China has once again pushed the limits of rapid urban development, completing an 11-story building in just 29 hours. The project, carried out in Changsha by Broad Group, relied on a high-precision modular construction system that allows factory-built steel units to lock together on-site with minimal downtime.
The building, described as an “11-story” apartment block, was assembled using prefabricated steel modules. These units were manufactured off-site in a factory, fully outfitted with plumbing and wiring, and then transported to the site ready for installation. On-site, three cranes and a specialized crew lifted the modules, which were bolted together, stacked, and connected to utility systems. According to Broad Group, the entire structure was completed in 28 hours and 45 minutes, making this among the fastest constructions of its kind in the world.
The structural backbone of the building relies on stainless-steel slabs, part of what the company calls its “Living Building System.” Each module measures roughly forty feet long, eight feet wide, and ten feet high, dimensions compatible with standard shipping containers for ease of transport. Once assembled, the modules provide column-free spaces, and the building becomes immediately habitable once electricity and water are connected.
Broad Group claims the stainless-steel modules offer significant advantages over conventional concrete construction: they are much lighter but also far stronger and resistant to extreme weather events like earthquakes and typhoons. According to the company, the method reduces the cost of construction, as well as energy usage through the use of insulation and integrated systems, which translates into lower utility bills for residents.
Analysts and industry witnesses note that while the “erection time” is indeed astonishing, the feat depends heavily on prior factory-level work fabrication, outfitting of modules, quality control, logistic planning, and transportation, all of which require significant lead time. What happens on-site is more like a rapid assembly of pre-made components rather than construction in the traditional sense. Nonetheless, the result is a fully functional apartment tower erected in a fraction of the usual time.
This experiment in China, if proven reliable in long-term habitation and full safety compliance, could reshape how multi-story residential housing is delivered. In fast-growing Chinese cities and other urban areas facing heavy demand, rapid modular construction offers a scalable and cost-efficient alternative to conventional building, cutting project timelines while strengthening overall resilience and operational efficiency.
Credit: Broad Group’s YouTube video
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