Prefabricated construction involves designing, preparing and manufacturing components for a building off site. Once created, the materials are delivered to the building in a state which makes them ready to install straight away.
These modern methods of construction (MMC) can be unfairly viewed as a cost cutting exercise, however in reality it comes with many benefits which make it arguably superior to traditional on site construction techniques. In this article, we have laid out the main advantages of prefabricated construction for you.
Eco-friendly
Prefabricated construction is an energy efficient and sustainable method for production of materials in the building industry. Traditional methods of construction on site naturally generate a fair amount of waste as materials are over-ordered. However, since the precision manufacturing capabilities enabled by off-site factory production means that only the exact amount of material needed is used – limiting the amount extracted from the earth and the energy used in production.
This ensures that less waste overall is sent to landfill at all stages of production. The accuracy enabled by the controlled factory environment also means that everything fits together more exactly than if it was built onsite. This leads to better air tightness and insulation levels, which together will lead to greater energy efficiency in the build.
The modular Specwall system is made to measure in an off-site facility, and then delivered to site in a condition where it can be installed easily and quickly. This is a true low-waste wall system for use on your development. Less than 0.5% of the product is wasted and sent to landfill, making it far superior to alternative systems in this regard.
Cost saving
Related to the above point is the fact that prefabricated construction materials can save you money. Specwall’s off-site modular construction is suitable for all budgets and development sizes, and will produce the exact amount of material needed for your building. By choosing a system like Specwall, you can end the practice of over-ordering instantly and immediately save money on your build.
Specwall panels are also more robust than the likes of plasterboard wall systems. Our panels do not damage easily from bumps and scrapes. Likewise, they are water permeable and do not encourage mould growth – so you do not have to worry about incorrect storage leading to replacement panels being required. This is another cost saving and a big advantage over plasterboard systems.
Time savings
Prefabricated systems like Specwall are also an important way to make programme savings on site. One of the main advantages of using Specwall’s wall system is the ease of installation which simplifies construction programmes and cuts down on building time. Our wall system installation saves time and money, and is incredibly simple.
By choosing Specwall you will fewer wall types and components in your build. Panels are made to measure off-site, then delivered and installed in a single-visit construction process with no breaks.
Learn more about the Specwall installation process by clicking here >>
Specwall panels are also water permeable and more robust than plasterboard and blockwork systems. This means that they can be installed before the building is watertight and unlock the next stage of M&E works substantially earlier than earlier systems can, leading to overall programme time reduction.
Combine that with its attractiveness, the fact it does not promote mould growth and the ability to decorate directly onto the panel and you have a system which improves productivity and quality of the interior system at the same time.
Learn more about how Specwall panels can help you install service risers early by clicking here >>
Improved fire safety
Specwall’s A1-rated panel is completely non-combustible and was developed in response to a need in the market. In the years following the Grenfell Fire disaster the focus on fire safety in construction has been stronger than ever. Likewise, legislation is being updated and new laws are likely in the future which will demand extremely high levels of fire safety.
Funders are already acting to specify that construction materials are used which are futureproofed against possible incoming legislation and de-risk investments by delivering safer buildings. It was in this environment that Specwall proactively researched and developed an A1-rated walling system for the construction industry which uses modern materials and construction practices to provide a solution to an industry-wide problem.
By choosing Specwall’s advanced walling systems, you can upgrade your building project and enjoy a host of benefits at every stage of construction. The aforementioned A1-rated panel is 3-hour fire rated and has high inherent insulation and acoustic performance. This is delivered in the form of a 100mm panel which will also allow specifiers to reclaim floor space in the developments.
Flexibility
Finally, prefabricated construction materials like Specwall are more flexible than traditional materials like plasterboard and open up options which are otherwise unavailable. Its robust nature means that it can be stored anywhere on site without risk of damage. This is a big advantage for site managers who do not have to worry about damaging the material and then replacing it.
Furthermore, once in place Specwall can be demounted and reconfigured in situ without creating more waste, allowing you to change floor layouts following completion. If the internal layout of the building needs to change following completion, Specwall can be recut, moved around and reinstalled as required without the need to purchase new materials or demolish old internal walls.
This flexibility is highly advantageous in many respects including environmentally and from the perspective of architects who can work quickly and easily to reformat a space.
Want to learn more about our prefabricated wall systems and how they can benefit you? Get in touch with our team today by clicking here >>