PRE - FABULOUS!

is prefabricated construction the road map to an environmentally-sustainable future? ifj examines its market in india

- Maithili Salunkhe

The Sydney Opera House and the Burj Khalifa have had a large part of their famous facades prefabricated, throwing this convenience in construction, into relief. Closer home, Emperor Akbar is believed to have invented prefabricated structures on this continent as early as the 16th century. Yet, prefab structures are not a widely-adopted means of construction in the modern age. It is more a method that inspires futurist architecture, aside from the odd world monument here and there.

The Indian mindset brings its own challenges. Many think it’s the domain of low-income housing. Rahul Jindal, Managing Director, Loom Crafts, says, “Pre-fabrication has already been adopted by foreign countries but in India, people don’t really know about it.” Vivek Bhatter, CEO, Wooden Villas, says, “The overall statistics of people choosing prefabricated homes over traditional homes is just 15 per cent to 20 per cent in our country. People need to be made more aware.”

Jayesh Dalal, Founder, Villazeon, Mumbai, finds that there are sectors where prefab is finding acceptance. He says, “The concept is gaining ground in the second homes market and hospitality industry, primarily, because owners do not have to worry about site management during the construction period and, just like in modular kitchens, one can pick and choose an entire living-space from a variety of options available. In terms of the evolution of this concept, there is constant product innovation in building materials, finishing claddings, wall panel surfaces, and beams, thus giving the end-user myriad options on building the structure and customizing its look and feel.”