Two expandable houses installed on raised supports at a New Zealand site.

Modular Building Systems

Compare how each system travels, what arrives from the factory and what must happen on site. Match the structure to the room layout, available labour and delivery plan.

Discuss Your Project

Compare Structural Systems

Structural system40HQ referenceDelivery & assemblyTypical use
20ft Expandable2 unitsCompact shipping; a wider floor area after opening.Individual homes
Tourism accommodation
Detachable
Standard 3 × 6 m
Up to 17Components packed separately; frame and panel assembly on site.Workforce camps
Repeated accommodation
Flat Pack8–10
Approximately
Factory-welded roof and floor frames; fit panels and connect modules on site.Site offices
Dormitories
Foldable8–10 Z-type10–12 Waist-foldingConnected sections unfold, then align and secure.Temporary facilities
Deployment projects
20ft Apple CabinModel-specific
Confirm packing plan
Selected interiors completed in the factory; position the cabin and connect services.Resorts
Boutique accommodation

Loading reference: Final quantity depends on model dimensions, configuration, accessories and the agreed packing plan. Foldable loading varies by system; confirm Apple Cabin loading for the selected cabin.

Detachable Container House

How Different Systems Are Delivered and Installed

Detachable

Frames, columns, panels and accessories arrive as separate components. Assemble the frames, erect the structure, fit panels and complete the specified connections.

Flat Pack

Factory-welded roof and floor frames reduce frame assembly on site. Fit columns and panels, connect modules and complete weather sealing and services.

Expandable

Prepare supports and lifting access, position the folded building, open its side sections and complete structural, sealing and utility connections.

Foldable

Open the connected sections with the specified equipment, align and secure the structure, then inspect joints, weather seals and service connections.

Apple Cabin

Confirm transport dimensions, unloading and lifting points, foundation supports and final water, drainage and electrical connections.

When a System Is the Right Choice

Freight Efficiency

Compare detachable systems for repeated units, then add local labour, lifting and installation to the delivered project cost.

Living Space

Check expandable models against the finished room layout, folded dimensions, expanded footprint and support positions.

Site Resources

Compare factory-welded flat pack frames, foldable units and finished cabins against the equipment and skills available at the destination.

Appearance & Interior Finish

Compare configured cabins and expandable options against the guest or residential layout. Agree finishes and transport dimensions together.

Two expandable houses installed on raised supports at a New Zealand site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which system fits my site and budget?

Start with the finished room layout, delivery route and installation resources.

Compare the complete building, freight, foundations, lifting and local labour costs for the shortlisted systems.

Use the structural comparison above, then confirm the model and configuration in the quotation.

How many units fit in a 40HQ?

Published references are 2 standard 20ft expandable units, up to 17 standard 3 × 6 m detachable units, or approximately 8–10 flat pack units.

Foldable references differ: Z-type 8–10 and waist-folding 10–12. Confirm Apple Cabin against the selected cabin dimensions.

Final quantities depend on dimensions, configuration, accessories and the agreed packing plan.

What must be prepared before installation?

Prepare site access, support positions and the required unloading or lifting equipment.

Complete the agreed foundation work and identify water, drainage and electrical connection points.

Give the local installation team the current drawings and confirm the assembly sequence before delivery.

Are utilities and finishes completed in the factory?

Factory completion depends on the structural system and selected package.

Finished cabins and configured expandable models can include agreed interior fittings. Detachable and flat pack systems require frame and panel assembly on site.

Confirm the electrical, plumbing, bathroom, kitchen and furniture supply boundaries in the quotation.

Get Your Project Plan

Tell us your requirements — we’ll help you define the layout, optimize container loading, and provide a clear project quotation.