Modular Building Regulations in the UK: A Guide to Compliance

UK Building Regulations are supported by Approved Documents, which explain how legal requirements can be met. For modular buildings, the most relevant areas include:

• Structure (Part A): Making sure the building is strong and stable, and can safely cope with weight, wind and ground conditions.
• Fire Safety (Part B): Reducing fire risk, providing safe escape routes and ensuring people can evacuate safely.
• Site Preparation and Moisture Resistance (Part C): Protecting the building from damp, contamination and condensation.
• Sound Resistance (Part E): Reducing noise between rooms to maintain privacy and comfort, especially in hospitals, schools and SEND buildings, where quiet spaces are important.
• Ventilation (Part F): Supplying fresh air to maintain good indoor air quality.
  Sanitation and Water Safety (Part G): Providing safe hot water and managing water use effectively.
• Drainage and Waste (Part H): Safely removing waste water and rainwater from the building.
• Protection from Impact (Part K): Preventing injuries through safe stairs, ramps, barriers and glazing.
• Energy Efficiency (Part L): Reducing energy use through insulation, good construction and efficient building systems.
• Accessibility (Part M): Making sure buildings can be safely and comfortably used by everyone.
• Toilet Accommodation (Part T): Providing suitable toilet facilities, including accessible toilets, based on how the building is used and how many people use it.

Building Control bodies assess modular buildings in the same way as traditionally constructed projects. This typically includes:

• Reviewing design drawings and technical specifications
• Assessing structural and fire strategies
• Inspecting foundations, drainage and installation on site
• Issuing a Completion Certificate once all requirements are satisfied

This process confirms that the completed building is safe, compliant and suitable for use.

A modular building may be exempt from Building Regulations only where all of the following conditions are met. The exemption typically applies where the building is:

• Single storey
• No larger than 30 square metres
• Not used for sleeping
• Not used as a workplace, classroom or healthcare space
• Located at least one metre from a boundary, or constructed mainly from non-combustible materials

Where any one of these conditions is not met, the building will normally be subject to Building Regulations. Even where an exemption applies, other requirements such as planning permission or fire safety legislation may still need to be considered.