prefabrication
Building before transporting
Prefabrication is manufacturing components off-site for later assembly at a final location.
The term applies especially to construction: prefabricated walls, roof trusses, or entire modular homes arrive ready to install.
The practice reduces on-site labor and construction time.
Prefab serves as both adjective and noun: a prefab house, living in a prefab.
Manufactured at a facility
- mass-producedMade in large quantities
- offsiteAt another location
- standardizedMade uniform across cases
- CADTechnical drawing technology
CNC · automation · precision · tolerances · jigs · templates · cutting · forming
Constituent parts
- modulesSelf-contained system components
- kitGrouped supplies, one purpose
- interlockingEngaging by overlap
- connectorsDevices that join things
panels · sections · flatpack · clip-on · joints · interfaces · plug-and-play · stackable
Constructed from prefab sections
- volumetricRelating to capacity measurement
- sectionalSofa made of units
- timber-frameConstruction using heavy wooden beams
- precastShaped before placement
Secondary residential structures
- relocatableAble to be moved
- transportableCapable of being moved
- barracksSoldiers' residential building
- dormitoriesCommunal student lodgings
Giving good return cheaply
- time-savingReducing required duration
- streamlinedMade smooth and efficient
- scalabilityCapacity for growth
- speedRate of motion
consistency · labor-saving · predictability · sustainability
factory-built
Manufactured at a facility
- mass-producedMade in large quantities
- offsiteAt another location
- standardizedMade uniform across cases
CAD · CNC · automation · precision · tolerances · jigs · templates · cutting · forming · welding
components
Constituent parts
- modulesSelf-contained system components
- kitGrouped supplies, one purpose
- interlockingEngaging by overlap
connectors · panels · sections · flatpack · clip-on · joints · interfaces · plug-and-play · stackable · slotting
panelized
Constructed from prefab sections
- volumetricRelating to capacity measurement
- sectionalSofa made of units
- timber-frameConstruction using heavy wooden beams
precast · tilt-up · foundation
ADUs
Secondary residential structures
- relocatableAble to be moved
- transportableCapable of being moved
- barracksSoldiers' residential building
cost-effective
Giving good return cheaply
- time-savingReducing required duration
- streamlinedMade smooth and efficient
- scalabilityCapacity for growth
speed · consistency · labor-saving · predictability · sustainability
- Building Techsmart buildings, smart homes, digital modeling, green roofs, energy efficiency
- modern architectureBrutalism, glass facades, green roofs, mid-century modern, International Style
- Le Corbusieropen plan, roof garden, free plan, brise-soleil, purism
- constructionconstruction site, building site, hammer, building, beam
- manufacturingfactories, factory, car factory, assembly plants, electronics factory
- metabolismcatabolism, anabolism, metabolism, glycolysis, metabolic rate