Prefabricated Housing in Urban Architecture

Prefabricated housing in urban architecture primarily adopts modular construction (prefabricated assembly-type building) models, achieving efficient construction through factory-prefabricated independent unit modules that are assembled on-site.

I. Core Construction Models and Processes

Modular construction breaks down buildings into independent unit modules (such as ceilings, floors, plumbing and electrical systems, bathroom waterproofing layers, etc.), which are prefabricated on factory assembly lines. Some projects even integrate interior decoration processes. For example, the Shenzhen Zhongjian Hailong Intelligent Construction Industrial Park delivers 20,000 to 30,000 modules annually through parallel operations and intelligent production lines, reducing construction periods by over 60% compared to traditional buildings. During on-site assembly, modules are quickly connected through standardized interfaces to form a complete building structure.

II. Types of Prefabricated Houses and Technical Systems

1. Types

   • Panel Assembly-Type: Primarily uses prefabricated wall panels, floor slabs, and other components assembled on-site to form buildings.
   • Box Assembly-Type: Uses complete spatial modules (such as decorated bathrooms and kitchens) as units directly assembled into buildings.
   • Frame Assembly-Type: Focuses on prefabricated beams, columns, floor slabs, and other structural components connected through on-site pouring to form frame structures.

2. Technical Systems

   • Prefabricated Concrete Structures: Utilizes prefabricated concrete components suitable for multi-story and high-rise residential buildings.
   • Steel Structures: Uses lightweight steel as the framework, suitable for large-span buildings (such as data centers and office buildings).

III. Core Advantages and Application Scenarios

1. Advantages

   • Short Construction Period: Factory prefabrication and on-site construction occur in parallel. For example, a Shenzhen affordable housing project used 6,028 concrete modules to assemble a nearly 100-meter-high residential building, reducing the construction period from 2.5-3 years to just 1 year.
   • Controllable Quality: The factory environment minimizes human errors, ensuring standardized production of critical processes such as plumbing, electrical systems, and waterproofing layers.
   • Energy Efficiency and Environmental Protection: Reduces on-site wet operations, lowering dust and noise pollution while improving material utilization by approximately 30%.

2. Application Scenarios

   • Standardized Buildings: Projects requiring rapid replication, such as hotels, senior living apartments, and dormitories.
   • Functional Buildings: Scenarios demanding high construction efficiency, such as office buildings and data centers.
   • Temporary Buildings: Fields requiring rapid deployment, such as emergency hospitals and post-disaster relief housing.

IV. Market Development and Export Data

According to customs data, in the first four months of 2026, the Guangzhou Customs District exported 1.4 billion yuan worth of portable houses, a year-on-year increase of 38.1%; Shenzhen Port exported 1.68 billion yuan worth, a year-on-year increase of 19.6%, covering over 150 countries and regions. Market research institutions predict that the global modular construction market will exceed 142.8 billion USD by 2030, reflecting the widespread adoption of this model globally.