Prefabricated houses: better in wood or concrete?

The popularity of prefabricated houses has grown significantly over the years, both in Italy and across Europe. This trend can largely be attributed to the economic and sustainability benefits they offer compared to traditional building methods. However, when it comes to choosing between wooden or concrete prefabricated homes, which option is best? To answer this question thoroughly, it's important to explore key factors, including the advantages and disadvantages of each material.

What is a prefabricated house?

Before delving into the various essential aspects needed to make an informed choice about a prefabricated house—one that is particularly suitable for the environment in which you live and your personal needs—it’s important to clarify what this specific type of construction entails. A prefabricated house refers to a dwelling that is manufactured in a factory, where individual components, such as walls, roofs, floors, and flooring, are produced en masse and then assembled on-site. This method contrasts with traditional brick-and-mortar construction, where each element is created directly at the location.

Since its introduction in the 1990s, primarily for holiday homes on privately owned building plots, this housing solution has gained popularity over the decades due to several clear benefits, particularly in terms of sustainability. Here are the main reasons why someone might choose a prefabricated house:

• Speed of construction: Thanks to mass production and on-site assembly, the time taken to build a prefabricated house is significantly shorter than that of a traditional construction.
• Cost-effectiveness: The industrialisation of the production process allows for cost optimisation.
• Guaranteed quality: Each component is produced in controlled environments, ensuring a high standard of quality and greater precision in the finishes. This addresses past concerns regarding the durability of such constructions.
• Customisation: Mass production does not equate to a lack of personalisation. In fact, prefabricated houses can be offered in various finishes, materials, and internal layouts, catering to diverse tastes and design trends.
• Energy efficiency: One of the advantages of prefabricated homes is their potential for significant energy savings. These structures can be designed to be highly efficient by using insulating materials and innovative heating and cooling systems.
• Environmental sustainability: Given the current environmental crisis, another essential aspect is the construction of prefabricated homes using eco-friendly materials and sustainability criteria.

Considering all these factors, it’s no surprise that the extensive realm of architectural design and construction has increasingly embraced prefabricated structures, making them an interesting area for experimentation with new technologies and alternative materials.

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Is it better to choose a prefabricated house made of wood or concrete?

Despite the various innovations within the sector, the two most commonly used materials for constructing prefabricated houses in Italy are wood and concrete. But which one is better for achieving maximum efficiency? It's important to note that there is no definitive answer; much depends on environmental factors and personal choices. For instance, in areas with particularly harsh climates, a wooden structure is generally recommended.

Wood has superior thermal properties compared to concrete, making it effective for mountainous and snowy environments. In contrast, in coastal areas where there is significant exposure to salt, concrete is preferable due to its greater resistance and reduced sensitivity to the corrosive effects of saltwater. Another important variable is the economic aspect, as choosing wood can often be more cost-effective. To better understand this, let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of prefabricated homes made from wood and concrete.

Pros and cons of wooden prefabricated homes

Currently, wood is one of the most popular choices in construction, largely due to its eco-friendly and recyclable nature. It's no surprise that this positive trend extends to prefabricated houses. Specifically, here are the advantages of opting for such a natural material:

• Eco-sustainability: Wood is a natural, renewable resource that reduces the building's ecological footprint.
• Thermal and acoustic insulation: Wood provides excellent thermal and acoustic insulation, ensuring a comfortable environment while reducing energy consumption.
• Speed of construction: Construction times are generally quicker compared to concrete.
• Aesthetics: Wood gives the building a warm and inviting appearance.

While these are all compelling and positive aspects, they are countered by a significant drawback: the economic commitment involved. Before making such an investment, it’s important to remember that wooden constructions require more regular maintenance to sustain their efficiency over time. Additionally, the initial costs can be higher depending on the type of wood selected.

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Pros and cons of prefabricated concrete homes

Concrete is a material that has long been associated with strength, durability, and solidity. These qualities make it almost the ideal choice for a prefabricated house designed to withstand the test of time and various weather conditions. Furthermore, the risk of fire is significantly lower compared to wooden homes. Here are the advantages of a prefabricated house made from concrete:

• Durability: Concrete is a highly resilient material, capable of bearing heavy loads and enduring adverse weather conditions.
• Longevity: Concrete houses have a long lifespan and require minimal maintenance.
• Safety: They offer a high level of safety in the event of seismic activity or fires.
• Customisation: Concrete allows for highly customisable designs due to its versatility.

On the downside, the construction time for concrete homes is generally much longer than that for wooden prefabricated houses, and they offer less efficient thermal insulation, resulting in lower energy savings. This is because concrete lacks inherent thermal qualities. Therefore, it is essential to ensure adequate insulation is installed during construction.

What are the permits required for a prefab house in Italy?

Having outlined the various aspects of each material and made the best choice based on personal needs, it’s important to understand the legal requirements and regulations governing the construction of a prefab house in Italy. To complete this type of project, obtaining the necessary permits is essential. These permits ensure that the constructed building is safe, functional, and does not negatively impact the surrounding environment or the cultural and artistic heritage of the area. Consequently, prefabricated houses are subject to the same regulations as traditional constructions. The main permits required to build a prefabricated house include:

• Building permit: This is the most common permit needed for new constructions. It must be requested from the relevant local authority and includes the submission of a detailed project plan for the building, comprising floor plans, sections, and elevations.
• Certified notice of commencement of activity (SCIA): In some cases, instead of a building permit, submitting a SCIA may suffice. The SCIA streamlines the procedures and reduces waiting times but is applicable only under certain circumstances and for less complex projects.
• Other permits: Depending on the characteristics of the land and the building, additional permits may be required, such as those related to landscape, environmental, or archaeological considerations.

So how can one obtain all these permits as quickly and smoothly as possible? It is advisable to consult a professional, such as a civil engineer or architect. Their role is to analyse the feasibility of the project, prepare the application for the building permit, submit it to the relevant local authority along with all required documentation, and navigate the administrative process. This specifically means being available to respond to any requests for additional information regarding the documentation, which should include:

• Architectural project: Floor plans, sections, and elevations of the building.
• Structural project: Structural calculations and construction details.
• Technical report: Description of the project and the building’s characteristics.
• Proof of ownership: Documents that confirm ownership of the land.
• Geological report: Study of the land where the building will be constructed.
• Acceptance of constraints: Declaration acknowledging and accepting any urban and landscape constraints.

To avoid errors or unnecessary delays, it is recommended to check with the relevant local authority to obtain a complete list of requirements and any potential additional documentation needed. It’s important to note that each local area may have specific requirements based on its unique circumstances.

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How long does a prefab house last?

Once again, this raises a question that doesn't have a single, definitive answer. The lifespan of a prefabricated house depends on various factors, including the material chosen, maintenance practices, and the environment in which it is situated. Wood, for example, has the potential to last for several decades if properly maintained and placed in a suitable environment, such as a cold mountainous area. However, one significant threat to its longevity is the risk of fire.

For this reason, it’s crucial to adhere to all relevant fire safety regulations and treat the external surface with professional products that can insulate against potentially harmful weather conditions. Concrete is similarly long-lasting, but it doesn't require the same level of meticulous care as wood. In fact, its lifespan is comparable to that of a traditional building and is less susceptible to deterioration from the ravages of time and varying weather conditions.

What are the average costs of prefabricated houses in Italy?

Anyone approaching the world of prefabricated homes for the first time often finds themselves wondering about the costs involved. This is a complex issue, as prices can vary based on several factors, such as the choice of wood and the presence of thermal insulation systems. However, it is possible to provide a rough estimate by focusing on two sizes of homes: a larger one of approximately 100 square metres and a smaller one of around 40 square metres. For the larger option, costs typically range from a minimum of €140,000 to a maximum of €200,000. In contrast, prices for the smaller option can drop significantly, falling between €20,000 and €50,000.

Besides size, another crucial factor in determining the price of a prefabricated house is the type of construction and assembly method chosen. On the market, you can opt for kit prefabricated homes, which generally require more onsite assembly, or turnkey solutions that are ready for immediate use. The kit option usually has a lower cost, starting at around €600-900 per square metre. In contrast, turnkey homes, which are fully finished and ready to occupy, can cost between €1,500 and €2,500 per square metre.

Prefabricated houses and the Superbonus 110%

The regulations regarding the Superbonus 110% in Italy were primarily designed for renovation and energy improvement interventions in existing buildings. However, in certain specific cases, it is possible to extend these incentives to new constructions, including prefabricated homes. In particular, this benefit can be accessed when you decide to demolish an existing building and replace it with a prefabricated house.

Moreover, the Superbonus 110% is well-suited to the characteristics of this type of construction for several reasons, including energy efficiency. This incentive supports innovative solutions aimed at reducing energy consumption. From a fiscal perspective, a significant portion of the initial investment can be deducted, allowing for the use of higher-quality materials in construction.