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Prefab is expanding and growing in popularity
February 12, 2016
The building community often use prefabricated techniques due to cost effectiveness, but modular methods are also opening up new doors. Prefab is growing not only in size and scope, but it is also expanding options for buyers and leaving an impact on different cultures across the world. Here are some ways that modular architecture is changing the construction industry:
Prefab appeals to private contractors
FMI Corporation, a management consulting organization, conducted a survey in 2013 where it interviewed contractors across the construction industry about prefab techniques. According to the survey, 3 out of 5 contractors expect the use of prefab methods to grow across the industry. Both mechanical and electrical contractors are incorporating more modular methods when they collaborate on development projects – the average consensus in the survey was that contractors would like to spend one-third of their company’s labor hours on prefab construction. There is an obvious connection between contractors and this type of construction. By design, modular builds are done offsite, so outsourcing duties to private contractors is an efficient way for building companies to make progress on their own project and won’t have the same need to bring outsiders up to speed onsite.
Prefab is expanding across the world
We can see it happening already: prefab builds are popping up globally with new types of residential and commercial projects. Seychelles New Agency, a newspaper that covers the African country of the same name, reported the expansion of prefab builds in small communities across Seychelles. Many different neighborhoods in Seychelles benefit from modular projects because they are more affordable and help to establish a green market, the source reported.
Prefab builds are also seeing use in industries across Asia. According to design and technology blog Inhabit floating prefab homes have become popular for river resorts in Thailand. Mobile designs are very appealing to developers along the River Kwai because modular builds create a more complete structure before the unit needs to be towed to the riverbed, the source reported.
Gizmodo recently featured prefab builds from Muji, a prominent Japanese retail company. Muji is becoming renowned for its new prefabricated houses and its techniques aren’t just limited to retrofitting new homes or designing minimalist houses, either wealthier consumers have been gravitating toward Muji’s tall, slender builds referred to as “vertical homes.” The appeal is that prefab homes are more customizable than traditional units, so accommodating unique property specifications is cheaper, the source stated. This means that the appeal of prefab structures aren’t just limited to those seeking to live on a tighter budget – though, according to Wired, buyers also enjoy Muji’s minimalist builds.
In short, prefab building is a both a useful technique and is only going to grow in its usage and popularity. To see how Sto can help incorporate prefab into your next build, check out our website.
Company: 
Sto Corp.
Source: http://buildingwithconscience.com/2015/12/prefab-is-expanding-and-growing-in-popularity/
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