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Architects turn to prefab materials
May 1, 2015
Increasingly, builders are learning that the best way to construct an efficient building may largely occur on the factory floor and not on the construction site. Prefabricated building panels offer several benefits over onsite, from-scratch construction. As construction picks up, builders should give the prefab approach serious consideration.
The primary advantages of prefab building materials are as follows:
- Consistency: Contractors won't have to worry that the panels are built to spec because they are machined in the factor in the exact same way. They will always match the exact blueprints.
- Efficiency: Each panel can be optimized to include the best insulation, air and moisture barrier systems and any other exterior wall systems.
- Reliability: There need be no unseen delays with prefab. The panels are generally lightweight and can be shipped straight to the construction site whenever necessary.
- Versatility: Prefab materials can be fitted to almost any design plan and make up a significant portion of anything from a small home to a skyscraper.
"Builders should give the prefab approach serious consideration."
As the forthcoming examples demonstrate, prefab materials can be crucial components in high-performing buildings of all types.
Australian architects design first carbon-positive prefab home
In today's economy, energy efficiency is key. Some U.S. states even have long-term goals for all new buildings to meet net-zero requirements. Now, Australian architectural group Archiblox proved that it can construct small homes capable of generating more energy than they use by incorporating prefab materials, Gizmag reported.
Prefabricated buildings are generally quicker and more affordable to construct, meaning the home is inexpensive compared to other high-performance buildings. But those same prefab materials help the home maintain its internal temperature and restrict unwanted air and moisture flow.
Attempt at world's tallest building to feature prefab materials
On the other end of the spectrum is the world's tallest prefab apartment building, standing at 57 stories, in suburban Changsa, China. The same architect, Zhang Yue, is also behind the plans for the world's tallest building – Sky City, which projects to be 200 stories and also feature prefab panels.
Prefabricated materials allowed Yue to erect this 57-floor, 800-apartment skyscraper at the impressive pace of three floors per day. The supplies are produced in a factory 90 minutes away and trucked to the construction site when necessary. That level of control also ensures the panels are the correct size and shape so the construction may carry on uninhibited.
Through the use of prefab technology, builders have more control, fewer overheads and better materials at their disposal – all at a lower cost for the end consumer.
Company: 
Sto Corp.
Of: Valerie Mayer
Source: http://www.stocorp.com/blog/architects-turn-to-prefab-materials
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