What is Mirax?

Mirax is an Irish-based company that specialises in delivering advanced modular construction systems for residential, commercial and industrial projects. Their core offering centres on prefabricated, steel‑frame building modules that are manufactured off‑site under controlled conditions, then transported and assembled rapidly on location. The company positions itself as a turn‑key partner, handling everything from initial design and structural engineering to final site installation and finishing. Their solutions target the persistent challenges of traditional building: long timelines, high labour costs, unpredictable weather delays and excessive material waste. By shifting the bulk of the work into a factory environment, Mirax claims to cut project durations by up to 50 % while maintaining strict quality standards and reducing the overall carbon footprint of each build.

How does Mirax’s modular process actually work?

The process begins with a detailed consultation where the client’s requirements – floor plans, architectural style, local planning regulations and site constraints – are translated into a digital model. Once the design is finalised, the individual modules (including walls, floors, ceilings, electrical and plumbing systems) are fabricated inside a climate‑controlled facility. Each module is built to the same tolerances and specifications as a conventional structure, but with far greater precision because every cut and join is computer‑guided. After fabrication, the modules are delivered to the site on flat‑bed trucks and lifted into place by crane. They are then mechanically fixed together, and the external finishes (roof cladding, render, brick slips, etc.) are completed on‑site. The company states that a typical three‑bedroom house can go from foundation to weathertight shell in under two weeks, with no need for a separate wet‑trade phase like block‑laying or plastering.

What types of projects does Mirax handle?

Mirax covers a wide spectrum, from single‑storey family homes and suburban housing developments to multi‑storey apartment blocks, educational facilities, healthcare buildings and light industrial units. They also offer bespoke solutions for extensions, attic conversions and garden studios, though their bread‑and‑butter work remains full‑scale new‑build dwellings. The company’s portfolio includes social‑housing schemes, private‑sector contracts and projects that require a high level of thermal efficiency (for example, Passive House certification). Because the modules are inherently airtight and can be fitted with triple glazing, high‑performance insulation and heat‑recovery ventilation as standard, Mirax buildings routinely achieve A‑rated energy performance without extra expense or complicated on‑site detailing.

Is Mirax just a construction company, or do they provide design services too?

They function as a full‑service provider. Their in‑house team includes qualified architects, structural engineers, quantity surveyors and project managers, all of whom collaborate from the very first sketch. Clients can bring their own architect’s drawings and have Mirax adapt them for modular fabrication, or they can work with Mirax’s design team from scratch to create a custom home or building that complies with local planning requirements. The company also handles the necessary statutory approvals, including Building Control (BC(A)R) submissions in Ireland, site‑specific foundation design and liaison with utility providers. This means a client can effectively hand over the entire design‑and‑build responsibility, reducing the risk of miscommunication between separate trades.

What makes Mirax different from other modular builders in Ireland?

Several factors set them apart. First, they use a steel‑frame system rather than timber, which gives greater structural strength, fire resistance and durability over the building’s life. Second, their factory in the Republic of Ireland operates on renewable energy, and they prioritise locally sourced materials where possible – that reduces transport emissions and supports the domestic supply chain. Third, every module undergoes a rigorous quality inspection before leaving the factory, including air‑tightness testing, electrical continuity checks and thermal‑imaging scans. On top of that, Mirax offers a ten‑year structural warranty backed by a recognised insurer, giving homeowners and developers the same peace of mind they would get from a traditional build. Finally, they publish transparent price lists on their website, covering the core building cost per square metre, which is unusual for a custom‑build company and helps clients budget realistically from the outset.

How long does a typical Mirax project take from start to finish?

Timelines vary depending on the complexity of the design, the size of the building and the site conditions, but the company provides indicative schedules. For a standard three‑bedroom detached house, the design and planning phase typically takes 4–6 weeks, followed by 8–10 weeks of factory fabrication. Site preparation (foundations, services connections) can run concurrently with fabrication, so the total time from contract signing to handover is usually 12–16 weeks. For larger projects like apartment blocks or school buildings, the design and approval stage may extend to 3–4 months, and fabrication might be phased over several months, but the on‑site assembly remains dramatically faster than a traditional build – often just a few weeks for the shell and another 4–6 weeks for finishing and fit‑out. Compared to traditional stick‑built construction, which in Ireland can take 9–18 months for a comparable dwelling, Mirax consistently halves the programme.

Can Mirax modules be customised, or are they limited to standard designs?

Customisation is a core feature. While the company maintains a library of standard plan layouts that are optimised for modular efficiency, they are not prescriptive. Clients can reconfigure room sizes, adjust window positions, choose from a wide palette of external cladding materials (brick, stone, timber, slate, rendered panels) and specify internal finishes such as flooring, cabinetry and sanitary ware. The steel‑frame system allows for open‑plan layouts and large spans without load‑bearing internal walls, which gives architects considerable freedom. Mirax also accommodates non‑standard features like vaulted ceilings, dormer windows, wrap‑around balconies and integrated solar panels. The only practical limitation is that the modules must fit on a standard flat‑bed truck for transport, so maximum module width is around 4.2 m, but multiple modules can be joined seamlessly to create any floor area or shape.

How much does a Mirax building cost, and is it cheaper than traditional construction?

Mirax publishes a starting price per square metre on their website – at the time of writing, the figure for a standard finished house (including foundations, finishes, first‑fix electrics and plumbing) is approximately €1,750–€2,100 per m², depending on specification and site conditions. That price is competitive with high‑quality traditional builds in Ireland, and in many cases it works out 5–10 % cheaper when you factor in the shorter build time (which reduces site‑related overheads, security costs, scaffolding rental and temporary accommodation expenses). Because the factory‑built approach eliminates weather‑caused stoppages and material theft or damage, the final cost is also far more predictable – clients typically experience less than 2 % cost variance from the initial quote, whereas traditional projects often run 15–30 % over budget. Additional savings come from the building’s energy efficiency: lower heating bills and potential eligibility for SEAI grants (such as the Better Energy Homes scheme) make the long‑term cost of ownership more favourable.

Does Mirax handle the entire site‑to‑handover process, including landscaping?

Yes, they offer a complete turn‑key service that includes site preparation (groundworks, drainage, foundations), external utilities connections (water, electricity, sewage), driveway and path laying, and basic landscaping. The company also manages the snagging and handover process, providing the client with a comprehensive operation and maintenance manual. Their project manager remains on‑site during the final finishing stage to coordinate the subcontractors (plumbers, electricians, kitchen fitters, painters) and to ensure the building meets the agreed specification. Clients who prefer to organise some elements themselves (for example, fitting their own kitchen or laying floors) can opt for a “shell‑only” package, where Mirax delivers a weathertight, insulated and plastered structure ready for internal fit‑out. That flexibility allows self‑build enthusiasts to reduce costs while still benefiting from the speed and precision of modular construction.

Where can I see a real Mirax building or talk to a previous client?

Mirax maintains a show home in County Meath that is open for viewing by appointment, and they regularly host open days for prospective clients. Their website features a gallery of completed projects with photographs and, in some cases, video walkthroughs. They also provide written testimonials from homeowners and developers, though interested parties can request contact details of past clients (with permission) to speak directly about their experience. For those outside Ireland, the company can arrange virtual tours of both the show home and selected completed builds. Additionally, several of their projects have been featured in Irish architectural publications and on RTÉ’s Home of the Year programme, offering independent examples of the quality and finish achievable with the Mirax system.