Packaging Methods for Prefabricated Houses

There are mainly two types of packaging methods for prefabricated houses: modular packaging and box-component assembly packaging, as detailed below:

Modular Packaging

Modular packaging involves dividing the entire building into independent modules and completing the full-process prefabrication in a factory. Each module includes all elements such as wall frames, floor and ceiling systems, plumbing and electrical lines, kitchen and bathroom waterproofing, and hard-finish decorations, forming a complete living unit that is ready for immediate occupancy. After encapsulation, the modules are transported via large-scale logistics, trailers, or ocean shipping containers, enabling 'giant parcel' delivery across provinces and cities. For example, the full range of modular houses from China Construction Steel Structure Jiangsu Co., Ltd. adopts four independent module forms that can be loaded into containers for transoceanic transportation. The advantages of this method lie in its high factory production precision, rapid on-site installation speed, and flexible module combination to meet different architectural needs. However, it has relatively high transportation costs and is suitable for projects with high standardization and large scale.

Box-Component Assembly Packaging

Box-component assembly packaging achieves building construction through the combination of prefabricated box units, encompassing three specific forms:

1. Vertical Stacking of Box Components
   Suitable for buildings up to 12 stories high, with buildings up to 5 stories in non-seismic areas relying solely on the self-weight and friction of the components for stability; seismic areas or high-rise buildings require additional reinforcement through post-tensioning, cast-in-place balconies/corridors, bolt connections, or cast-in-place structural columns. For example, chain slots and notches are reserved on the wall ribs or corners of the box components, and after installation, vertical cavities are formed and filled with concrete to create cast-in-place structural columns connecting the boxes.
2. Interlocking and Stacking of Box Components
   By offsetting the stacking to avoid repetition of adjacent sides, material waste is reduced and structural load distribution is optimized, making it suitable for projects with high economic efficiency requirements.
3. Combination of Box Components and Prefabricated Panels
   Box components are used for rooms with dense equipment and piping or heavy decoration (such as kitchens and bathrooms), while prefabricated panels are used for other areas, saving materials and enhancing design flexibility. For example, using box components in rooms with concentrated equipment and piping can significantly reduce on-site construction work, while prefabricated panels can quickly complete wall construction.

Both packaging methods enhance efficiency through factory prefabrication. Modular packaging emphasizes integrity and is suitable for rapid deployment, while box-component assembly packaging adapts to diverse needs through flexible combination, offering advantages in material utilization and design freedom.