Intelligent Build.tech Issue 16 | Page 61

THE DEBRIEF
The regulated environment in prefabrication lowers energy consumption associated with on-site construction activities .
Prefabrication also minimises carbon footprint by avoiding the need for several raw material deliveries to construction sites , which reduces transportation emissions . Rapid construction times mean fewer machinery operations on-site , cutting down carbon emissions even further . A regulated factory environment improves worker safety by minimising the risk of accidents and injuries as compared to traditional construction sites . Furthermore , since on-site activities are reduced , the method causes lesser disruption to surrounding communities and ecosystems . This enhanced site safety and reduced disruption make prefabrication an attractive choice for modern construction projects .
Can you tell us a little about how the LEGO approach is being utilised today ?
A Miami-based startup company is currently revolutionising the construction sector by developing a novel method of building with real-life LEGO bricks . It resembles a real-life LEGO set with moulded pieces that snap together to form the whole structure . The company combines repurposed glass fibres , resin and stone to create a powerful new material that is stronger than concrete and capable of withstanding a Category 5 hurricane . Buildings
The method of prefabrication has a long history , dating back to the burnt clay bricks of the Mesopotamian civilisation and the ancient Romans who used concrete moulds for their aqueducts and tunnels .
can be assembled far more quickly by simplifying construction into a kit similar to a LEGO set , lowering labour costs and energy consumption . A prime example of this innovation is the use of such repurposed materials to construct a stackable , LEGO-like block apartment building in Palm Springs .
Prefabrication goes beyond just being a construction method . It is rather a transformative approach that meets the industry ’ s evolving needs for efficiency , sustainability and innovation . As technology continues to advance and evolve , prefabrication is poised to play an even more significant role in shaping the built environment . �
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