Prefabricated Panel House

Prefabricated panel houses are buildings constructed primarily using prefabricated panels, known for their fast construction speed and low cost. However, they also have drawbacks such as weak earthquake resistance and poor sound and heat insulation, and currently, they are mainly repaired and renovated.

I. Basic Concepts and Types
The core component of a prefabricated panel house is the prefabricated panel, a cement component prefabricated in a factory. The manufacturing process involves creating a wooden mold, laying out steel bars, and then pouring cement to form either solid or hollow types. The hollow structure achieves lightweighting by reducing the non-load-bearing concrete, thereby lowering material costs and transportation difficulties.

II. Development History and Current Status
This building form originated in the early 20th century, and most residential buildings constructed in China before 1985 adopted this structure. With advancements in building technology, cast-in-place concrete and prefabricated buildings have gradually replaced traditional prefabricated panel houses. Prefabricated buildings use modular factory-prefabricated components, reducing the construction period by 30% compared to traditional methods and offering advantages such as reduced pollution. Currently, there are approximately 18.7 million sets of prefabricated panel residential buildings nationwide, accounting for 7.3% of the total urban residential housing stock and involving approximately 56 million residents. 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.

III. Advantages and Disadvantages Analysis
Advantages:

1. Fast Construction Speed: Factory-prefabricated components can shorten on-site construction time and improve efficiency.
2. Low Construction Cost: Standardized production reduces material and labor costs, making it suitable for large-scale applications.

Disadvantages:

1. Weak Earthquake Resistance: The overall structural connectivity is poor, making it vulnerable to damage during earthquakes.
2. Poor Sound and Heat Insulation: The hollow structure or insufficient material performance results in low living comfort.
3. Limited Service Life: Typically lasting 30-50 years (some sources say 20-40 years), with poor waterproofing effects.
4. Safety Hazards: Some buildings were constructed with thin steel bars, poor-quality concrete, or the use of sea sand, affecting structural safety.

IV. Market and Applications
Prefabricated houses (prefabricated modular buildings) encompass prefabricated concrete structures and steel structures, with components including prefabricated beams, panels, walls, and columns. They offer advantages such as shortened construction periods and reduced pollution. Chinese-made prefabricated houses are in high demand overseas. For example, in the first four months of 2026, the Guangzhou Customs District exported 1.4 billion yuan worth of mobile homes, a year-on-year increase of 38.1%, indicating strong international market demand.