According to the Dodge Data & Analytics’ 2020 SmartMarket Report, “prefabrication and modular construction are both experiencing a significant expansion of interest and use as the construction industry seeks to improve safety, productivity, quality, cost, schedule and sustainability performance.”
As building designers continue to recognize their advantages, many are turning to efficiently designed products that maximize space savings and increase a building’s functionality to further support lean design processes. While high-performing interior sliding doors have steadily gained popularity over the last decade for these very reasons, the benefits are further realized in a system-based, single-source approach.
Tysen Gannon, LEED AP, Business Development and Market Consultant with AD Systems, further explains how builders and designers can make the most of modular methods with interior sliding door systems in a Q&A below.
Q: When it comes to modular design and construction methods, what are some advantages that AD Systems’ sliding door solutions can offer building and design professionals?
A: AD Systems offers modular builders several advantages when it comes to both product and sourcing. An important value proposition for building owners that prioritize efficiency is space-saving design, especially with real estate and square footage at a premium. Interior sliding doors save valuable space when compared to traditional swing doors by eliminating the swing path.
With one vendor for sliding doors, frames and hardware, AD Systems’ single-source approach also provides an optimized sourcing model for builders and designers. Whether the doors are mounted in the factory or in the field, we work with modular builders on design, packaging and delivery programs tailored to their project-specific needs.
Q: How do building owners and design professionals benefit from these advantages?
A: Building owners that are already on board with the modular building method are fundamentally interested in efficient, cost-effective solutions. Architects working in the modular space need product solutions that can accelerate construction timelines so buildings can quickly and effectively become operational. AD Systems has a comprehensive understanding of the priorities and challenges inherently associated with building modular and is experienced helping all project stakeholders – owners, contractors and architects – realize the advantages sliding doors can offer. The design, product and sourcing-oriented sliding door approach is uniquely beneficial for modular building. It allows teams to strategically realize space, cost and delivery in areas that are key schedule drivers.
Q: What’s different about AD Systems’ sliding door solutions that make them an ideal fit for modular design and construction?
A: AD Systems has long approached sliding doors as a complete system, which brings value-add to the contractors, designers and builders. All aspects of the sliding doors are covered by a single vendor, a single warranty and a single point of responsibility. This simplifies logistics and streamlines the supply chain. AD Systems also packages its frames and hardware per opening and takes extra precautions packing, crating and shipping product to ensure quality and minimize risk when time is of the essence. The high-quality components, doors and extrusions ensure longevity far beyond the initial modular build. We work with several partners in the modular building space and adapt processes to meet the evolving needs of this construction method.
Q: What’s the most important factor modular builders and designers should take into consideration before specifying a sliding door system?
A: Total cost of ownership. Modular is about efficiency; selecting products that are purposefully designed to streamline the design and construction process that also simplify and optimize the end-user's experience inherently benefits all parties involved. Thinking beyond how much a product costs, a few questions that can help assess long-term ROI include: “Who owns the project management process?” “Who figures out details and how components work together?” “What is the expected service life of a system?” “How much work is there to handle maintenance or repairs?” “What field fabrication is involved?” Answers to these important questions can help builders and designers identify how and when sliding door systems are the right fit for a modular project.
Interested in learning more about sliding doors for modular buildings? See how they benefited the Houston Methodist Hospital’s Paula and Joseph C. “Rusty” Walter III Tower and learn about AD Systems functional solutions for a range of commercial applications here: www.specadsystems.com.
