How to Prefabricate Terrace Houses
The methods for prefabricating terrace houses mainly include four approaches: prefabricated modular cabins, elevated terrace prefabricated slab systems, integrated steel-connection-frame prefabrication, and simple house construction.
Prefabricated Modular Cabins: By adding new prefabricated modules to enclose the terrace area, an independent functional space is created. For example, modules can be added to the outdoor area on the east side of the house to form a U-shaped terrace layout. During design, consideration should be given to the coordination between the modules and the existing building, such as using red profiled aluminum cladding in contrast with gray cement exterior walls to enhance visual hierarchy and meet functional expansion needs. Modular design requires advance planning of dimensions, load-bearing capacity, and connection methods to ensure a stable connection with the main structure.
Elevated Terrace Prefabricated Slab System: Custom 120mm-thick prestressed concrete hollow slabs are used as flooring materials, with standard dimensions of 2400mm×1200mm. A support system is constructed using sintered perforated brick masonry and concrete structural columns to form an elevated floor. This system serves a dual purpose: the elevated floor allows for the installation of equipment pipelines (such as water, electricity, and ventilation ducts) without directly penetrating the floor and damaging the structure; the floor drainage slope design directs rainwater to drain quickly, preventing water accumulation and leakage. During construction, strict control is required over the precision of slab splicing and the verticality of the supporting walls.
Integrated Steel-Connection-Frame Prefabrication: The main body of the prefabricated house and the terrace are produced integrally in the factory. A steel connection frame is constructed by embedding columns, horizontal and vertical members, and fence connectors to achieve a rigid connection between the terrace and the main structure. This method avoids restrictions caused by oversized components during transportation, reduces on-site secondary pouring operations, shortens the construction period, and minimizes construction errors. The steel connection frame requires anti-corrosion treatment, and the connection nodes must meet seismic and wind load requirements.
Simple House Construction: Suitable for terrace foundations with sufficient load-bearing capacity. Before construction, the ground flatness and load-bearing capacity should be tested, and a waterproof layer or reinforcement layer (such as a concrete垫层 (pad layer)) should be laid if necessary. The frame is made of light steel or aluminum alloy materials and is fixed to the terrace floor using chemical bolts or expansion bolts to ensure structural stability. Window and door installation should consider airtightness and anti-theft performance, and internal facilities (such as electrical circuits and lighting) must comply with building electrical codes. The height of the simple house must comply with local planning requirements to avoid affecting the lighting of adjacent buildings.
