Latest Specifications for Prefabricated Housing

The latest specifications for prefabricated housing are centered around national standards, supplemented by local guidelines that provide technical details, and also cover supporting requirements for fire safety, materials, approvals, and decoration, as follows:

I. Mandatory Requirements of the National Standard 'Residential Project Specifications' (GB 55038)
This standard, effective from May 1, 2025, establishes foundational norms for residential projects as a whole:

1. Spatial and Functional Indicators: New residential buildings must have a floor height of no less than 3 meters, and buildings of 4 stories or more must be equipped with elevators. The sound insulation performance of walls and floors is specified, with the clear width for door passage being no less than 0.9 meters, bathroom doors no less than 0.7 meters, and balcony railing heights no less than 1.20 meters.
2. Facility Support Requirements: Public mobile communication signals must cover public spaces and elevator cars. Air conditioning outdoor units must be installed on dedicated platforms to prevent unsafe installations.
3. Scope of Application: This standard applies to all newly constructed residential projects, including prefabricated housing, providing a foundational framework for structural design and spatial layout.

II. Special Specifications for Prefabricated Panel Houses
The state has formulated the following special requirements for the uniqueness of prefabricated panel houses:

1. Fire Safety: The use of flammable materials (such as foam sandwich panels) is strictly prohibited. Non-combustible or fire-resistant materials like rock wool must be used in crowded places (such as schools and hospitals) to reduce fire risks.
2. Materials and Approvals: Before construction, approvals for land use rights and building permits must be obtained to ensure legal compliance. Materials must meet durability and safety standards, avoiding the use of inferior prefabricated components.

III. Supplementary Specifications in Local Technical Guidelines
Taking the 'Shandong Provincial Technical Guidelines for the Construction of Prefabricated Rural Houses' as an example (effective from July 1, 2026), technical details are clarified:

1. Structural Systems: Including prefabricated concrete shear walls, EPS module cast-in-place concrete, and light steel frames, among others. The appropriate system must be selected based on geological conditions and climatic characteristics, with detailed design and construction specifications provided.
2. Material Requirements: Priority should be given to green, economical, or recyclable materials (such as recycled concrete and bamboo). The use of high-energy-consuming and excessively polluting materials is prohibited to promote sustainable development.
3. Humanized Design: Reflect regional characteristics (such as traditional residential styles), consider the needs of aging populations (such as barrier-free ramps and non-slip floors), and ensure functional spaces are appropriately separated (such as separating bedrooms from living rooms).

IV. Supporting Promotion of Prefabricated Decoration
Although the 'Opinions on the Promotion of Prefabricated Decoration (Draft for Comments)' issued by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development does not directly involve structural aspects, it proposes:

1. Priority for Government Projects: Government-invested projects such as affordable housing, schools, and hospitals must prioritize the use of prefabricated decoration to enhance construction efficiency and environmental protection.
2. Pilot Programs for Commercial Housing: Encourage the full decoration delivery of commercial housing to reduce secondary decoration pollution. When renovating existing buildings, promote the use of prefabricated decoration technologies (such as integrated walls and modular kitchens).