Choosing the right size for a portable building can feel a bit like picking the perfect pair of jeans. It’s got to fit your needs, work within your space, and—ideally—not break the bank. 

Whether you’re looking to set up an office, workshop, or even temporary accommodation in Perth, understanding the most common portable building sizes can help you make a smart, practical decision.

Portable buildings come in various dimensions, each serving different needs.

From compact 3×3 metre spaces ideal for small offices to larger 6×3 and 12×3 metre structures that can comfortably fit multiple workstations or even bunk beds for accommodation—there’s a lot to choose from.

In this guide, we’ll explore the most popular sizes available in Perth, detailing what each size is best suited for and why it’s crucial to pick the right option.

Exploring the Most Popular Portable Building Sizes in Perth

When it comes to choosing a portable building size, it’s all about finding the right match for your space and needs.

Each size offers its own unique advantages, from compact units suited for individual offices to spacious setups ideal for workshops or accommodations.

Below, we’ll break down the most common portable building sizes available in Perth, highlighting their benefits and suggesting the best uses for each option.

Compact and Convenient: 3×3 Metre Portable Buildings

The 3×3 metre size is one of the smallest options, offering a compact space that’s both easy to transport and quick to set up.

Ideal for small offices or personal workspaces, these buildings are great for solo use or as a quiet retreat within a larger site.

This size is often chosen by businesses needing a temporary office on-site or by individuals looking for an affordable, functional space for their projects.

The compact size makes it easy to fit into limited areas, and it’s also a budget-friendly option compared to larger structures.

  • Affordable and efficient for small budgets
  • Easy to transport and set up
  • Perfect for individual offices or quiet workspaces
  • Takes up minimal space on a job site or property

For those looking to create a private, distraction-free environment, a 3×3 metre modular building can be set up with essentials like a desk, chair, and storage.

Versatile and Practical: 6×3 Metre Portable Buildings

The 6×3 metre option is a versatile choice, balancing space and cost-effectiveness.

This medium-sized building provides enough room to accommodate multiple people for a variety of purposes, making it popular for site offices, meeting rooms, or storage.

With its additional square footage, a 6×3 metre building offers flexibility. It can function as a multi-desk office, a small training room, or even a comfortable break room for staff on a work site.

It’s also commonly used as temporary accommodation or storage due to its manageable size.

  • Spacious enough for multiple workstations or desks
  • Suitable for small meetings or training sessions
  • Easily adaptable for different purposes (office, storage, etc.)
  • Provides a more comfortable space without a huge footprint

Setting up a 6×3 metre modular building is straightforward. This size can be configured with several desks, some storage, and even a small kitchenette if needed.

It’s a solid option for those needing a bit more space but still looking to keep things efficient.

Roomy and Functional: 9×3 Metre Portable Buildings

For those needing extra room, the 9×3 metre modular building is a great step up. This size offers significantly more space, making it suitable for larger offices, workshops, or temporary accommodations for multiple people.

With a bit of creativity, a 9×3 metre building can be outfitted to serve as a spacious break area, equipment storage room, or even a multi-purpose workspace.

The 9×3 metre size is ideal for businesses that require flexibility and additional functionality. It’s commonly used in construction or mining sites where teams need a comfortable, well-equipped base of operations.

This size also works well as a temporary classroom or training facility.

  • Plenty of space for larger teams or group activities
  • Ideal for workshops, classrooms, or training areas
  • Can be split into sections to serve multiple functions
  • Provides a comfortable, functional area for extended use

When setting up a 9×3 metre modular building, you can easily divide the space to suit various needs, such as a meeting area on one end and a workstation on the other.

Spacious and Flexible: 12×3 Metre Portable Buildings

The 12×3 metre portable building is one of the largest standard sizes, perfect for situations where a significant amount of space is required. This option is ideal for large project sites, long-term accommodations, or extensive storage needs.

With this much room, you can create a comfortable, multi-functional space that feels more like a permanent office or accommodation setup.

Due to its size, a 12×3 metre building can handle several uses simultaneously. It can be divided into separate areas for different functions, like an office area, a kitchen, and even a sleeping area for overnight accommodations.

This size is highly popular in remote areas where workers need a home base that feels comfortable and practical.

  • Large enough for a full office setup or temporary housing
  • Can be divided into multiple functional areas
  • Ideal for long-term use or remote locations
  • Provides ample storage or workspace for large projects

To make the most of a 12×3 metre modular building, consider outfitting it with partitions to create designated areas.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Portable Building Size

Purpose and Functionality

The intended use of your modular building is probably the most important factor to consider when choosing a size.

A compact 3×3 metre building might be perfect for a solo workspace or small office, but if you’re planning to accommodate a team or store equipment, a larger size like 9×3 or 12×3 metres may be necessary.

Start by listing your primary and secondary needs. Are you setting up a temporary site office, creating a training room, or setting up accommodation for multiple people?

Each of these functions requires different levels of space and layout considerations.

Beyond basic functionality, consider any additional features you might need inside the building, such as partitions, storage units, or even kitchenettes and restrooms.

These extras will affect how much space you actually have left for core activities, so it’s essential to factor them into your size choice.

For example, a 6×3 metre building might seem large enough for an office, but if you add dividers for a small meeting area, it might feel cramped.

Think carefully about the overall layout and flow within the building to ensure it meets all your practical needs.

Available Site Space

Another crucial factor is the amount of space you have available on your property or job site for the modular building. Measure your intended area carefully and consider any limitations or obstacles that might impact installation.

If space is tight, a smaller building like the 3×3 metre might be the only feasible choice. Alternatively, if you have ample room, a larger size can give you more flexibility and comfort.

Keep in mind that it’s not just the length and width of the site you need to consider but also access for installation and pathways around the structure.

Consider how the building’s size might affect the surrounding area. A larger building may limit vehicle access or take up parking spaces, which could disrupt other operations. It’s also wise to think about any future expansions or additions.

If there’s a possibility you’ll need more space down the line, ensure there’s enough room to add another building or expand the existing one. Careful site planning can save you from headaches and costly relocations later on.

Budget Constraints

Generally, the larger the building, the higher the cost, both in terms of upfront purchase or rental and ongoing maintenance.

Before settling on a size, establish a clear budget and see what options fit within it.

A smaller building will often be more economical, but if it doesn’t fully meet your needs, it could end up costing more in the long run through added modifications or upgrades.

Consider not only the cost of the building itself but also any additional expenses, like transport, installation, and any interior fittings. If you’re working with a tight budget, think creatively about how to maximise a smaller space.

For example, a 6×3 metre building can be adapted with efficient storage solutions and multi-functional furniture to increase usability without going up in size.

Balancing your financial limits with functional needs is key to making a cost-effective choice.

Duration of Use

How long you intend to use the building should also influence your decision. If you only need the building for a short-term project, it might not be worth investing in a larger, more expensive option.

In these cases, a smaller, simpler structure might be more practical. However, if the building will be in use for an extended period, such as several months or even years, it’s worth choosing a size that ensures comfort and functionality over the long haul.

A longer-term installation might justify a higher investment in space and features, as it’ll likely provide better returns in terms of productivity and comfort.

For example, if you’re setting up a portable office for a construction project expected to last a few years, a larger 12×3 metre building might be more suitable.

It can be configured to offer meeting spaces, storage, and work areas without feeling cramped over time, contributing to a better work environment.

Customisation Needs

Different projects have different requirements, and sometimes a standard-sized modular building might not cut it. If you anticipate needing special features or custom layouts, factor that into your size choice.

A larger building generally allows for more customisation options, such as partitioned rooms, kitchens, or even bathroom facilities. If customisation is a priority, it may be better to choose a slightly larger size, as cramped spaces are harder to modify effectively.

Consider how the building’s size will affect any planned modifications. For instance, if you plan to divide the interior into separate rooms, you’ll need enough space to maintain comfortable movement between areas.

Adding storage units, shelving, or even air conditioning can reduce usable space within the building, so it’s worth choosing a size that can accommodate these additions without compromising functionality.

Customisation is all about maximising the space to suit your needs, and having a bit of extra room to play with often makes a big difference.

Partner with Perth’s Portable Building Experts

With years of experience and a deep understanding of the industry, Portable Buildings WA stands as a trusted leader in Perth, offering guidance and solutions that help clients avoid costly mistakes.

Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction ensures that you get a building that meets your needs perfectly—whether it’s for a temporary workspace, long-term accommodation, or anything in between.

Ready to bring your vision to life? Contact Portable Buildings WA today at (08) 9393 4855 or claim your fast and FREE quote online.