Residential Prefabricated Houses

Residential prefabricated houses are buildings constructed primarily with prefabricated panels, characterized by low cost, rapid construction progress, but short lifespan and poor performance. They are currently undergoing renovation, with some being prioritized for demolition.

Origin and Structural Characteristics

Residential prefabricated houses originated in the early 20th century and were widely used in residential buildings constructed in China before 1985. Prefabricated panels are cement components manufactured in factories. To make them, wooden models are first nailed together, followed by the placement of steel reinforcement and the pouring of cement, resulting in two types: solid and hollow. The hollow structure achieves lightweighting by reducing the non-load-bearing concrete, thereby lowering the overall weight of the building.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Prefabricated panel houses offer significant advantages, including low construction costs and rapid building progress, enabling quick satisfaction of housing needs. However, their disadvantages cannot be overlooked. They have a relatively short lifespan, typically lasting only 30 to 50 years. Once they become dilapidated, problems such as wall cracks, leakage, and peeling paint may arise. Their sound insulation and thermal insulation effects are poor, affecting living comfort. Additionally, their design lacks humanization, resulting in a subpar living experience for residents.

Policies and Renovation Directions

Since 2020, China has launched urban renewal projects, with the "urban village renovation" project expanding to over 300 cities at or above the prefecture level by 2024, adhering to the principle of renovation as the primary approach and demolition as a supplementary measure. The National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development have explicitly proposed that the renovation of prefabricated panel houses should be "tailored to local conditions and implemented in a classified manner." Houses with intact main structures can be repaired and renovated, while those with safety hazards must be demolished and rebuilt. The "Implementation Guide for Urban Renewal Actions" released at the end of 2024 advocates a differentiated strategy that combines "preservation and renovation" with "demolition and reconstruction," firmly preventing large-scale demolition and construction.

Types Prioritized for Demolition

Three types of prefabricated panel houses will be prioritized for demolition: first, those with damaged main structures that cannot be repaired through renovation; second, those with intact main structures but unable to withstand natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods; and third, those located on land planned for municipal use.

Renovation Opportunities and Effects

By the end of 2025, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development plans to "basically complete the renovation tasks for urban old residential communities built before the end of 2000 that require renovation." A large number of prefabricated panel houses that have been in service for over 25 years will face comprehensive renovation opportunities. Renovation will not simply involve demolition but will adopt different plans based on various situations. After renovation, the living environment will see improvements in safety performance, comfort, and value appreciation.