A woman from Kazakhstan visited a modular home manufacturing plant in China, showcasing what these structures look like and how much they cost. According to her, the houses are built from prefabricated blocks and are already being actively used in tourist areas and remote wintering sites, El.kz reports.
As the author clarified, this is "already premium class." The minimum cost for such a module with an area of 18 square meters is approximately 9 million tenge, excluding delivery and customs clearance. Meanwhile, demand for these solutions continues to grow due to the speed of construction and relatively affordable pricing.
How Modular Houses Are Built
Unlike traditional construction, these houses are assembled in a factory like a construction set. The base consists of a metal frame, while the walls are made of sandwich panels with insulation. The finished blocks are delivered to the site and installed in a short amount of time. Small houses can be set up in a few days, while larger projects are completed significantly faster than traditional buildings.
Available Formats
Various types of modular housing are available on the market. Capsule houses stand out with their futuristic design and panoramic windows; they are frequently used for glamping and tourist complexes. Foldable structures are delivered in a compact form and unfolded directly on-site. Container houses are built using shipping containers as a base and can be combined into larger buildings.
The Advantages
The main advantage is speed. The buyer receives a ready-made solution without the need for a lengthy construction process. These houses are cheaper than permanent housing and require almost no construction work on the plot. An additional benefit is mobility - the structure can be transported to a new location. Modern models often come fully equipped with appliances, climate control systems, and plumbing.
The Risks
The primary challenge is adaptation to cold climates. Standard insulation is often insufficient for winters where temperatures drop below minus 15–20 degrees Celsius. Quality varies greatly depending on the manufacturer. Inexpensive models may use lower-grade materials, which affects the lifespan of the building. Another issue is maintenance. If a breakdown occurs, components sometimes have to be ordered from abroad, which increases repair times. Modular houses are becoming a convenient solution for tourism, seasonal living, and remote sites. They allow for the rapid development of infrastructure without large-scale construction. However, for permanent residence in harsh climatic conditions, these houses require additional insulation and a well-thought-out heating and ventilation system.