Former Prefabricated Panel Houses

Former prefabricated panel houses are buildings constructed primarily with prefabricated panels. They originated in the early 20th century, and most residential buildings built in China before 1985 adopted this type of structure. However, they have gradually been replaced and are now subject to policy restrictions.

Construction Methods and Characteristics

Prefabricated panels are cement components manufactured in factories. They are made by nailing wooden molds, arranging steel bars, and pouring cement. There are two types: solid and hollow. The hollow structure achieves lightweighting by reducing the non-load-bearing concrete. Their construction method is akin to 'building with blocks,' where pre-made cement panels are assembled piece by piece. This approach offers fast construction speed and low construction costs, making it a key solution to alleviate housing pressure during periods of housing shortages. It solved the housing problems of the time and became an iconic architectural symbol of that era.

Existing Problems

Existing prefabricated panel houses generally suffer from weak earthquake resistance, poor sound and thermal insulation, and other issues. Their designed service life is typically only around 40 years. Some houses have large areas of peeling wall surfaces and numerous cracks in the walls, with severe cases even becoming dilapidated buildings at risk of collapse at any time. Their thermal insulation and sound insulation effects are extremely poor, resulting in cold interiors in winter and hot, stuffy conditions in summer, with poor ventilation and no privacy between neighbors. Additionally, the houses have a monotonous and uniform appearance, with cramped internal spaces and户型 (huxing, meaning 'floor plan layout') designs that lack human-centered considerations, significantly reducing living comfort.

Current Situation and Policies

With the development of construction technology, cast-in-place concrete and prefabricated buildings are gradually replacing traditional prefabricated panel houses. Since 2022, China has implemented renovation policies, focusing on repairing and renovating prefabricated panel houses and only demolishing buildings that meet the criteria for dilapidated structures. In 2023, relevant departments explicitly stipulated that within urban construction land areas, the construction of new, renovated, or expanded prefabricated panel houses and other buildings that do not comply with safety regulations is prohibited.