“Prefab” is not new to wood framed construction - an everyday example are the prefabricated trusses delivered to construction sites. Rafn has been using pre-built components in our wood frame buildings since 1994. The construction of prebuilt sections of walls and hoisting them into place, commonly referred to as panelization, saves time, is precise and efficient, reduces delays, and allows flexibility in scheduling. What was unique on the 525 Northgate project was the location of our “factory”. Usually panels are made in a warehouse and trucked to a jobsite, but at Northgate our team negotiated rental of an adjacent parking lot and built our own “factory”.
Time Savings
Panelized walls can be built concurrently with the foundation or concrete podium of a building and then are ready immediately for framing. Walls can be placed and secured much faster this way than by conventional site built framing. Our on-site panel production operation allowed us to complete wall erection and begin the roof framing over a month ahead of schedule.
Precise and Efficient
Working away from a busy construction site allows carpenters to focus on their task at hand, and allows them to repeat it precisely every time. Cutting wood, laying out the design, and fastening it all together in an "assembly line" setup adds efficiency to the process. The walls can be built on tables at a more ergonomic height, reducing worker fatigue and increases productivity and accuracy.
Reduced Delays
Without the concern of other work going on at a jobsite, carpenters can make sure they are meeting their production schedule. Panelization can continue even if other trades on a project lag or if the project experiences weather related delays. This is true for both offsite panelization and our setup adjacent to our building. However, our project only required a forklift to deliver the panels to the tower crane for hoisting, as opposed to costly trucking from an offsite facility.
Flexibility in Scheduling
One of the most unpredictable aspects of construction, especially in the Northwest, is the weather. Panelized wall sections can be constructed in an offsite climate-controlled facility or even adjacent to the building in a sheltered area. Both situations allow work to continue during heavy rains or snow. With time savings already realized in production, Superintendents then are able to “dry the building in” earlier and the interior finishes can start earlier also.
Panelization is one of the many ways Rafn works to deliver quality buildings, on time, and on budget.
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