GS E&C

◆ Advancing technology to accelerate modular apartment projects… development of elevator systems optimized for modular housing
◆ Pilot application planned at “Siheung Geomo,” Korea’s tallest steel modular apartment project… expected to reduce construction time and enhance safety
◆ Aiming to maximize the advantages of modular construction to reduce on-site uncertainties and strengthen competitiveness through safer building practices

GS Engineering & Construction (GS E&C), a leader in the construction industry’s prefab business, is accelerating the advancement of its prefab operations by developing elevator technologies specialized for modular housing.

GS E&C announced that it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for modular elevator technology development at Hyundai Elevator’s Chungju Smart Campus in Chungju, North Chungcheong Province, with the attendance of GS E&C CEO Huh Yoon-hong and Cho Jae-chun, along with other officials.

The “modular elevator” to be developed through this agreement is characterized by its optimized design not only for conventional reinforced concrete apartment structures but also for modular apartment buildings. This initiative is particularly significant in that it further advances and expands the scope of technologies required for the full-scale development of modular multi-family housing projects.

The modular elevator technology jointly developed by the two companies will be applied as a pilot project to the steel modular buildings of the public-private housing project, which GS E&C secured in December last year.

The modular elevator method is an innovative construction approach in which key components are pre-assembled onto an elevator frame manufactured off-site, then delivered to the construction site for modular installation. The primary benefits of this method include shortened construction periods and enhanced quality consistency and safety.

By completing most of the assembly process in a factory environment, on-site welding work is minimized, enabling consistent quality regardless of worker skill levels. In addition, high-altitude work (tasks performed at height) can be reduced by up to 90%, significantly improving safety.

Furthermore, by integrating the detachable formwork system used in the core construction of reinforced concrete structures with modular elevator technology, interference between construction processes can be minimized and continuity of construction ensured, leading to further reductions in construction time. While conventional elevator installation in general construction takes approximately 190 days, the modular elevator method is expected to reduce on-site installation time by up to 80%.

Through this agreement, GS E&C plans to enhance the integration between its modular construction technology and Hyundai Elevator’s modular elevator solutions, while jointly exploring ways to standardize modular construction, elevator systems, and processes, as well as expand the market.

GSE&C CEO Huh Yoon-hong of GS E&C stated, “This agreement marks a starting point for elevating productivity, safety, and quality at construction sites by combining the strengths of both companies. By maximizing the advantages of modular construction, we will reduce on-site uncertainties and strengthen our business competitiveness through safer construction and more stable quality.”