Challenges in the Design of Prefabricated Single-Family Buildings with Expanded Clay Technology - Selected Architectural and Environmental Aspects

Abstract

The architectural form of buildings is determined by many factors, one of the most important is construction technology. It remains in a close and inseparable relationship with architectural design. Contemporary technologies in construction are constantly subject to improvements, streamlining, changes aimed at increasing all kinds of efficiency (cost, thermal efficiency, labor input, etc.). One of today’s widely discussed determinants of changes in the way buildings are designed and constructed is environmental issue. An awareness of environmental degradation and climate change and their consequences prompts the search for increasingly sustainable solutions. This paper summarizes the research on prefabricated solutions and their implementation, especially in single-family residential architecture. This article presents pre-design, design, and post-design experiences related to planning and realization of single-family houses with prefabricated wall technology made of light expanded clay concrete. The authors implemented comparative qualitative and quantitative research through case studies, the method also uses experiences from their own research by design practice. The advantages and disadvantages of prefabrication in the selected technology are presented. The authors attempt to answer the question of whether the individual architectural design approach is reflected in the relevant environmental considerations, including, first, those related to the mitigation of climate change and adaptation to its consequences, and to what extent the discussed technology fits into the assumptions of climate and environmentally responsible design.