Prefabwanden

Prefabwanden, or prefabricated walls, are wall elements manufactured in a factory and transported to a construction site for assembly into buildings. They can be load-bearing or non-load-bearing and come in formats such as panelized wall systems, structural insulated panels (SIPs), and solid concrete or composite panels. Off-site fabrication allows tighter quality control, protection from weather during construction, reduced on-site labor, and faster building schedules. Components typically include structural framing (wood, steel, or concrete), insulation, interior and exterior cladding, and integrated conduits for services. Joints and connections are designed to be weatherproof and energy efficient, often featuring continuous insulation and air barriers.

Materials vary by system. Wood-based panel systems use studs and sheathings; steel-framed systems may employ gypsum or composite facings; reinforced concrete or precast concrete panels provide mass and strength; SIPs combine insulation with skins such as oriented strand board or plywood. Fire resistance and acoustic performance are specified by system ratings, with attention to moisture management and vapor control. Installation typically involves hoisting large panels into place, securing them to foundations or frames, and completing sealing, window openings, and interior finishing.

Advantages include faster construction, reduced on-site waste, improved quality control, and enhanced thermal performance when properly designed. Limitations include higher transport costs for very large panels, the need for precise planning to accommodate utilities and openings, and potential constraints on on-site modifications.

Prefabwanden are used across residential, commercial, and institutional projects, from single-family homes to multistory buildings. Environmental impact depends on materials and manufacturing methods, with some systems aiming for lower embodied energy and higher recyclability at end of life.