart, particularly for public sector projects, including schools, daycare centers, and military facilities.
Timber Construction Meets Innovation in Reutlingen
The Wittum 1 daycare center in Reutlingen serves as a prime example of modular timber construction’s potential. Spanning 35.5 m x 18.1 m and standing 7.5 m tall, the daycare center was completed between January and June 2024. During the process, 38 prefabricated timber modules were assembled in just four weeks, with the on-site installation of the modules taking only five days. The final finishing work took an additional three months.
“We achieved a 96% reduction in CO2e emissions compared to conventional building methods by using sustainable timber and regional materials,” says Zec. This significant reduction in the building’s ecological footprint demonstrates how modular timber construction contributes to sustainability.
The Wittum 1 daycare center also meets the seismic safety standards required for Germany’s second-highest earthquake zone, ensuring the building’s stability. WEINMANN, a local supplier, played a crucial role in manufacturing the prefabricated timber modules for the project.
Sustainable, Efficient, and Fast Construction
MOD21’s Wittum 1 project exemplifies the efficiency of modular construction. “We’re up to 70% faster than traditional construction methods,” Zec states. The modular construction approach minimizes risks on-site and significantly reduces delays caused by supply chain disruptions. The off-site prefabrication process also allows for predictable construction progress and a high degree of quality assurance.
The use of WEINMANN production lines for the manufacture of the wall, floor, and ceiling elements in the modules was key to this success. The production line includes semi-automated material feeding, insulation application, and exterior sheathing. The system is highly flexible and customisable, making it easier for MOD21 to meet the specific needs of each project.
“We can produce wall elements on a 29-minute cycle and floor and ceiling elements in 59 minutes,” Zec explains. The entire process, from production to module assembly, is completed within twelve days, including installation and finishing.
Expanding Public Sector Demand
As the modular construction sector continues to grow, the demand for modular solutions in the public sector is rising. In Reutlingen, MOD21 has already started work on its second modular childcare project, with the GWG Reutlingen commissioning a new child and family centre. The use of prefabricated modules for this upcoming project further demonstrates the scalability and efficiency of modular construction.
The company is also seeing increasing demand for modular buildings in housing and institutional sectors, thanks to the flexibility and speed of the construction process. Modular construction is not only an efficient solution for urban densification but also an environmentally friendly option that reduces waste and energy consumption.
Adaptability to Market Needs and Regulatory Changes
The success of MOD21’s modular timber projects is also due to their adaptability to regulatory changes. The new Model Timber Construction Guideline (M-HolzBauRL), adopted in September 2024, is set to influence the construction codes in Germany. With WEINMANN technology driving their production, MOD21 can quickly adapt to the changing regulations and market demands, making their modular construction solutions even more efficient.
“The flexibility of WEINMANN’s production system has been crucial for us. It enables us to tailor our production process to evolving requirements and expand our capabilities as needed,” says Zec.
Modular Timber Construction for the Future
The modular timber construction approach used by MOD21 is not just fast but sustainable, with a significant reduction in carbon emissions. Timber’s natural properties make it an ideal choice for environmentally conscious construction. With more than one in five buildings in Germany now built using timber, this method is becoming increasingly popular, with political support driving the trend.
By shifting more work to factory settings and automating processes, MOD21 continues to improve efficiency and productivity while reducing costs. With growing interest from both the public and private sectors, the company is well-positioned to lead the way in modular construction for years to come.
Looking Ahead
As demand for modular construction grows, especially in urban areas, companies like MOD21 are setting the pace for future projects. With a focus on sustainability, efficiency, and quality, the industry is poised for significant transformation, driven by innovations like those seen in the Wittum 1 daycare center. As MOD21 continues to lead the charge, the modular construction sector will play an even larger role in shaping the future of urban development.
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