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In the construction field, capsule homes, with their unique shapes, convenient installation methods, and flexible space utilization, are gradually becoming an emerging architectural form. For individuals or businesses interested in adopting capsule homes, the construction cycle is a crucial concern. The construction cycle for capsule homes is not fixed; it is influenced by a combination of factors, including construction methods, house size, and construction conditions. The following section will delve into these influencing factors and their corresponding construction cycles.
I. The impact of construction method on construction period
(I) Prefabricated modular construction
Prefabricated modular construction is a common method for building capsule homes. This method involves pre-producing all modules of the capsule home in a factory, including structural assembly, interior decoration, and electrical and plumbing installation, before transporting them to the site for assembly. Because the factory production environment is stable and unaffected by external factors such as weather, production efficiency is high, enabling standardized, assembly-line operations. For example, the production time for a single small capsule home module in the factory is typically 7-10 days.
In terms of transportation, if the distance is short, it can be completed in 1-2 days; if the distance is long, it may take 3-5 days. On-site assembly is relatively quick; for simple, small capsule houses, assembly and testing can be completed in 1-3 days. Overall, the construction cycle for small capsule houses built using prefabricated modular construction is approximately 10-20 days from production to deployment. For larger projects with more modules, although the production time for a single module is basically fixed, the increased number of modules will extend the transportation and assembly time, potentially resulting in an overall construction cycle of 30-60 days.
(II) On-site construction
On-site construction involves building the capsule houses directly on-site. This method is heavily constrained by site conditions, such as weather and available space. First, the foundation construction phase, including laying the foundation, can take 5-15 days depending on geological conditions. Then comes the main structure construction. Because it lacks the efficient operation of a factory assembly line and needs to handle various unforeseen circumstances, the main structure construction time is much longer than prefabricated modular construction; the main structure of a small capsule house may take 15-30 days to build.
Interior decoration and plumbing/electrical installation are also relatively complex in on-site construction, requiring the gradual completion of wall treatment, floor laying, and wiring installation, which takes approximately 20-40 days. Therefore, the construction period for small capsule houses built on-site is generally 40-90 days; for large capsule house complex projects, the construction period may be as long as 3-6 months or even longer.
II. The Impact of Building Size and Complexity on Construction Cycle
(a) Building area and number of floors
The size and number of floors of a capsule house are important factors affecting the construction cycle. Smaller, single-story capsule houses require less building materials and construction work, resulting in a shorter construction cycle. For example, a small, single-story capsule house under 50 square meters, constructed using prefabricated modular construction, may only take 10-15 days from production to installation; while a multi-story capsule house over 100 square meters, with a significantly increased production quantity of prefabricated modules and a much greater difficulty and workload for on-site assembly, may extend the construction cycle to 40-60 days.
(II) Functionality and Design Complexity
The functional requirements and design complexity of a capsule house also affect its construction cycle. If it only needs to meet basic living functions, the internal layout is simple, the construction difficulty is low, and the construction cycle is relatively short. However, if the capsule house needs to have special functions, such as intelligent control systems, high-end audio-visual entertainment systems, or has a complex shape or unique structure, more time will be needed for design planning, material procurement, and construction and installation. For example, a capsule house with a smart home system and personalized exterior design may take 10-20 days longer to build than a regular house.
III. The Impact of Construction Conditions and External Factors on the Construction Period
(I) Site and Environmental Conditions
The conditions of the construction site have a significant impact on the construction cycle. A flat site with convenient transportation facilitates the transport of building materials and the entry of construction equipment, effectively improving construction efficiency and shortening the construction cycle. Conversely, if the site is located in a mountainous area with complex terrain or a remote area with inconvenient transportation, material transportation is difficult and equipment access is restricted, significantly extending construction time. Furthermore, environmental conditions such as climate cannot be ignored. Inclement weather conditions such as rainy seasons and winter can severely impact on-site construction; for example, rain may prevent foundation pouring, and low temperatures may affect concrete setting, potentially extending the construction cycle by 10-30 days or even longer.
(II) Supply of Materials and Equipment
The supply of building materials and equipment directly affects the construction cycle. If the required materials and equipment are sufficient and arrive on time, construction can proceed smoothly; conversely, if material shortages or equipment malfunctions occur, construction will be forced to stop. For example, delays in the supply of custom-made special doors and windows, or high-end decorative materials, may cause the entire project to halt, extending the construction cycle by days or even weeks. At the same time, the normal operation of construction equipment is also crucial. If critical equipment malfunctions during construction and cannot be repaired or replaced in a timely manner, it will severely impact the construction progress.
(III) Policies and Approval Processes
Policies, regulations, and approval processes are also external factors affecting the construction cycle. Before building a capsule house, relevant planning and construction approvals must be obtained. If the approval process is cumbersome and time-consuming, it will delay the start of the project. Approval policies and efficiencies vary from region to region. In some regions, the approval process is simple and may be completed in 1-2 weeks; while in other regions, the approval process is complex and may take 1-3 months or even longer, which will undoubtedly lengthen the entire construction cycle.
The construction cycle of capsule homes is influenced by various factors, including construction methods, size, and construction conditions, resulting in a considerable range of flexibility. Small, simple capsule homes constructed using prefabrication and modular methods have shorter construction cycles; while large, complex projects constructed on-site have longer cycles. Taking these factors into full consideration and rationally scheduling the construction plan during the planning and construction of capsule homes can help shorten the construction cycle and improve construction efficiency.