The Importance of Prefab in Modern Society

Prefab is short for prefabricated, and the term has come to stand for the modern way of building most things – from houses right through to furniture. It is something that has been around for a little while, but has caught on as a cheaper and less wasteful way of producing products. It comes with a variety of benefits that traditional building practices can’t compete with such as:
● High speed manufacturing process.
● Environmentally friendly (less wastage and compact packaging).
● Ease of use and modular design possibilities.

Prefabricated building styles are making our modern world grow faster and at a lower cost both to the pocket and to the environment. It provides a mostly one-size-fits-all approach, although this is changing too, as prefab mining accommodation now provides highly specialised portable solutions in remote areas.

High-Speed Manufacturing
The speed at which prefabricated products can be pumped out of a modern factory is mind-boggling. Each complete unit is made up of many smaller, individual parts that are produced separately – sometimes even at different factories. Once the consumer or business puts these elements together, they create a complete product. One of the most famous names in prefabricated products is Ikea, famous for its flat-packed furniture. Their products are easier to transport because they are not-yet assembled, but the downside is, of course, that it needs to be put together by the consumer.

Environmentally Friendly Construction
Prefab housing and products can mean less wastage and a more environmentally friendly impact in remote locations. Many mining camps use prefabricated buildings that, once the mining moves on, can be taken away and used again. This is much better than building short-term buildings for sites and then abandoning them. The environmentally friendliness of the products, however, depends upon the materials used in its manufacture as well as the design of the product.

Ease of Expansion
One of the best features of many prefabricated products is that they can be easily expanded. If, for example, you want to install some cupboards but are not sure how big you want them, you can simply install a few, see how they go and add to them if you need them. Many modular systems can even be moved around and redesigned.

The Future of PrefabWith factories becoming increasingly automated and computer-aided design more sophisticated, prefab is still in its infancy. If you consider the impact that 3D printing could have on parts and supplies then the possibilities are endless. Imagine printing a new extension for your house or a new tile for your roof!