Flat pack
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
DfMA Overlay to the RIBA Plan of Work, Mainstreaming Design for Manufacture and Assembly in Construction, 2nd Edition, published by the RIBA in 2021, defines flat pack as: ‘A term to describe prefabricated assemblies that are transported to site as flat, 2D elements as opposed to volumetric 3D units. They trade speed of on-site assembly for transport efficiency.’
Flat pack is a term typically associated with furniture. Flat pack furniture is also known as ready-to-assemble (RTA) furniture, knock down (KD) furniture or kit furniture.
This method of production can be used for items such as shelves, bookcases, tables, cupboards and so on. These items of furniture are mass produced as individual components. They are packaged so they can be purchased, transported and assembled by the customer at their final destination. Basic hardware and instructions are generally included.
[edit] History
Early flat pack furniture goes back to the mid-1800s with the introduction of the bentwood bistro chair. This chair was invented by Michael Thonet, a cabinet maker born in Germany.
The flat pack concept was advanced during the First World War by an American company known as Home Art Masters, but it was not successful. Experiments with flat pack furniture continued in the 1940s and 1950s, but it didn’t gain wide acceptance until the Scandinavian company, IKEA introduced a range of flat pack furniture in 1956.
[edit] Beyond furniture
On a larger scale, the flat pack method of production can also be applied to other forms of manufacturing, such as modular buildings. These are structures made from components manufactured on assembly lines in factories then assembled on site.
IKEA has made inroads into the development of modular construction, such as hotels and housing. This has sometimes been labelled by the press as 'flat pack homes'.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Specifying rendered external wall insulation for fire safety
How to interrogate the evidence provided to the specifier.
The benefits of writing articles for your organisation
How to create a profile for your organisation and publish for free.
No Falls Week. The importance of safe working at height
What to expect and what is on offer to avoid accidents.
Scottish Government action to reach net-zero targets
Retrofit expert group highlight critical actions needed.
A forward thinking, inclusive global community of members.
From engineered product life-spans, to their extension.
Circular economy in the built environment
A brief description from 2021. Where are we now?
Mental Health Awareness Week with ABS
Architects Benevolent Society programme of activity.
CLC publishes domestic retrofit competency framework
Roadmap of Skills for net zero.
May 13-19: Moving more for our mental health.
Understanding is key to conservation.
Open industry engagement survey seeks responses
Institutions and the importance of engagement.
National Retrofit Hub unveils new guide
Digital Building Logbooks and Retrofit: An Introduction.
Enhancing construction site reporting efficiency
Through digitisation and the digital revolution.