Prefabricated Panel Composite Housing

Prefabricated panel composite housing is a type of housing constructed primarily using prefabricated panels. These panels are cement components prefabricated in factories and come in two types: solid and hollow. Originating in the early 20th century, they were once widely used to address housing shortages but have numerous drawbacks and are gradually being replaced, with some buildings facing demolition.

Origin and Characteristics

Prefabricated panel composite housing originated in the early 20th century, primarily used for floor slabs and roof insulation layers. Residential buildings constructed in China before 1985 often adopted this structural type. Its greatest advantage is its rapid construction speed, which can quickly meet urban housing demands. It is cost-effective and has been widely promoted and applied in cities, especially economically underdeveloped areas, becoming an important means of addressing housing issues.

Drawbacks

• Lifespan Issues: Primarily relying on cement joints, these houses have a shorter lifespan compared to modern buildings that extensively use steel reinforcement, typically lasting between 30 and 50 years, far below modern construction standards. They are also susceptible to external environmental factors such as wind, rain, sun exposure, and earthquakes, which can lead to structural damage, including cracks and water leakage.
• Poor Sound Insulation and Thermal Insulation: Adjusting the internal spatial structure is difficult, and thermal insulation performance is poor. In summer, due to a lack of effective thermal insulation materials and design, indoor heat is difficult to dissipate, and temperatures can reach over 40°C. Sound insulation is also unsatisfactory, as the cement panel construction method allows external noise to easily penetrate indoors, affecting the rest and work of occupants.
• Maintenance Costs and Convenience Issues: The special construction method may result in higher later-stage maintenance costs.

Development Trends

With the advancement of construction technology, cast-in-place concrete and prefabricated buildings are gradually replacing traditional prefabricated panel houses. Prefabricated buildings use modular factory-prefabricated components. For example, CMC composite modular buildings enhance seismic resistance through steel-concrete integral pouring, reducing construction time by 30% compared to traditional methods. Since 2022, China has implemented renovation policies for old residential buildings, focusing on repairing and renovating prefabricated panel houses and only demolishing those that meet the criteria for dangerous buildings. According to the 2025 renovation regulations, some prefabricated panel houses that are unsafe, within municipal planning areas, or on prime locations sought after by developers will be included in the demolition list.