The terms prefabricated and modular houses are often used interchangeably. And although in both cases the construction uses elements produced in the factory, there are fundamental differences between them. So what are prefabricated houses and what distinguishes them from modular structures?
Prefabricated houses - what are they?
The technology of prefabricated construction consists in constructing buildings using prefabricated elements of various structures. Prefabricated houses are made of previously prepared components in the form of walls and ceilings, which are transported to the construction site, and then assembled, joined and finished. A good example of prefabricated buildings can be blocks made of the so-called large slab, popular in Poland. Although they do not necessarily evoke positive associations, one should not be sceptical about this method of erecting buildings - nowadays, prefabricated construction is a rapidly growing trend not only in Poland but also in Europe, which may compete with traditional construction methods.
What are the main differences between prefabricated and modular homes?
But what distinguishes a prefabricated house from a modular one? Modular buildings are also made of prefabricated elements, but they are joined together in the production plant. In this way, entire sections of the building are created, which are transported as such to the target location and assembled there. With the use of this technology, dall-year-round houses and modular office can be created, among others.
What is worth adding, thanks to the use of such a structure, connecting the modules is very quick and efficient - both horizontally and vertically, which allows for the construction of even two-story buildings. A perfect example of the possibilities offered by modular construction is the design of the CUBEEKO MEDIUM „L” / „Z” house with a usable area of 28 m2. Depending on the concept and preferences of the investor, it enables the erection of a one-story or two-story building from two modules connected in the shape of the letter "L" or "Z".
How else are prefabricated ready-made houses different from modular ones? As mentioned,prefabricated houses are erected from pre-manufactured components in the form of walls and ceilings, assembled, joined, and only finally finished. Modular buildings, including office space or permit-free houses, are transported as finished interiors. So after the modules are assembled, all that is needed is to close the connection points, after which the building can be put into use.
This aspect also affects the completion time of the entire investment. Although in both cases the time to assemble the building on the plot is on average a few days, the prefabricated house still has to be finished, which takes place on the construction site and takes accordingly longer. Moreover, modular houses, unlike prefabricated houses, do not have to be permanently attached to the ground. This means that when deciding on a modular house of 35 m2 2 or even larger, it can be dismantled and transported to another place if necessary.
Comparison of prices for prefabricated and modular houses
As for prefabricated houses, the price of erecting such a building, as a rule, is comparable to the construction of a modular house. Both technologies provide for the use of prefabricated elements produced in the factory, so any differences may concern the materials used and the building assembly process. For example, modular houses in the MARKAEKO company cost from PLN 1999 net per 1 m2. This amount includes the skeleton of the building with a roof, window and door joinery, implemented installations as well as external and internal finishing in accordance with the selected standard.
What is better to build in Poland - a modular house or a prefabricated house?
Projects of prefabricated and modular houses are becoming increasingly popular in Poland. Which solution is better to choose when building a house in our country? Much depends on the investor's expectations. Prefabricated houses can be a better proposition for people who want to build a single-family house with a more complex outline and a sloping roof. It is only worth remembering that a prefabricated house - after connecting the components - still requires finishing, which extends the implementation time.
Modular houses, on the other hand, most often have fairly regular shapes and a simple roof - it is perfectly visible in the designs of CUBEEKO MINI or CUBEEKO MAXI „C” houses. However, in terms of aesthetics or standard, they do not differ in any way from prefabricated or brick houses. Moreover, already finished modules are delivered to the construction site, thanks to which the building can be used faster. Modular cottages are also a great solution for investors operating in the tourism industry - using this technology, among other things, hotel buildings are erected, where modules with a ready interior or fully finished summer houses are transported to the target location.
Both prefabricated and modular homes are future-proof solution. It is worth making the choice of the optimal solution for you dependent on your own expectations regarding, inter alia, the time of investment implementation or the mobility of the building - in these respects, modular construction undoubtedly offers greater opportunities.