Lida Group Announces New Prefab Housing Project

Beijing-based construction firm Lida Group has announced plans to construct a new 200-unit residential complex in the outskirts of the city using their factory-assembled modular sandwich panel system. The dormitory-style buildings will provide affordable housing for migrant workers and other low-income residents working in the nearby industrial zone.

According to Lida Group Chairman Mr Mu, the modular prefabrication process allows them to build more cheaply and quickly than traditional construction methods. “By assembling the modular sandwich panels which make up the walls, floors and roofs in our controlled factory environment, we eliminate many of the uncertainties involved in on-site building,” he explained. “This significantly reduces costs while also improving quality control.”

Prefabricated Construction System

The Lida system consists of rigid polyisocyanurate foam core panels sandwiched between two metal or cement surfaces. The cores provide insulation while the façade materials give the structures durability and fire resistance. Prior to installation, all pipes, wiring and fixtures are integrated into the panels to speed on-site assembly. Window, door and other opening cutouts are precision-made in the factory.

On site, a small crew uses cranes to lift the completed modular bedroom, bathroom and living space panels into place. They interlock like a jigsaw puzzle needing only to be bolted together. “An average five-person crew can complete the assembly of an entire 20-unit building in under a week,” said Mr. Mu. Service connections like electrical, plumbing and HVAC are simply plugged in. The buildings can even be extended vertically by stacking additional modules.

Critics of prefab construction argue that this approach lacks the permanence and durability of traditional builds. However, Lida points to track records of some prefab systems lasting 50 years or more. “Our panels exceed building code requirements for strength, soundproofing and fire resistance,” said Lida Project Manager Chen. “And unlike wood framing, the cores will not rot, warp or degrade over time from moisture or pests.”

Cheap Housing for Migrant Workers

The 200-unit Lida modular complex will be located just outside an industrial park specializing in automotive and electronics manufacturing on Beijing’s eastern outskirts. Providing affordable employee housing has long been an issue for companies there struggling to attract migrant workers from other parts of China priced out of the capital’s inflated property market.

“We expect the initial buildings will house approximately 800 workers,” Mr. Mu said, noting each worker would occupy their own individual dormitory-style room or apartment ranging between 18-25 sqm in size. Basic cooking and shared bathroom facilities would be located on each floor. Monthly rents are projected to be approximately 60-80% less than comparable properties closer to the city.

In addition to keeping housing costs low through streamlined modular construction, Lida says operating and maintenance expenses over the life of the buildings should be significantly reduced versus traditional apartment blocks. Integrated services like hot water, lighting and HVAC can be centrally controlled. Regular facility management staff would handle basic cleaning and repairs.

Projected Economic and Social Benefits

With groundbreaking scheduled for Q1 2020, Lida Group forecasts the first phase of approximately 70 units could be completed within six months. Subsequent phases would follow at three-month intervals. At full build-out in 18 months, the complex would create some 500 short-term construction jobs.

Long term, an estimated 1000 migrant workers would take up residence, filling important roles in the local manufacturing industries. The regular paycheck many send a portion of back to their families in other provinces helps boost household incomes nationwide.

The local economy would also benefit through workers’ daily spending in nearby shops and services. Over a five-year lifespan, Lida projects the direct and indirect economic impact of the residential complex and its occupants could reach over 2 billion RMB ($290 million USD).

Taxes and business activity generated would help fund improved community infrastructure like schools, hospitals, parks and public transportation serving both residents and other peripheral neighborhoods. The dorms aim to foster a sense of community among residents through shared recreational facilities as well.

Summary

In summary, Lida Group’s new prefabricated modular housing project promises to deliver sorely needed affordable employee accommodations for the burgeoning industrial zone on Beijing’s outskirts. By standardizing construction using factory-assembled sandwich panel techniques, economies of scale can slash building costs versus traditional methods.

The streamlined process also allows construction to progress much faster to meet demand. Basic spacious dormitory units will still offer migrant workers independent living quarters at around half the market rate. Lower long-term operating costs are passed on to tenants as well.

Economically, the development will boost the local and national economy through new jobs, tax revenues and worker spending. Socially, it aims to improve quality of life for residents while fostering a sense of community. If successful, Lida’s modular model could set a precedent for further large-scale affordable housing projects nationwide to support China’s growing migrant labor force.

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