Prefabricated Panel Assembled Houses

Prefabricated panel assembled houses are buildings constructed primarily using prefabricated panels, featuring specific characteristics, historical backgrounds, existing issues, and handling policies.

Characteristics and Construction Methods

Prefabricated panels are cement components manufactured in factories. During production, wooden molds are first nailed together, followed by the placement of steel reinforcement and the pouring of cement. These panels come in two types: solid and hollow. The hollow structure achieves lightweighting by reducing the non-load-bearing concrete. The construction method resembles building with “building blocks,” where pre-fabricated cement panels are assembled and joined together. This approach offers fast construction speeds, low construction costs, and saves labor when applied to rural self-built houses.

Historical Background

This architectural form originated in the early 20th century and was primarily used for floor slabs and roof insulation layers. In China, most residential buildings constructed before 1985 adopted this type of structure, reflecting the application of architectural technology and materials at that time.

Existing Issues

Existing prefabricated panel houses face numerous problems. Weak earthquake resistance: During natural disasters such as earthquakes, they struggle to effectively withstand external forces, potentially causing severe damage. Poor sound and thermal insulation: This affects living comfort and fails to provide a favorable living environment for residents. Limited service life: The designed service life is typically only around 40 years. Nowadays, many prefabricated panel houses have “exceeded their service life,” exhibiting issues such as large-scale peeling of wall plaster and numerous cracks in the walls. In severe cases, they may even become dilapidated buildings at risk of collapse at any time.

Handling Policies

In August 2025, the “Three-Year Action Plan for Improving the Quality and Efficiency of Renovations in Old Residential Communities Nationwide” will include prefabricated panel buildings as a key focus for renovation. According to the principle of “one building, one policy” for classified disposal, a one-size-fits-all approach of comprehensive demolition will no longer be adopted. Instead, differentiated handling will be implemented based on actual conditions. Approximately 20% of old buildings will face demolition, primarily those that are dilapidated with damaged main structures, unable to withstand natural disasters, or affect urban planning. The remaining 80% will undergo “old renovation” upgrades and revitalization. For prefabricated panel houses with intact main structures and safe for occupancy, renovations will be carried out through old renovation projects to enhance building performance and living quality.