ARTHROTÓ MAGAZINE
REVOLUTIONIZATION
EMBRACING THE FUTURE PREFABRICATED AND VOLUMETRIC CONSTRUCTION For decades, construction has lagged behind other sectors in productivity. Prefabricated and volumetric construction presents a golden opportunity for this industry to revolutionize its processes by transferring numerous construction activities from traditional sites to off-site, manufacturing-style production settings. Prefabricated and volumetric construction isn’t a novel idea, but it’s currently drawing unprecedented attention and investment due to technological advancements, economic pressures, and a shift in attitudes. If fully adopted, it could dramatically enhance productivity in the industry, alleviate housing crises in many markets, and substantially alter our current construction methods.
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PREFABRICATED AND VOLUMETRIC CONSTRUCTION: THE BASICS AND EVOLUTION Essentially, prefabricated and volumetric construction is a process that involves manufacturing standardized parts of a structure in a factory off-site, then bringing these components together on the actual site for assembly. You might also hear “off-site construction” or “prefabrication.” These phrases encompass various systems and approaches, from single elements, joined using standard connections and interfaces to 3-D volumetric units complete with fixtures. Historically, prefabricated construction has been a cost-effective option during specific periods. For instance, postwar booms in the United States and the
