Prefabrication is the practice of manufacturing the parts of an assembly in one location, ready for them to be assembled in another place.

The practice was widely used in the construction of prefabricated housing during the 20th century, providing a product made in factory conditions that would save time on site and, at least in theory, improve quality. However, prefabricated housing and many other items have a certain level of stigma because of the originally flimsy design and low cost. There has been a great improvement in prefabricated housing over the past decades and it is becoming a valid alternative to traditional housing.

Prefabrication also sometimes occurs in ancient times. For example, the world's oldest known engineered roadway, the Sweet Track, was prefabricated in England in the 3800s BC.

See also

• Panelák
• Tower block

Industry | Manufacturing | Production and manufacturing