The prefabrication process in building construction, although also applicable to other sectors, focuses on assembling different parts of the structure in a manufacturing unit and then transporting these subassemblies to the construction site. Prebuilt components are designed with specific measurements and layouts, meaning that any changes, such as adding an extra sink or widening the entrance a few inches, can require significant remodeling. Therefore, it is essential that the planning and design of prefabricated projects be carried out with utmost care and precision.

Concrete is highly effective at absorbing extreme impacts, allowing it to withstand high pressure forces with remarkable strength. In precast concrete elements, integrated reinforcement is responsible for absorbing the generated tensile forces. This combination of concrete's compressive strength and the reinforcement's ability to withstand tension (reinforced concrete) ensures optimal protection against high loads. Furthermore, the connections between the different precast concrete elements are crucial, as they must withstand thrust and shear forces, in addition to other loads that may occur.

Thermal and acoustic insulation is a fundamental aspect of prefabricated homes. To ensure its effectiveness, it must be adapted to the specific climatic conditions of the region where it will be installed. Skipping this essential step could completely compromise the insulation's purpose. The roof plays a key role in the effectiveness of thermal insulation, as it is the area with the greatest heat loss in a home. For this reason, ceilings should be a priority when planning thermal insulation. For this purpose, high-performance glass wool, a material made from molten glass, is commonly used. Glass wool is used in prefabricated home ceilings, elevator cavities, various types of ceilings, interior walls, and in pipes that require both thermal and acoustic insulation.

Noise and sound can have a significant impact on our well-being. By incorporating innovative technological solutions, specialized construction of exterior and interior walls, and the use of natural materials in home design, we ensure high-quality acoustic protection that improves comfort and quality of life. Jelovica homes are an excellent example of these solutions, offering basic interior walls with sound insulation exceeding 46 dB, and advanced options reaching over 66 dB. The combination of cement and gypsum panels of varying densities contributes to greater sound absorption, further improving the sound insulation of prefabricated wooden buildings. Partition wall insulation is also influenced by factors such as lateral sound transmission and sound passing through floor or ceiling panels. To mitigate these effects and optimize insulation, we use additional insulation materials that minimize sound transmission along the partition structure.

Modular construction offers the advantage of being easily disassembled and relocated to different sites, which contributes to a significant reduction in the demand for raw materials, minimizes energy consumption, and optimizes construction times. Furthermore, this approach provides great flexibility in structural design, offering endless creative possibilities. Thanks to their versatility, prefabricated building units can adapt to different environments. Their neutral aesthetic allows them to integrate harmoniously into almost any type of building, ensuring a coherent and adaptable appearance.

Construction companies are responsible for transporting the completed units to the final site, where installation and delivery of the buildings to their new owners also take place. This method eliminates the need for traditional building materials, as parts assembled off-site generate significantly less waste. By manufacturing raw materials off-site and shipping them partially assembled, prefabrication reduces both labor and material costs. Although prefabrication was historically viewed as a low-density development method, its relevance has been increasing, especially in the commercial construction sector. Civil engineers are the primary users of this technique, as it allows for the manufacturing and transportation of large quantities of pre-assembled concrete and steel sections, thereby streamlining processes in construction projects.

Prefabricated homes do not require significant additional maintenance. Generally speaking, they require the same type of maintenance as any home built using traditional methods. Furthermore, the materials used in the construction of prefabricated homes are more modern and durable, which contributes to their long-term durability. This concern likely arises from older wooden homes, which did require regular investments of time and money for annual maintenance.

Fortunately, this question about prefabricated homes is becoming less common. Prefabricated homes are as safe as any traditional construction, as they are designed and built in accordance with the CTE (Technical Building Code). Furthermore, the construction process is carried out in a factory, ensuring higher quality in both workmanship and finishes. This gives buyers the assurance that these homes comply with all safety and stability regulations, with the same or even greater guarantees than traditional homes.

The main difference between modular and conventional construction lies in the construction process. A modular building is built in a controlled factory environment, while conventional construction is carried out directly on-site, after the foundation has been poured. Modular buildings are delivered in prefabricated sections, known as modules, which are transported to the site by flatbed trucks and trailers. One of the major advantages of modular construction is its lead time, as site preparation and module production can be carried out simultaneously. This allows for a considerable reduction in delivery times compared to conventional construction.

No! There is a misconception that the materials used in modular construction are cheaper, lighter, and therefore less durable. While this may have been true in the past, today the modular industry produces buildings using materials such as brick, steel, and concrete, all designed for permanent use. These materials are just as durable and high-quality as those used in traditional construction. In fact, prefabricated modules are often designed with a higher level of precision and consistency, as the process is carried out in a controlled environment, which significantly improves the quality and durability of the construction.