The terms “modular” and “prefabricated” in relation to offsite construction methods are considered to be interchangeable, and yet for many, the word “Prefab” conjures up images of box-like modernist homes. Within the building industry, “Prefab” is typically used to describe a particular style of home, rather than a construction method. In reality, Prefab is much more than a style of home.

 “Prefabricated”, according to Webster’s Dictionary is defined as “to fabricate the parts of at a factory so that construction consists mainly of assembling and uniting standardized parts”. Commercial modular construction also fits this definition.  At DeLuxe, what we build is technically “prefabricated”, yet what we build is vastly different from the typical prefabricated home. We “prefabricate” steel-framed multi-family, multi-storey structures. Our method of building is steel-framed offsite modular, and we build using two unique Modular Construction Systems that have been created to bring the utmost value to different construction types required by code and market demands.

1. System 1: Light Gauge – Load Bearing Wall Construction
   This system is all light gauge steel framing with a structural perimeter floor to carry load transfers up to 5 stories high, and fits the 1-5 storey combustible product classification. Most fire rated assemblies in this system achieve a 1 hour fire rating.
2. System 2: Structural Steel – Point Load Construction
   This system is all structural steel with vertical point loads, with light gauge framing filled in between the structural columns. It is typically utilized to build 6 stories and higher, and fits the non-combustible product classification. Most fire-rated assemblies in this system achieve a 2-hour fire rating.

The word “prefabricated” isn’t being correctly applied when it is used to refer to a certain type of housing; this is only one facet of the modular building industry. DeLuxe’s steel-framed modular construction method is also prefabricated construction, and we’ve chosen to build this way because it’s stronger, safer, more durable, and environmentally friendly. For multi-family buildings, the value of building with steel using prefabricated construction methods is immeasurable.

View DeLuxe’s Project Gallery to see some of our completed multi-family projects 

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