Pocket Doors in Modular Homes: Flexible Living Solutions

The headline benefits of pocket doors are the space-saving qualities and the flexibility they offer. A pocket door can be a game-changer in terms of interior design and home improvement, because it allows you to have multiple uses for a room, to completely change the use of a room or to create a flexible space which you can open up or close off as you need to. In today’s society we are increasingly looking for innovative solutions in the most efficient way, ie. features which have multiple uses without having to put too much effort in, and the pocket door is a great example of that. And the benefits of pocket doors apply to the increasing popularity of modular homes too, as well as conventional homes.

Modular homes have traditionally been more popular in European countries and particularly in Scandinavia, but are becoming more common in the UK as people start to understand the many benefits they offer. Currently only about 15,000 modular homes are constructed each year in the UK, but there is potential for many more. The UK is seen as a critical and primary growth market for modular home construction and the pocket door is central to making this concept work to its full potential.

What is a modular home?

In simple terms, a modular home is a prefabricated home which uses off-site construction. Different sections of the home – modules – are manufactured in a factory to certain specifications, and are then transported to site where the home is bolted and snapped together. Modular buildings can be flats and apartments as well as houses, and indeed, can be commercial buildings as well as residential.

Modular homes use similar materials to a conventional home, but these are typically more modern materials. However, it is important to note that modular homes are still bound by the same local building regulations as a traditional home, and as such are quality inspected in the same way.

What are the benefits of a modular home?

Quicker to construct – Because the bulk of the manufacturing is done off-site in a factory, modular homes are much quicker to construct and complete. The fabrication process on-site is relatively straightforward, though of course there is preparatory work required. However, construction is less likely to be delayed by bad weather, or from materials and skills shortages, because the factory manufacturing process is more easily controlled and managed.

Cheaper to construct – Although modular homes use good quality materials, they are cheaper in general because the materials are mass-produced, and many of the fabrication processes are automated.

Sustainable – Modern construction materials are much more sustainable than materials from previous generations, but the energy-efficient techniques adopted by factories also make modular home construction more carbon-friendly. There is also less waste involved because the manufacturing processes are automated and controlled by closely defined programmes.

How are pocket doors suitable for modular homes?

The main advantage of modular homes is that there is much more flexibility in how you can use space, and you are not restricted by traditional building techniques. So modular homes often make more efficient use of space, by creating small rooms that are made practical and usable by the use of a pocket door, in the same way they save and create space in a traditional home. So modular homes can pre-fabricate storage space, utility rooms, downstairs toilets and en-suite bathrooms much easier using off-site factory processes than on-site construction in restricted spaces.

Many modular homes also offer open-plan living with open floor plans which give you plenty of space to move around and to ‘zone’ the main living areas as you see fit. So pocket doors allow you to link a dining room with the kitchen for family meal times, and then close the space off afterwards. Similarly, you can link a living room with a dining room or kitchen when entertaining and for large family gatherings at Christmas, but close the space off to have separate rooms for different purposes the rest of the time. Multi-functional and flexible spaces are what modern families demand and modular homes are perfect for providing that.

A pocket door system can be incorporated into a ‘module’ while it is being manufactured off-site. This means it is already in place and located when the module is fitted together on site. By comparison, a traditional hinged door in a modular home would most likely be fitted on-site as a finishing touch. This is why modular home manufacturers encourage the use of pocket doors because it gives them more control over the module and makes the process quicker and cheaper, before you even consider the practical benefits pocket doors give you in space and flexibility.

Attractive pocket door systems available from MB Direct

At MB Direct we have a large range of pocket door systems which are suitable for use in a modular home. Double pocket door systems are ideal for open floor plans downstairs, while single pocket doors are used for en-suites and small bedrooms. You can also opt for glass pocket doors to maximise space and make small rooms brighter and more comfortable for longer-term use.