Prefab homes have had a negative associations attached to them; unglamorous, characterless, low-quality, temporary. But in addition to the falsehood of these associations, as it turns out, they are actually coming into line with a new paradigm for green building. Fashioned in modular processes offsite, and then delivered to a location, a pre-fab home is less instrusive to an eco-system, and less fuel is burned to build them, due to fewer trips to the site.

But, what are the advantages of a pre-fab home beyond these implications for green building? Does its nature as an eco-friendly housing construction method really mean a sturdy, long-lasting, and affordable home in which you can place your trust? Writer Nadia Jones explores these questions below …

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In many ways, prefab homes get an unfair label. Many people don’t believe that they can get the modern and unique design they desire with a factory made, pre-designed home. While in the past this may have been true, companies throughout the nation are working to reinvent the industry of prefab housing.

Prefabricated homes were once used predominately in underprivileged areas for track housing or project homes. However, in recent years prefab housing has made a major market shift. Prefab homes now strive to be the future of the housing market. Offering amazingly beautiful, modern architecture, fairly inexpensive prices, and eco friendly living, prefab homes may be exactly that: the future.

Prefab does not mean ‘cheaply made’

Many individuals hear the term “prefabricated” and immediately think “cheaply made”. This, of course, is not the case. Prefab construction begins in a factory. Components of a structure are manufactured offsite in an industrial facility and then shipped to the building location to be fully erected there. In many ways, building a home within a controlled factory environment allow builders to do an even better and more thorough job.

This is the site of a modular building project in Denmark, built well, inexpensively, and with a community feel in mind. Click the photo through to the photographer's page to learn more about how it was made. Photo: seier+seier

Because structures are built offsite and indoors with controlled conditions, the materials used on the house are better cared for. By eliminating weather as a factor during the construction process, building materials arguably stay in better condition when they are at their most vulnerable. Encouraging quality construction, prefab homes are specifically designed to withstand common weather conditions. Once delivered and erected on site, they are built to last as long as a traditional home.

Prefab homes demonstrate modern design aesthetics

While home prefabrication is not a new concept, the design styles being used on these homes has changed drastically in recent years. Designers have worked hard to create a new aesthetic for prefab homes and with that new aesthetic bring new life to the phrase ‘pre-fab home’. The new aesthetic that many pre-fab housing companies are striving for features clean lines, simple architecture, and a modern glitz factor.

Pre-fab homes have found their niche among modernist bargain shoppers with a desire for eco-friendly living. Modern prefab homes feature maximized natural light with numerous windows placed depending on the individual location of each structure. This gives the home a beautiful look as well as an opportunity for passive heating and cooling, minimizing the need for high energy costs.

Prefab homes and affordability

With modern design and green initiatives in mind, it can be hard to believe that pre-fab homes are in any way affordable. However, that is exactly the point. New prefab home developers strive to make expensive looking, modern homes that are better for the environment at a price that is accessible for the average person. Mass modular construction, mobility, and versatility make pre-fab homes inexpensive and in reach.

With fewer materials used, the cost of building a prefab home is less. Also, prefab homes take a fraction of the time to design and manufacture because they are created within a controlled environment, cutting the cost of labor significantly. In other words, pre-fab homes can be built more quickly and at a lower cost.

Prefab homes and green building materials

Another way that prefab housing companies promote modern and green design is in the materials they use. Many builders use as many recycled and renewable products within their homes as they can. One go-to material for green builders is bamboo. Because bamboo grows so quickly and easily, it is a great renewable resource to use in flooring and other design elements of a home.

This is a shot of a modular home, built by students in 2007 as a part of a sustainable architecture course. BuildDirect supplied the strand-woven bamboo flooring you see here.

Also, using steel, wood, and cement as sturdy framing materials helps homes withstand difficult conditions, accounting for less waste in the long run. Furthermore, builders constructing homes or parts of homes within a factory are able to reduce the amount of material waste by a significant amount. Less waste means a greener home.

Gain Eco-friendly awareness

While prefab housing may not be for everyone, there is a lesson to be learned from the prefab, eco-friendly approach. Even if you do not desire a home that is built in a factory, there are plenty of lessons to be learned from building cheaply and intelligently with the environment’s well-being in mind.
Consider recycled or renewable materials for your next project. Think about reducing your energy use by positioning windows in opportune locations based on the location of your home. All of these things can help to save you money and help to save our world.

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Thanks, Nadia!

Nadia Jones blogs at top online college about education, college, student, teacher, money saving, movie related topics. You can reach her at nadia.jones5 @ gmail.com.