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Multiple technology solutions on the modular construction market in Poland

15 Jan 2024


The Polish market of modular buildings is dominated by two technologies – concrete-based construction and wood-based construction. There is also a segment focused around steel-structure buildings growing beside the two leading technologies, but it is significantly smaller. In terms of the base materials, there is also a lightweight expanded clay aggregate wall technology. The main differences between the three major technologies consist in how the components are delivered to the construction site and the method of assembly.

As far as concrete prefabrication is concerned, the 2D modelling technology (i.e. walls, ceilings, staircases, and balconies, and other parts assembled on-site) is the dominant one, except for modular bathrooms, which are prefabricated using 3D modelling. Within the wood prefabrication segment, the 2D modelling technology is the main one as well, while prefabricated steel buildings mostly use more advanced 3D modelling (ready-made modules). We expect that the 3D prefabrication technology will gain more popularity in the future, though rather in small-scale buildings.

 

 

Growing popularity of complex concrete prefabrication

The residential construction segment is expected to see a renewed interest in complex concrete prefabrication that uses prefabricated concrete walls in the coming years. Using precast stairs, balconies or ceilings has been a regular procedure for a growing number of multi-dwelling home developers for many years. But it is also more and more often the case that project owners employ end-to-end prefabrication methods that use walls assembled on the construction site. This is owing to the successful construction of a growing number of buildings completed using that technology.

 

Modular construction sector open to innovation

Modular and prefabricated construction sector has seen tremendous technological advances in the past five years. The launch of some innovative solutions, such as Building Information Modelling, automation of manufacturing processes, application of advanced materials or 3D printing, has elevated modular building technology’s prominence, and it is now more widely selected by investors. As technology advances, we can expect that innovation in the sector will accelerate, thus shortening building construction processes.

In the recent years, BIM technologies have become an inherent component of modular construction as they support improved cooperation between design and construction teams, enhance process optimisation, and minimise the risk of error during the manufacturing process.

Modern modular construction projects are heavily centred around sustainable growth. Using environmentally-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems and technologies that minimise the environmental impact is of key importance to a growing number of customers. Moreover, building prefabrication plants increasingly seek to obtain sustainable construction certificates due to, among others, the EU policy requirements.

The modular construction industry is willing to embrace innovation, such as 3D printing. Although it is a relatively new technology in the widely-defined domestic construction sector, 3D printing technology is increasingly popular in modular construction. It supports fast manufacturing of structural elements, while cutting production time and costs.

Importantly, modular and prefabrication construction is characterised by great flexibility in terms of design. It can be easily adapted to the changing customer needs by adding or removing modules as need be. There are also more hybrid projects that combine modular buildings with traditional construction methods.

 

More information about current trends on the modular construction we present in the report "Modular construction market in Poland 2024-2029".

 

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