Did you ever build with LEGO bricks as a kid and wish your miniature creations could somehow become life-size? Well, that dream may no longer be as outlandish at it seems thanks to the growing popularity of prefabricated construction.
Similar to off-site and modular construction, prefabrication involves the manufacturing of building components in a controlled factory environment before they are transported and assembled on-site. It means that most of the work is done behind the scenes before everything is put in place for the grand reveal.
In previous decades, the widespread adoption of prefab buildings has been a slow process, with tech and sustainability issues impeding its growth. However, imports of prefabricated buildings and modular units have doubled in the UK since 2019, according to Statista. So why has prefabrication seen such a recent surge in popularity? Let’s find out.
Speed and efficiency
Traditional construction methods often face challenges related to weather, resource availability, and those “oh no” moments of human error. Prefabrication, however, addresses these issues head-on by allowing simultaneous work on different aspects of a project. In a controlled factory setting, various components can be produced concurrently, drastically reducing construction timelines. With many countries currently facing a housing crisis, this accelerated pace is hugely attractive as governments around the world look for faster methods of building large numbers of homes.
Cost savings
This one is no secret – prefabrication is cheap, for the most part. Compared to traditional construction methods, significant savings can usually be made throughout the design, manufacturing and building phases thanks to a reduced need for on-site labour and the ability to bulk-buy materials. In the case of homes, some of these savings can also be passed on to buyers, allowing lower income families to get on the housing ladder.
Sustainability
The world is aiming to become greener, and thanks to modern construction innovations, prefabrication could be part of the answer. Their factory-built method ensures minimal waste, and the buildings themselves are often more energy-efficient than their traditionally built counterparts, leading to energy savings even after construction is completed.
Safety first
In recent years, an increasing emphasis has thankfully been put on site safety across the industry, and the safety of those working on construction sites is a top priority. Prefabrication minimises risk by keeping the majority of the construction process in a controlled factory setting. With fewer workers exposed to on-site dangers, the potential for accidents is reduced, boosting overall project safety.
Design flexibility
You may imagine prefabricated designs as rigid, cookie-cutter buildings with no room for customisation, but modern techniques now offer a wide range of design flexibility. Advanced technology allows for the customisation of prefabricated components to meet unique architectural requirements, ensuring that varying aesthetic and functional needs are met without compromising efficiency.
Although prefabrication is nothing new, recent advances in the industry mean it is now offering new solutions to the age-old challenges of efficiency, cost-cutting and sustainability, making it one of the go-to construction methods of the future. To read about more construction trends that we think will shape 2024 and beyond, take a look at our recent blog here.
ACS construction is a leading UK construction services group that delivers the complete construction solution. Got a question or want to find out more? Click here to contact us.