Prefabricated Template House
A prefabricated template house is a building constructed primarily with prefabricated panels, also known as a prefabricated assembled building, which is produced industrially and assembled on-site. The following provides an introduction from the aspects of definition, development, characteristics, and demolition policies:
Definition and Types
Prefabricated panels are cement components prefabricated in factories. During production, wooden models are nailed, steel bars are arranged, and cement is poured to form the panels. There are two types: solid and hollow. The hollow structure achieves lightweighting by reducing the non-load-bearing concrete. The main types include panel-assembled, box-assembled, and frame-assembled structures.
Development History
It originated in the early 20th century, and prefabricated concrete in China began in the 1950s. Influenced by the Soviet Union in the early days, it was mainly applied in industrial plants, residential buildings, office buildings, and other fields. In the 1970s, driven by the policy of “industrialization, standardization, and mechanization” in construction, technical systems such as large-panel structures and box structures were formed. In the mid-1980s, it stagnated due to cost and quality defects but recovered in the 21st century due to production efficiency and environmental advantages. With the development of building technology, cast-in-place concrete and prefabricated buildings have gradually replaced traditional prefabricated panel houses. Since 2022, China has implemented renovation policies, focusing on repairing and renovating prefabricated panel houses and only demolishing those that meet the criteria for dangerous buildings. In 2026, the policy emphasizes “steadily advancing the governance and renovation of prefabricated panel houses,” aiming to renovate more than 500,000 units (rooms) of C- and D-grade dangerous housing, prefabricated panel houses, and non-complete housing.
Characteristics
Advantages: High construction efficiency, with a shorter construction period compared to traditional methods; high production efficiency and good product quality, which can improve workers' labor conditions and have a smaller environmental impact; Chinese-made prefabricated houses are popular overseas. Disadvantages: Existing prefabricated panel houses generally have problems such as weak earthquake resistance, poor sound and heat insulation, and weak waterproofing; their service life is about 30-50 years; as time goes by, these houses will have more and more safety hazards.
Demolition-Related Policies
Priority is given to demolishing dangerous buildings with damaged main structures, buildings that cannot withstand natural disasters, and buildings that affect urban planning. In January 2026, two “lines” were drawn for “demolition”: within one urban renewal unit, the demolished floor area shall not exceed 20% of the current total floor area in principle; the demolition-to-construction ratio of the project shall not be greater than 2. Compensation methods include monetary compensation, physical resettlement, housing vouchers, and original-site reconstruction.
