Panelised Construction: Building Smart and Fast

The way of construction is evolving to a new level and adapting to new technologies, building techniques, and materials. Many of you know very well about sustainable construction methods and how they are beneficial for the environment and property owners. 

Similarly, panelised construction is a unique way of building that reduces construction material waste and job site disturbance at affordable costs. So, it is eco-friendly, cost-effective and energy-efficient. Why don’t you choose this construction process for your upcoming project? 

It’s indeed a great idea. Get clarity on this topic through this elaborated article on panelised construction and improve the overall look of your buildings. 

What is Panelised Construction?

Panelised construction is a smart way of constructing buildings. Rather than crafting everything on the site, parts of the building are manufactured in a factory. Parts, or panels, can be made up of walls, roofs, and floors. The panels are then shipped to the site and assembled like large pieces of a puzzle. This process makes the building faster and usually better in quality.

Types of Panelised Construction

There are several types of panelised construction. Each type has a different material makeup and varying advantages. The main types are listed below:

Timber Frame Panels

In the case of Timber frame panels, the frame of a panel is made of wood. They are lightweight and at the same time, strong. Very often, insulation is installed inside such panels to keep the warmth of the building in during winter and out during summer. It is easy to transport timber panels, and they are quick to erect.

Steel Frame Panels

Steel frame panels use steel to make the structure strong and durable. They are utilised for large building purposes such as offices and warehouses. The steel panels do not warp or rot; hence, they last longer compared to wood. They are also fire resistant and, therefore, offer a significant safety advantage.

Concrete panelised Systems

Large pieces of concrete are utilised by the concrete panel systems. The panels are very strong and can be utilised for various types of buildings. Insulation can also be built into precast concrete panels, which, in turn, makes them energy-efficient. They are heavy; therefore, they require special equipment to move them.

Structural Insulated Panels – SIPs

In simple terms, SIPs are panels made from a layer of insulation sandwiched between two structural facings, normally of wood. This approach is excellent in terms of energy efficiency because the temperature is contained inside the building. SIPs are lightweight and hence easy to install, saving time.

Modular Panels

Modular panels help in the construction of those portions that are movable. Every portion is known as a module, customarily prepared in one lot, even with walls and floors. Later on, these modules are transported to the site and are quickly assembled.

Hybrid Systems

The hybrid system integrates various panel types, such as wood and steel. This allows contractors to utilise the pluses of each material for particular uses within the building. Hybrid systems are adaptable and can be customised for different projects.

Panelised Construction Components

panelised construction varies in the different parts that make up a building:

Wall Panels

The panels are the vertical elements of the building, including window and door openings. It can be made of wood, steel, or SIPs. In addition, these panels prevent external elements while keeping them insulated.

Roofing Panels

The panels of the roof are the elements that cover the top of the building. They protect the interior from rain and snow. The roofing panels are often pre-insulated, keeping the building warm or cool.

Floor Panels

Floor panels are the basis of the building’s rooms. They must be strong enough to withstand furniture and persons. The floor panels could be of wood or concrete, depending on the builder’s requirements.

Applications and Uses

Panelised construction is used in many varied building types. The most common uses are:

• Homes: Panelised construction is preferred as it mostly accelerates the building process.
• Schools: With panelised systems, classrooms can be built in less time, reducing the period in which students have disruptions.
• Offices: Panelised construction is normally used to construct office spaces.
• Hospitals: The speed at which this building technology can be constructed is of utmost importance to health services.

Sustainability of Panelised Construction

Panelised construction is also more feasible for the environment than conventional methods. The material waste can be reduced up to 20%. This happens because parts are made in a factory where leftover materials can be used again. Apart from that, the buildings that are constructed using panels show less energy consumption for heating or cooling.

Panelised Construction: Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

1. Speed: This implies that buildings can actually go up at a faster pace; building completion times can be reduced by as much as 50 percent.
2. Quality Control: Since the panels are manufactured in a factory, they tend to possess higher quality than being made at a construction site.
3. Energy Efficiency: Panelised systems can result in abuilding that is up to 30 percent more energy-efficient than traditional buildings.
4. Cost-effective: While initial costs may be high, you tend to save on energy bills gradually.

Disadvantages

1. Initial Costs: Since factory work is required, the initial cost may be higher.
2. Transportation: It is expensive to move large panels to the site, especially in remote areas.
3. Less Design Flexibility: Because the panels are made in standard sizes, there may be fewer options for unique designs.

Difference between Panelised Construction and Modular Construction

While both use factory-made parts, panelised and modular construction methods differ. In modular construction, whole sections or modules of a building are created in a factory and brought to the site. Such modules can also include plumbing and electrical systems. Panelised construction is similar but only includes parts of the building, such as walls and roofs, made in factories and assembled on-site. This often means that when modular buildings arrive on-site more complete.

Conclusion

Panelised construction is an extremely efficient, modern method of building. It accelerates the process, improves energy efficiency, and ensures better quality. With new technologies, panelised construction becomes more acceptable in homes, schools, and businesses by offering flexibility to meet today’s building needs.

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