Using Prefabricated Construction to Accelerate Dormitory Construction
The number of college students is growing, with total enrollment in the fall of 2023 increasing by 176,000 students over the previous year. However, many schools are already facing shortages in student housing, with some schools having to convert single-occupancy rooms into doubles to keep up with surging enrollment. To accommodate everyone on campus, schools are looking for fast solutions to expand their student housing capacity.
Prefab construction of building components such as precast concrete stair shafts, elevator shafts, and other structural components is one potential solution to this challenge. Using prefabricated components in dormitory buildings can shorten construction timelines by several weeks, helping to provide additional housing capacity faster.
Accelerated Construction
Before a dormitory can be erected, there is usually a several months long process of preparing the site and laying the foundation. In traditional construction, the next step after the foundation is prepared is to construct the elevator shafts. Traditional masonry shafts take an average of four weeks to build. Once the shafts are built, which can be several months after the groundbreaking, framing and other trades can begin working.
When prefabricated components such as precast concrete elevator shafts are used, the entire process can become much faster because the prefab components can be produced while the site is being prepared. Precast concrete elevator shafts are delivered to the jobsite ready to install, and installation takes one to two days. Other prefab components offer similar time saving advantages.
More Sustainable Construction
The use of prefabricated components can reduce the overall environmental impact of the construction process. One study by Arupfound that using prefabricated modular materials can reduce energy consumption by up to 67%. County Prestress & Precast's building components are manufactured in a climate-controlled environment. Material efficiency is maximized, and weather conditions do not impact production. Manufacturers can better control energy usage and rely on renewable energy sources when available. Perhaps most importantly, modular components reduce construction timelines so crews aren’t using as much energy working on the job site.
Build Student Housing Faster with County Prestress & Precast
County Prestress & Precast manufactures, delivers, and installs high performing precast concrete elevator and stair shafts. We serve colleges, universities, boarding schools, and other institutions throughout the Northern Midwest and Southeast who are looking for ways to streamline the construction of new dormitories. Contact a sales representative or visit the project gallery to learn more about the advantages of precast construction.
