PREFABRICATION DESIGN
Our design team plays a central role in the prefabrication process. From the architectural plans provided, we develop a complete construction model in CADWORK, a specialized 3D modeling software, allowing all the manufacturing stages to be integrated in the workshop.
We ensure that each design meets structural and thermal requirements, while taking into account the realities of panel assembly, transportation logistics, and site constraints. From the model, we generate all the technical documents necessary for the success of the project:
- Preliminary 3D model, used for accurate cost estimation and initial discussions with project partners;
- Coordination plans, used to finalize technical details with engineers and architects;
- Material lists and cut sheets, exported directly from the model, detailing quantities, dimensions, and cutting instructions for each component (lumber, I-joists, LVL, etc.);
- Manufacturing plans, detailing the production order, attachment points, application of insulation, weather barriers and airtightness treatments;
- Installation plans, intended for site crews, detail the panel installation sequence, structural elements placement, and critical airtightness detailing.
Our design service adapts to custom projects, but we also offer pre-designed panels that can be integrated into existing projects, as well as standardized building models optimized for fast prefabrication and high energy performance.
Panel production
The production process begins with material procurement, generated directly from our detailed 3D models, and ends with the storage of panels ready for shipment. Each step is carefully planned to ensure precision, reliability, and optimal thermal performance.
Our thermal envelopes are produced in a controlled and structured environment, ensuring consistent quality, precise assembly, and reliable timelines. Each panel is manufactured with meticulous attention to detail to meet the highest standards of energy performance.
Quality and safety are at the core of our approach.
Custom Structural Wood
We integrate engineered wood structural elements to ensure the continuity and strength of the building envelope. Our primary materials include glulam beams and columns as well as LVL, with the option to incorporate CLT (cross-laminated timber), NLT (nail-laminated timber), or DLT (dowel-laminated timber) depending on the project’s requirements.
Whenever possible, these components are cut in our workshop with millimeter precision to optimize on-site installation, ensure perfect alignment with our prefabricated panels, and maintain a high standard of assembly quality. This approach results in a structure that is faster to erect, better aligned, and fully compliant with thermal and structural performance requirements.
Prefabrication logistics
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Logistics are designed as a natural extension of our prefabrication process, ensuring smooth, optimized delivery tailored to the constraints of each site. From the quoting stage, we assess site accessibility to plan panel transportation under the best possible conditions.
Elements are strategically compacted to maximize load capacity and reduce transportation costs, whether shipped on flatbed trailers, transferred to smaller trucks, or delivered by barge for sites with limited access.
Our flexible approach allows us to deliver in a wide variety of contexts, including rural areas, islands, and challenging terrain.
Each delivery is coordinated with precision, in conjunction with the partner installation teams. The panels are unloaded and positioned directly on site according to the planned assembly order, thus reducing delays, logistics costs and waiting times for carriers.
This logistics control, integrated into our production chain, has a single objective: to create high-performance, sustainable and future-oriented buildings.
Panel Installation
Panel installation is a critical phase of the prefabrication process, carefully planned based on the assembly drawings developed during the design stage. Once the site is confirmed ready to receive the components, installation begins with the placement of ground floor and intermediate level walls using a telehandler, along with coordinated installation of structural elements such as posts, beams, airtight joints, tapes, sealants, and technical connections.
The walls, floors and roofs with a larger span are then installed using a crane, operated by a certified crane operator, under the supervision of a team leader. Each step is subject to level, plumb and leak checks, ensuring an assembly that complies with thermal, structural and durable performance requirements.
Depending on the configuration and complexity of the project, installation may be carried out in a single continuous sequence or in several planned phases, typically lasting between 1 and 10 days for a single-family home.
Mass Timber Installation and Related Services
Following the installation of the thermal envelope, Atelier Prefab ensures a structured transition with the general contractor, providing him with the necessary recommendations to preserve the integrity of the airtightness layers and ensure a coherent integration of openings, windows, doors and technical equipment. This transfer includes precise instructions on the installation of joinery, advice on the materials to be preferred, as well as technical support based on the best practices of high-performance construction.
When required and subject to team availability, we can also assist with the installation of high-performance windows and conduct blower door tests to validate the envelope’s airtightness under real-world conditions.
In addition, Atelier Prefab offers a specialized installation service for solid wood elements (CLT, DLT, NLT, glulam moment frames, etc.) as well as for complex architectural glazing. Our technical teams can travel to supervise, assist or manage the installation of these components on selected sites, ensuring an assembly that complies with the structural and aesthetic requirements of the project.
SERVICE AREA
Panel installation is a critical phase of the prefabrication process, carefully planned based on the assembly drawings developed during the design stage. Once the site is confirmed ready to receive the components, installation begins with the placement of ground floor and intermediate level walls using a telehandler, along with coordinated installation of structural elements such as posts, beams, airtight joints, tapes, sealants, and technical connections.
Large-span walls, floors, and roofs are then installed using a 50-ton crane, operated by a certified crane operator under the supervision of a site lead. Each step is carefully checked for level, plumb, and airtightness, ensuring assembly meets thermal, structural, and long-term performance requirements.
Depending on the configuration and complexity of the project, installation may be carried out in a single continuous sequence or in several planned phases, typically lasting between 1 and 10 days for a single-family home.