As Richard Hipkiss, Development Director of the Modular and Portable Building Association (MPBA) points out clearly, fire resistance and building safety are no longer just compliance issues – they are defining factors in how the construction industry is perceived.
THE CONSTRUCTION industry has had to take a long, hard look at itself in recent years. High-profile tragedies have forced us all to raise our game. Safety cannot be compromised for cost savings or delivery speed. Occupants need absolute confidence that the places where they live, learn and work are built to the highest standards of fire protection. For modular methods, this is not a hurdle – it is an opportunity to demonstrate leadership.
Factory controlled manufacturing gives volumetric modular technology a unique advantage. We can embed fire resistance measures from the outset, with consistent application of fire rated materials and robust quality checks at every stage of production. Unlike traditional builds, where site conditions can create inconsistencies, modular systems benefit from repeatable processes that guarantee compliance. Put simply – when it comes to fire performance, precision matters.
Holistic building approach
At MPBA, we champion a whole building approach. Fire resistance is never just about a wall panel or a doorset, it is about how every component interacts. Non-combustible cladding, high-performance insulation, compartmentation, fire-stopping around service penetrations – these are not isolated details, they are parts of a system that has to perform under pressure. If there is a weak link, the whole building is compromised.
This is why rigorous testing and certification are non-negotiable. Our members put modular systems through their paces in demanding fire performance trials, from spread of flame resistance to structural integrity under extreme heat. Crucially, these tests are conducted not just on materials but on completed assemblies – proof that the system as a whole can deliver. Certification is not about ticking boxes, it is about giving regulators, building owners and end users the confidence they deserve. This is of vital importance in the education and healthcare settings, where many of our members operate.
But safety does not end at the factory gate. Once modules arrive on-site, the way they are installed and connected is pivotal. A joint not properly sealed, a cavity left unprotected – these details can undermine performance. This is why we place heavy emphasis on training and competency. Our guidance ensures that site teams understand exactly how to maintain the fire integrity of modules throughout installation. The discipline of following through on-site is just as important as the engineering that goes into production.
The pace of innovation in this space is exciting. Material science is delivering non-combustible insulation with both thermal efficiency and fire resilience. Modular systems are being designed to integrate active protection – sprinklers, detection, alarms – as standard, not optional extras. This kind of forward thinking not only strengthens safety but also helps streamline compliance in line with tightening regulations.
Taking safety to the next level
Make no mistake, the regulatory environment is shifting, and rightly so. Stricter rules provide clarity and raise the bar across the construction sector. But we encourage our members not to treat compliance as the ceiling. Meeting the letter of the law is one thing. Building trust, reputation and long-term value means going further – exceeding standards rather than just meeting them.
Collaboration is the final piece of the puzzle. Fire safety is a shared responsibility. Manufacturers, designers, contractors, regulators and clients all play a role. At MPBA, we foster collaboration by creating platforms where best practice is shared and lessons are disseminated. Our role is to keep the conversation moving forward, ensuring no one works in isolation.
The bottom line? Fire safety is about protecting lives. If modular construction is going to continue its rapid growth in the commercial sector – delivering schools and hospitals, supporting infrastructure – we must keep safety front and centre. The public will only embrace modular at scale if we can demonstrate reliability, resilience and trustworthiness.
The future is modular, but only if we build it right. At MPBA, we are committed to driving the industry forward, setting higher standards and proving that modular and portable buildings can lead the way on fire safety. The message is simple – safety is not negotiable, and with volumetric modular construction, it is not compromised.
