China’s Broad Group Revolutionizes Construction with 29-Hour Skyscraper Assembly

A new paradigm in construction is emerging from Changsha, China, where Broad Group has demonstrated the ability to erect a ten-story apartment building in under 30 hours. This feat, achieved in June 2021, highlights a shift towards factory-based prefabrication and modular construction, promising faster, more sustainable, and potentially more affordable building solutions.

The Speed of Innovation: A 29-Hour Build

In a remarkable display of engineering and logistical efficiency, Broad Group assembled a 10-story residential building, dubbed the “Living Building,” in just 28 hours and 45 minutes [1]. The building was constructed using prefabricated modules manufactured in a Broad Group factory and transported to the construction site for assembly. This process dramatically reduces on-site construction time compared to traditional methods.

Broad Group: A Pioneer in Assembly Building

Changsha Broad Homes Industrial Group Co., Ltd. (Broad Homes) is a leading enterprise in China’s assembly building industry [1]. The company has fully implemented a digital informationization system throughout its processes and possesses a complete industry chain technology system with exclusive intellectual property rights [1]. With nearly 30 years of development, Broad Homes has accumulated experience in over 200 million square meters of construction industrialization projects and operates nearly 100 factories nationwide [1].

The B-Core System: Strength and Efficiency

Central to Broad Group’s innovative approach is the B-Core steel system. This proprietary composite material consists of stainless steel plates surrounding a capillary tube lattice, bonded by copper brazing [1]. The company claims B-Core offers high ductility, resistance to seismic shocks and typhoons, and is remarkably lightweight [1]. The modular components, built using B-Core, are designed to fit into standard 40ft-high containers for easy transport by land and sea [1].

Factory Fabrication and On-Site Assembly

The speed of construction is achieved through a shift in complexity from the construction site to the factory. Modules are prefabricated with plumbing, wiring, insulation, and interior walls already installed [1]. On-site, three cranes stack and lock the units with precise sequencing, while crews focus on alignment, bolting, and utility connections [1]. Broad Group states that a floor can be erected in approximately three hours [1].

Benefits of Modular Construction

• Reduced Construction Time: Significantly faster build times compared to traditional methods.
• Lower Carbon Footprint: Curbing cement-intensive elements aids a smaller environmental impact [1].
• Increased Strength and Resilience: B-Core steel offers high strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to extreme weather events [1].
• Cost Efficiency: Streamlined production and faster occupancy can translate to lower overall costs.
• Improved Quality Control: Factory fabrication allows for measurable and repeatable tolerances.

BROAD Town: The Hub of Innovation

BROAD Town, located in the eastern suburbs of Changsha City, serves as the headquarters of BROAD Group [2]. Established in 1997 as “BROAD Tech Park,” it was the first tech park in China to be named after a company [2].

The Future of Construction?

Broad Group’s rapid construction method represents a potential turning point in the construction industry. While challenges remain regarding standardization and logistical considerations, the Changsha prototype demonstrates the feasibility of dense, resilient housing delivered at unprecedented speed. If efficiency and resilience can coexist at this scale, this approach could become the new normal for rapidly growing urban centers.