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02, Nov 2024 -

Prefab building techniques - both ends of the size scale

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As the market becomes increasingly mindful of environmental issues, prefabricated building solutions are acquiring greater prominence because of their heightened efficiency and convenience.

A key example of this is a new concept design released by German firm Weingartner Architects for a prefabricated high-rise apartment building made primarily from timber. The Woodscraper II concept consists of nine sparely designed "sky cubes" stacked on top of each other in a slightly staggered pattern and held in place via cantilevering from a central concrete core.

The central core that props up the sky cubes in place can contain as many as five smart elevators, as well as emergency stairs and plumbing and power infrastructure. The tower would reach a height of up to 200 metres and be capable of accommodating over 300 residents - a number chosen by the architecture firm because "history shows that 300 people build a happy, strong lasting community that works."

The sky cubes would be prefabricated on the ground first for increased convenience and reduced cost, and only installed upon their cantilevered positions around the core following payment. This can help diminish investment risk for all parties, as well as hasten the pace of completion once the decision to purchase or occupy an apartment is made.

An example at the other end of the size scale is the Castlemaine Passivhaus project in Australia. The Castlemaine Passivhaus encompasses just 39 square metres of area and took a similarly modest amount of time to complete, with construction wrapped up in just 10 days by means of prefabricated building techniques.

The prefab sections were delivered to the site on the very day that the external structure was assembled, with the home ready for usage immediately following the 10-day construction period.

Australian architecture firm Carbonlite designed the compact home in order to demonstrate that Passive House sustainability certification can be obtained by dwelling places at the smaller end of the size scale.

The economic benefits of prefab building during the construction phase can be even further enhanced in Australia by leveraging the low-cost advantage provided by manufacturers in nearby mainland China. Some Chinese companies are offering to sell a complete 75 square metre home unit from China for as little as US$13,000 via online vendors such as AliBaba. The price tag includes all plumbing and electricity.

Resources companies in Australia are already using prefab homes ordered from China for transit accommodation purposes in regional towns close to mining sites. The cost of the imported prefab homes are a fraction of that for existing alternatives. Extensive alterations to the imported prefab units may be needed, however, to ensure that they comply with Australia's more stringent building codes.

Source: Friday Offcuts (Edited)

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