What's the Difference Between Light Steel Villas and Mobile Panel Houses?

Many people interested in light steel villas often wonder: What distinguishes light steel structures from mobile panel houses? Mobile panel houses are ubiquitous on construction sites and elsewhere, leading some to assume light steel villas are similar. In reality, the differences are significant.

1. Foundation Construction Differences

Prefabricated houses require no foundation work and can be placed directly on the ground, whereas light steel villas necessitate a foundation.

2. Design Differences Between Light Steel Villas and Prefabricated Houses

Prefabricated houses require no design drawings; they can be assembled simply by following installation diagrams.

Light steel villas require various professional drawings, including floor plans, renderings, foundation construction drawings, structural drawings, and plumbing/electrical diagrams.

　　3. Structural Material Differences Between Light Steel Villas and Prefabricated Houses

Prefabricated houses primarily use color-coated steel panels, which are relatively thin and lightweight. Their simple construction makes them suitable for temporary on-site housing.

Light steel structures, however, use light steel studs as the main material. Walls consist of main studs, top beams, bottom beams, wall supports, wall panels, and connectors, ensuring exceptional safety and durability.

　　4. Frame Differences Between Light Steel Villas and Prefabricated Houses

Prefabricated houses primarily use I-beams for framing, suitable for factories and temporary housing.

Light steel structures mainly employ C-shaped steel for framing, applicable to hotels, residences, exhibition halls, resorts, nursing homes, and similar building types.

　　5. Price Differences Between Light Steel Villas and Prefabricated Houses

Due to differing construction forms and functional purposes, light steel structures generally incur higher costs than prefabricated houses. Select the most suitable option based on your specific needs.

6. Performance Differences Between Light Steel Villas and Prefabricated Houses

Prefabricated houses feature simple frame construction with color-coated steel panels for walls and roofs, resulting in stuffy, poorly ventilated interiors with high noise levels. In contrast, light steel villas offer superior thermal insulation, fire resistance, waterproofing, soundproofing, typhoon and earthquake resistance, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability—advantages absent in prefabricated houses.

The above outlines the primary distinctions between light steel villas and prefabricated houses, revealing significant differences between the two.