Demolition of Prefabricated Slab Houses in Hangzhou
In Hangzhou, the focus is on reinforcing and repairing prefabricated slab houses, with demolition being carried out only for a very small number of Grade D dangerous buildings. The claim of a comprehensive demolition is untrue.
Demolition Strictly Limited to Grade D Dangerous Buildings
According to policy guidelines, the renovation of prefabricated slab houses in Hangzhou adheres to the principle of "reinforcement and repair as the main approach, with demolition as a supplementary measure." Demolition is carried out only for buildings identified as Grade D dangerous structures (i.e., those whose overall load-bearing structure can no longer meet safe usage requirements, posing a risk to the entire building). Nationwide, Grade D dangerous buildings account for less than 4% (approximately 72,000 households), and in Hangzhou, as a key city, the scope of demolition is similarly strictly limited to such buildings. Among the 350,000 prefabricated slab houses planned for demolition nationwide by 2026, Hangzhou's demolition volume must comply with the strict regulation that "the demolished area shall not exceed 20% of the total building area of urban renewal units," further reducing the scale of demolition.
Most Buildings Upgraded Through Old Renovation Projects
For non-Grade D prefabricated slab houses (Grade A with intact structure, Grade B basically intact, and Grade C with some load-bearing structures not meeting standards), Hangzhou primarily upgrades them through "old renovation" projects. Specific measures include elevator installation, greening and beautification, exterior wall renovation, pipeline replacement, etc., aimed at improving the living environment without affecting the load-bearing structure. For example, areas such as Chaohui and Jingfang are partially included in demolition plans due to subway construction, but more buildings are upgraded through old renovation projects to improve infrastructure. This renovation approach not only preserves the main structure of the buildings but also enhances living comfort, aligning with the policy guideline of "prioritizing preservation and utilization."
Official Denial of Comprehensive Demolition Rumors
Although some homeowners have reported issues such as ceiling cracks and poor sound insulation after old renovation projects, believing that the renovation is "a temporary fix," officials have explicitly denied rumors of a comprehensive demolition of prefabricated slab houses. Among the 18.5 million existing prefabricated slab houses nationwide, 72% are Grade A/B buildings that only require routine maintenance to ensure safety; Grade C buildings can restore their functionality through reinforcement. A comprehensive demolition would not only be prohibitively expensive but also contradict the 20% limit on the total building area of urban renewal units, making it unfeasible.
Summary: The renovation of prefabricated slab houses in Hangzhou centers on preservation and utilization, enhancing living quality through precise demolition of Grade D dangerous buildings and large-scale old renovation projects. The claim of a comprehensive demolition lacks policy basis and practical feasibility.
