Year-round residency in modular homes is not a given, particularly in regions where winter temperatures can drop to a bone-chilling -30°C. However, it would be a mistake to assume that no modular home can endure such harsh conditions.
The homes we've engineered have successfully weathered the extreme climates of Scandinavian countries, even beyond the Arctic Circle, demonstrating their capability for year-round habitation.
Nonetheless, we frequently encounter situations where individuals purchase homes with the expectation of permanent residency, only to realize during winter that they've essentially acquired a seasonal cottage.
The consequences of this misunderstanding are significant:
Distinguishing between a year-round residence and a seasonal cottage is straightforward if you consider two crucial factors:
Regarding construction phases, the foundation is pivotal. Screw-pile or block foundations, in my view, are suitable for seasonal cottages.
For a year-round residence, the home should be placed on a strip foundation, with concrete pads at module junctions.
When contemplating the purchase or construction of a modular home, I wholeheartedly recommend keeping these guidelines in mind to ensure an informed decision.
The homes we've engineered have successfully weathered the extreme climates of Scandinavian countries, even beyond the Arctic Circle, demonstrating their capability for year-round habitation.
Nonetheless, we frequently encounter situations where individuals purchase homes with the expectation of permanent residency, only to realize during winter that they've essentially acquired a seasonal cottage.
The consequences of this misunderstanding are significant:
- Disgruntled clients demand refunds, pursue legal actions, and more.
- A manufacturer's reputation and the modular housing industry at large are adversely affected.
Distinguishing between a year-round residence and a seasonal cottage is straightforward if you consider two crucial factors:
- Insulation = Thermal Insulation: Examine the thermal conductivity coefficient (W/m²K) of the walls, roof, floor, doors, windows, and the overall coefficient for the entire home. This information is readily accessible from manufacturers.
- You can also make a visual assessment of insulation thickness. If stone wool is used, the walls, roof, and floor should be a minimum of 200-250mm thick.
- There are exceptions: if polyurethane foam is the chosen insulation, the minimum thickness can be 100-150mm, depending on the construction type.
- Heating and Ventilation: A structure equipped with just two electric radiators and exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen is more akin to a cabin, cottage, or vacation module than a year-round residence.
- A true year-round residence necessitates a comprehensive heating and ventilation system. Only with such a system can the interior be maintained comfortably warm and dry.
Regarding construction phases, the foundation is pivotal. Screw-pile or block foundations, in my view, are suitable for seasonal cottages.
For a year-round residence, the home should be placed on a strip foundation, with concrete pads at module junctions.
When contemplating the purchase or construction of a modular home, I wholeheartedly recommend keeping these guidelines in mind to ensure an informed decision.