Factory-Prefabricated Assembled Housing

Factory-prefabricated assembled housing is a construction form that involves industrial production of building components and on-site assembly, offering significant advantages such as shortened construction periods and reduced pollution.

Main Types and Technical Systems

The core types of factory-prefabricated assembled housing include panel-based assembly, box-based assembly, and frame-based assembly. Panel-based assembly primarily uses prefabricated wall panels, floor slabs, and other components, which are assembled on-site to form the building's main structure. Box-based assembly involves prefabricating complete room modules (such as bathrooms and kitchens) in the factory and then transporting them to the site for assembly. Frame-based assembly uses prefabricated beams and columns to form the skeleton, which is then filled with wall panels and other enclosure structures. The technical systems encompass prefabricated concrete structures and steel structures, with the former primarily using reinforced concrete components and the latter adopting light or heavy steel structures, offering higher seismic resistance and construction efficiency. Component types include standardized products such as beams, slabs, walls, and columns, with some projects integrating systems like doors, windows, and piping to achieve a "turnkey" delivery standard.

Typical Cases and Construction Processes

A South Korean construction team once completed the main structure of a prefabricated house in 14 days. The load-bearing columns and beams were prefabricated in the factory and precisely assembled on-site using cranes. Subsequent steps included sealing with foam, secondary grouting, laying steel mesh, and pouring concrete to integrate the prefabricated components into a solid whole. Modular detachable container houses, through modular design, enable free assembly, with exterior walls using materials like brick and stone to enhance aesthetics and durability, suitable for temporary buildings or emergency shelter scenarios.

Development History and Policy Support

China's prefabricated concrete technology originated in the 1950s, initially applied in factory and residential construction, but stagnated due to technical limitations. In the 21st century, with improved production efficiency and growing environmental demands, the technology has revived. Companies like Vanke Group have developed prefabricated shear wall residential structural systems and widely applied prefabricated frame technology in projects. Modular construction, as a more integrated model, has established industrial bases in Fujian Province and other regions with policy support, achieving over 70% reduction in construction waste and promoting green building development.

Market Applications and Export Situation

Chinese-made prefabricated houses are popular overseas due to cost advantages and technological maturity. According to customs data, in the first four months of 2026, the Guangzhou Customs District exported movable houses worth 1.4 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 38.1%, primarily to Southeast Asia and the Middle East, meeting local demands for rapid construction and post-disaster reconstruction.