Top 5 Sectors That Can Benefit from Portable Cabins in 2026

At a Glance

Temporary accommodation units provide a flexible, cost-effective alternative to permanent buildings across different industries, construction, education, healthcare, hospitality, and manufacturing. They can be rapidly deployed, customised for specific functions, meet regulatory compliance, and help organisations address space and budget constraints without disrupting core activities.

Portable Cabins Offering Permanent Solutions Across Diverse Industries

Temporary facilities have been growing in popularity over the years, due to their cost-effectiveness, flexibility and speed. B2B and B2C businesses and public sector bodies are using temporary accommodation units in a wide range of settings, from construction site storage cabins to temporary classrooms and pop-up restaurants. 

Unlike permanent buildings, temporary accommodation units may not require planning permission in certain short-term or low-impact scenarios, although requirements depend on duration, size, location and local authority guidance. Container conversion is also popular, allowing businesses to turn a basic unit into a customised one that matches their brand aesthetics and the purpose of use. A modular unit, when used for healthcare purposes, will have its interior configured differently than when used on a construction site as a site office or for storage. 

Are you considering using portable cabins for your business? At Cabin Solutions, our consultants can guide you through the purchasing process and answer all your questions. Our extensive network of suppliers allows us to transport modular units, site accommodations and portable toilet boxes anywhere across the country. Connect with us to learn more. 

How to make the most use of temporary accommodation units for your business? Read our blog till the end. 

Construction

One of the sectors using portable cabins the most is the construction industry. Building sites are highly dynamic and dangerous, where workers work under difficult conditions, in remote locations and require safe rest areas. 

Under HSE regulations, construction sites are legally required to provide suitable welfare facilities, which are commonly delivered through portable welfare units.

Portable welfare units are a legal compliance under HSE regulations, but they also serve as site offices, accommodation and construction site storage facilities. Creating a brick-and-mortar site accommodation isn’t a feasible option.

Temporary accommodation units are practical, convenient and flexible. They can be placed across different locations, allowing workers ease of accessibility. They can be fitted with lockers, seating arrangements, and changing areas. 

Portable welfare units have grown in popularity because they offer faster installation without disrupting workflow, are affordable, sustainable and durable under harsh conditions. At Cabin Solutions, we also offer anti-vandal cabins, equipped with advanced security measures that prevent theft, break-ins and vandalism.

Education

Portable welfare units can also be converted into temporary classrooms, specialised learning centres (labs and art studios), administrative facilities, and even double as support areas.

But why are secondary and nursery schools looking for temporary accommodation units? The student-to-classroom ratio is poor, resulting in overcrowding. According to Department for Education figures published in January 2024, there were approximately 8 million pupils enrolled in state-funded primary, secondary and SEND schools.

Many UK schools are also struggling with budgetary constraints, making it difficult to expand their classrooms or build new ones. There are also some premises built with dangerous reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete, or RAAC, requiring immediate student and staff relocation for its harmful effects.

This is where modular units are coming into play.

Temporary accommodation units are cost-effective, with lower initial investment and maintenance costs than traditional buildings. With fast deployment, temporary accommodation units can significantly reduce disruption to school schedules.

Unlike older temporary classrooms, modern modular units have new-age interiors, climate control and accessibility features, making them comfortable, customised and sustainable learning spaces. 

Healthcare

One of the newer sectors using portable cabins is the healthcare industry. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed one flaw in our system: hospitals and clinics lack adequate space during a national health crisis. 

Portable cabins can serve as consultation rooms, temporary in-patient areas, vaccination and testing centres and as staff rest areas.

Modern portable units can be customised with hygienic flooring, sanitation areas and partitions. When correctly specified, temporary accommodation units can be designed to align with NHS requirements and relevant HTM and HBN guidance for specific healthcare use cases.

Portable healthcare units can be handy during emergencies, as they can be driven to the crisis area as frontline care, offering emergency evaluation and first aid, until patients can be transferred to a hospital. This also helps to reduce the stress on the A&E department.

Many health administrators are considering temporary solutions, as they struggle with overcrowding and budgetary constraints while trying to offer quality care to the public. 

Hospitality

One of the sectors using portable cabins the most is the hospitality industry. They are being used as VIP lounges, ticket booths, and rest areas for outdoor concerts and as food trucks and pop-up F&B restaurants. They can be easily customised, externally and internally, to match the brand vibes. 

Want to create a VIP lounge? Spruce up the interior with comfortable sofas, soft lighting, mirrors and refreshments. Need a space for a temporary cafe? Add a kitchenette and storage, and voila, you have a new cafe. 

Are you organising a concert? Portable cabins can act as ticket booths and security centres. Portable toilet boxes are also important for the hospitality industry, especially when organising outdoor events, where the public may not have access to restrooms nearby.

Manufacturing & Logistics

The manufacturing and logistics sectors benefit from portable units. These sectors often have seasonal demands, and investing in a permanent building might not provide a good ROI in such cases. 

For instance, many retail manufacturers and logistics companies have more demand during the festive season, while the rest of the year might be leaner. Anti-vandal portable cabins can be beneficial, as they can be used as secure storage units and additional workspaces. 

Anti-vandal units can be customised with reinforced walls, bars on the windows and advanced locking mechanisms. The interior can be tailored to fit workbenches and electrical outlets or storage cabinets, depending on the use case.

Buy Premium Portable Cabins and Site Accommodation from Cabin Solutions

Are you looking for temporary accommodation units for your business? At Cabin Solutions, you can buy modular units, toilet boxes, storage units, site accommodation and welfare units.

Our experts work with qualified suppliers across the country, allowing us to ship your portable welfare units faster and at competitive rates. We undertake thorough checks and have insights into use cases of portable units across different sectors, allowing us to guide effectively.

Whether you are looking to buy your first portable unit for your business or want to expand your fleet, connect with us today.