The push for industrialization in residential construction 

Residential construction is undergoing an unprecedented transformation thanks to industrialization. The incorporation of prefabricated solutions and advanced technologies is redefining traditional processes, enabling not only shorter timelines and lower costs, but also improvements in quality, safety, and project sustainability. 

Industrialization is revolutionizing the residential sector by integrating digitalization, manufacturing, and sustainability into a highly efficient construction model. This approach not only reduces execution times by up to 30%, but also cuts engineering and architectural timelines by 40%, allowing for the development of higher-quality housing at more competitive costs. 

Moreover, shifting a significant portion of the process to specialized factories not only improves energy efficiency and reduces material waste, but also minimizes occupational risks by providing safer and more controlled working conditions. Is there any better reason to fully and decisively embrace a more intensive and global industrialization of construction? 

Cost, quality, and sustainability: a perfect balance 

The rollout of industrialized construction in Spain could represent a turning point in access to quality housing. To achieve this, regulatory updates are essential to facilitate the financing and regulation of new construction models, enabling the sector to scale. Industrialization not only delivers faster execution times but also matches or reduces building costs compared to traditional solutions. 

Sustainability also plays a key role in the industrialization of residential construction. To minimize environmental impact, recycled materials, low-carbon cement, and renewable energy sources are used in production processes. Additionally, the durability and quality of buildings are enhanced through the use of materials such as precast concrete, which offers greater resistance, longevity, and lower maintenance requirements. Industrialized construction delivers high-quality materials and finishes, combining aesthetics and functionality to meet clients’ architectural and structural needs. 

Digitalization and innovation in industrialization 

The use of BIM (Building Information Modeling) has been key to the evolution of industrialized construction, enabling comprehensive project management across its three phases: design, construction, and maintenance. 

Among its main benefits are improved coordination and precision, as it provides a single data model that minimizes on-site errors and optimizes execution. It also ensures strict adherence to timelines thanks to efficient planning that anticipates deviations and shortens execution periods. Additionally, it helps optimize costs by automating processes and reducing rework, thereby improving overall project profitability. Finally, it supports maintenance and sustainability by offering centralized information that enables more efficient and sustainable building lifecycle management. 

A solution to the shortage of affordable housing 

The industrialization of construction is emerging as a key response to the housing crisis in Spain, where demand far exceeds supply, particularly in major cities and tourist areas. Standardized processes and production efficiency can help lower construction costs, making it easier to deliver affordable housing. 

Moreover, this methodology can help address the labor shortage by attracting professionals through safer working environments and the provision of suitable accommodations. 

Industrialization is not only the future of the sector—it is the key to a more competitive, sustainable, and socially responsive real estate market. 

Yugo Salamanca: a benchmark in industrialized construction 

One of the most representative examples of industrialized construction in Spain is Yugo Salamanca, one of the largest student residences in the country. At Molins, we played an active role in its development, applying industrialized construction solutions that optimized execution times and ensured the highest quality standards. 

With a total area of 27,000 square meters and 912 rooms, the project achieved a seven-month reduction in execution time compared to a traditional build. This was made possible through the use of industrialized concrete systems and prefabricated 3D bathrooms, allowing the first building to be delivered in just 17 months—a milestone in terms of efficiency. 

A key success factor was the collaborative methodology applied to the project. In conventional construction, exterior enclosures typically begin 10 months after work starts. In this case, they were advanced to just three months, enabling interior work on the residence to begin much earlier. As a result, the first rooms were ready in just 12 months instead of the 20 months that would have been required using traditional construction methods. 

But industrialization not only reduced delivery times—it also raised quality standards. Thanks to this approach, the Yugo Salamanca project has earned top-tier sustainability certifications, including the BREEAM Excellent rating and Fitwel certification, ensuring greater environmental efficiency and improved well-being for residents. 

The future of construction: innovation, sustainability, and new residential models 

While industrialization offers clear advantages, it also faces challenges. One of the main hurdles is resistance to change within a traditionally conservative sector. That’s why I believe professional training in digital tools and advanced techniques is essential to ensure the proper implementation of these innovations. 

There is no doubt that industrialization will continue to gain ground, with an increasingly strong focus on sustainability and the circular economy. We expect to see a rise in the use of modular and prefabricated solutions in high-rise buildings to meet the growing demand for efficient and affordable housing. In addition, new residential developments will incorporate innovative concepts such as coliving spaces, smart residences, and sustainable housing models. 

The path toward industrialization in the construction sector is unavoidable. At Molins, we are already driving industrialized construction throughout Spain, with residential projects including housing developments, hotels, coliving spaces, student residences, and senior living facilities, among others. The challenge now is to accelerate this evolution—because the risk is failing to meet the needs of the market we serve. Industrialization is the way to improve working conditions, product quality, delivery timelines, and final costs. And all of this, too, is sustainability. 

Published in Cemento Hormigón magazine