Recent advances in prefabrication techniques for biobased materials towards a low-carbon future: From modules to sustainability

Abstract

The evolution of building-structure manufacturing systems is propelled by dynamic shifts in formal requirements, prompting heightened research endeavors to enhance manufacturing process efficiency. Integrating renewable materials and technology is pivotal for sustainability, with natural material prefabrication offering promising solutions by reducing carbon footprint. This article comprehensively explores existing natural material prefabrication technologies, delving into their capabilities and assessing their suitability for application in single-family housing within Central and Eastern Europe. Additionally, this article deliberates a thorough assessment of bio-based materials in the construction sector towards a less carbon perspective, with a focus on advancements from 2015 to 2024. A bibliometric analysis of 949 research articles from Web of Science (WOS) and Scopus databases reveals a substantial increase in publications, rising from 29 in 2015 to 175 in 2023 and 17 in 2024 (and still counting), underscoring the growing emphasis on practical applications and technological progress in this field. The research findings offer valuable insights for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers, guiding the integration of renewable materials into traditional construction practices for a more sustainable built environment.