Etex provides comprehensive modular solutions, combining materials like light gauge steel framing, plasterboards, insulation, and facades to deliver complete off-site modular units.
As the construction industry continues to evolve toward more sustainable and efficient methods, modular construction has emerged as a key solution for the future of building. Etex, a global leader in lightweight construction materials, is at the forefront of this shift. The company provides a wide range of high-performance products designed to support the creation of modular buildings.
During a press conference at the grand opening of Etex’s Bristol factory mid March, CEO Bernard Delvaux emphasized the company’s commitment to modular construction as a critical part of its strategy:
“We’re combining our expertise across multiple platforms to deliver complete systems that reduce costs, improve sustainability, and speed up the construction process. This is the future of the construction industry.”
By integrating off-site construction solutions into its offerings, Etex enables clients to construct entire modular units, complete with facades, partitions, insulation, and structural framing. The company’s approach highlights the importance of speed, efficiency, and sustainability, allowing buildings to be assembled quickly while minimizing environmental impact.
Etex’s Complete Range of Modular Products
One of Etex’s greatest strengths lies in its ability to offer a comprehensive range of construction materials, covering all key elements of modular building. From light gauge steel framing (LGSF) to insulation, plasterboards, and facade systems, Etex products work together to provide a fully integrated modular construction solution.
For instance, Remagin, Etex’s LGSF specialist, plays a pivotal role in constructing the structural framework for modular buildings. Siniat plasterboards, another key Etex brand, are used for interior partitions and boards, while URSA and Superglass offer in-wall insulation solutions, including glass wool and extruded polystyrene (XPS). Etex also provides a range of exterior facade options, including Siniat exterior plasterboards, EQUITONE fiber cement boards, and Cedral fiber cement cladding.
The combination of these products allows Etex to deliver complete modular units, which can be constructed off-site and assembled on location with minimal waste and disruption. As Eric Bertrand, Innovation Director at Etex, highlighted during our visit to the Carpentras R&D pilot line:
“Our range of materials is designed to meet the needs of modular construction, ensuring that buildings are not only sustainable but also highly efficient to build and maintain.”
Case Studies: Modular Construction in Action
Etex’s Remagin division has been instrumental in delivering high-performance modular construction projects across the UK. A notable example is the Vaux Brewery development in Sunderland, which involved the construction of two blocks of apartments using the LGSF system. The project, completed in 2023, saw the installation of 1,700 linear meters of panels across two blocks, offering 46 new apartments in a super-sustainable design that meets PassivHaus standards. The speed of assembly was a significant advantage, with the entire structure being topped out in just 16 weeks.
Another impressive project is the Trafford Waters retirement living community in Manchester, which was completed in 2024. Using Etex’s fully-fitted panelized system, the 82-room facility was constructed in just 11 weeks, delivering a three-story care home that provides specialist dementia care for residents. The use of off-site modular construction allowed the team to install factory-fitted windows, insulation, and fire barriers, significantly reducing the time required for follow-on trades and cutting down the overall build time.
As a prime example of integrating complete modular units, the Lower Steenbergs Yard project in Newcastle demonstrates how Etex’s LGSF system can overcome logistical challenges in space-restricted locations. The development, which includes 28 luxury apartments, was built using 1,310 linear meters of light gauge steel panels, demonstrating the versatility of modular construction in urban environments.
Modular Construction as the Future of Building
Etex’s holistic approach to modular construction highlights the company’s belief that off-site building is the way forward for the construction industry. By providing a platform of materials that includes structural elements, thermal insulation, fire protection, and weather-resistant facades, Etex enables architects and builders to create complete modular units that can be quickly assembled with minimal environmental impact.
As Delvaux noted, the speed and sustainability of modular construction are major advantages:
“Off-site construction allows us to reduce waste, lower carbon emissions, and speed up the overall building process. We’re giving our clients the ability to build faster and more efficiently, while also meeting the highest standards for sustainability.”
With successful projects like Vaux Brewery, Trafford Waters, and Lower Steenbergs Yard, Etex is proving that modular construction is not only feasible but also offers significant benefits in terms of speed, cost, and environmental responsibility. As the company continues to innovate and expand its product offerings, it is well-positioned to lead the way in creating sustainable, high-performance modular buildings for the future.
Etex’s comprehensive approach to modular construction combines innovative materials and off-site solutions to deliver fully functional buildings that are sustainable, cost-effective, and quick to assemble. By offering a complete range of products, Etex is helping to reshape the future of the construction industry with modular solutions that prioritize efficiency and environmental responsibility.
