The Building Blocks of Prefab: Key Materials

Modern construction is trying to get better, faster and cheaper. We’re looking at more efficiency and more productivity, and one of the ways to get there is – prefab. While the industry has run into some bumps along the road as of late – like a recent slowdown in new build – the overall outlook is looking bright, so let’s look at the materials shaping this innovative approach.

The contractor material findings below come from the European Contractor Monitor, Prefab H1 2024. The facade section draws on the separate Q3 2023 European Architectural Barometer, discussed in our January 2024 analysis.

2D-Prefab and Preferences

In our H1 2024 research, we’ve found that 2D prefabricated elements – think walls, ceilings, and floors – are essential in today’s construction projects, as they help speed up the building process and keep things efficient.

When asked about the most dominant material of the prefabricated panelised systems or elements, contractors are clear: concrete is a go-to choice. The numbers across Poland (29%), Italy (35%), Germany (44%), Belgium (66%) show a clear preference for a familiar material, but making strides in a surprising second is – timber. It’s quickly becoming a favorite, and looking at the UK, France and Netherlands (42%, 60% and 62% respectively), we see it’s already a dominant material.

The Rise of 3D Prefabrication

Now, 3D-prefabrication is a fresh upcomer in the industry. Modular designs are gaining popularity, and timber is stepping into the spotlight as a clear material of choice in the UK (44%) and the Netherlands (76%), even outpacing concrete – excluding Spain, where concrete’s share remains at a high 64%. This shift reflects a broader desire for sustainable building practices.

Contractors’ Material Expectations in 2024

What does the future hold for wood and timber in the prefab world? A lot! Most contractors anticipate that wood and timber will see the most significant growth in panelized systems and modular buildings. The numbers differ from country to country, however contractors in Germany and Poland project that concrete will experience the most growth in their respective markets.

This highlights regional differences in material preferences and construction approaches, reflecting each country’s unique building landscape and demands.

Fully Finished Facades: Architects’ Expectations in Q3 2023

In a notable shift towards sustainability in construction practices, European architects anticipate a pivotal role for wood-based materials in the evolution of fully prefabricated facades, according to the Q3 2023 European Architectural Barometer report on prefabrication.

The Q3 2023 research findings revealed a significant projection among European architects, with approximately 40% of European architects expressing their belief that wood-based solutions will emerge as the dominant choice for fully finished prefabricated facades. In contrast, around 30% of architects foresee concrete retaining its dominance, albeit with a clear recognition of the superior sustainable image that wood-based solutions carry.

Despite these expectations, the landscape reported in that research indicates that the majority of prefabricated facades are still predominantly constructed using concrete, steel, or a combination of materials. Nonetheless, architects express a strong anticipation for an upsurge in the utilization of wood-based solutions in future architectural projects.

However, the crux lies in determining the practical viability of this envisioned shift. In many cases, concrete or steel is used because of the durability and performance. This is especially the case for mid or high rise construction.

The evolving preferences among architects signal a collective inclination towards embracing sustainable alternatives, with wood-based solutions poised to play a prominent role in shaping the future of prefabricated facades. Yet, the ultimate realization of this vision hinges on a delicate balance between aspirations and the practicality of implementing these sustainable materials in architectural projects.

The insights you are reading are extracted from the European Architectural Barometer, a quarterly research publication through which we regularly assess the state of the construction industry. The research represents the opinions of architects from 8 European countries. In each research edition, we include a detailed overview of our predictions for future building volumes, and each quarter, we investigate different topics that currently shape the sector, such as sustainability, BIM, prefab, orientation behavior, and many more.

Here you can check our latest editions of the European Architectural Barometer.