Modular building system Autobox finds a new home in the GCC with Robert Bird Group and Speed House Group

Robert Bird Group (RBG) and Speed House Group (SHG) have partnered to launch Autobox, a modular building system designed to offer high-quality, flexible, and relocatable buildings across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. The intent behind the collaboration is to combine RBG’s structural engineering expertise with SHG’s modular manufacturing to improve efficiency and sustainability in construction, offering the market a clear alternative to conventional building methods.

Engineering and Manufacturing Expertise in Modular Construction

Robert Bird Group (RBG), an SJ company, has been involved in modular construction projects worldwide, focusing on structural efficiency, adaptability, and long-term performance. Its expertise spans large-scale commercial and infrastructure developments, with a focus on integrating modular solutions without compromising on engineering standards.

Speed House Group (SHG), based in Ajman, UAE, has over five decades of experience in modular construction, supplying prefabricated buildings across multiple sectors. Its high-capacity manufacturing operations allow for rapid production and deployment of modular units, aligning with the region’s increasing demand for scalable, efficient building methods.

Autobox: A Modular Building System Without the Usual Constraints

Modular construction has traditionally been seen as having predefined design parameters, but Autobox has aspirations to change that. The system retains the benefits of modular—speed, efficiency, and sustainability—while allowing for more adaptable designs.

Key Features of Autobox’s modular building system:

• Efficient Transport – Flat-pack capability allows up to three units per truck, reducing logistics costs.
• Flexible Design – Column-free spans up to 16 metres enable open-plan layouts.
• Versatile Applications – Suitable for office, retail, residential, and industrial buildings, accommodating a range of geometries, including curves and cantilevers.
• Sustainable Approach – Designed with circular economy principles, reducing embodied carbon by up to 60% in its first life cycle and 80% in subsequent reuse cycles.

According to company sources, Autobox’s design also allows buildings to be dismantled and repurposed rather than demolished, offering an alternative approach to long-term infrastructure planning. A structure built today as a commercial space could be relocated and reassembled decades later as a school, hospital, or residential development, reducing waste and extending building lifespans.

Potential Impact on GCC Construction

As the GCC construction sector shifts towards faster, more adaptable, and lower-carbon solutions, Autobox may well present a viable option. The ability to relocate entire buildings provides an alternative to the traditional demolish-and-rebuild model, supporting a more resource-efficient approach to urban development.

Production of Autobox units will take place at SHG’s 100,000-square-metre facility in Ajman, with an additional manufacturing site in Saudi Arabia set to open by late 2025. A live demonstration of Autobox is scheduled for mid-2025, giving industry stakeholders an opportunity to assess its capabilities firsthand.

Scaling Modular Solutions for Industry and Crisis Response

Beyond residential and commercial applications, Autobox’s modular building system is also suited to industrial and emergency response scenarios. The Autobox Industrial system is designed to support logistics hubs, warehouses, data centres, and crisis shelters.

Industrial and Emergency Applications:

• Structural spans up to 20 metres with clear heights of 10 metres.
• Flat-pack configuration for streamlined transportation.
• Factory-installed rooftop solar and pre-fitted MEP for energy efficiency.
• Rapid deployment for emergency response and disaster relief infrastructure.

See: Robert Brid Autobox

See: Speed House