Timber Frame
Construction
See how our prefabricated houses are built using wooden frame technology.
Exterior wall with timber cladding [40 cm]
- 1. Scandinavian spruce cladding (tongue and groove)
- 2. Battens, counter-battens
- 3. Tyvek Housewrap windproof membrane
- 4. Steico / Naturheld wood fibre insulation board
- 5. C24 KVH finger-jointed timber frame
- 6. Mineral wool
- 7. MFP P5 structural stiffening board
- 8. Steico Multi Membra 5 vapour barrier membrane
- 9. Installation cavity
- 10. Mineral wool
- 11. Fire- and moisture-resistant Fermacell board
U = 0,135 W/m²K
[mm]
- 22
- 38 x 58 x 2
- -
- 60
- 60 x 160
- 160
- 12
- -
- 60 x 60
- 50
- 12,5
Heavy German Timber Frame
In timber frame construction, three systems are most commonly used: Canadian, Scandinavian, and German. Each system differs in the timber dimensions used:
¾ Canadian system: 38 x 140 mm
¾ Scandinavian system: 45 x 145 mm
¾ German system: 60 x 160 mm
At Modularen, we have chosen the heavy German timber frame system, using KVH-certified finger-jointed timber with a cross-section of 60 x 160 mm. This provides:
¾ 47% more material than the Scandinavian 45 x 145 mm stud
¾ 80% more wood than the Canadian 38 x 140 mm stud
This larger structural profile significantly enhances the static performance of the building. The wider beams allow sheathing boards to be fixed more securely using larger nails, screws, or staples. Deeper anchoring of connectors improves load transfer, increasing overall load-bearing capacity.
A broader stud also increases the overlapping area between sheathing panels, providing better support at their junction. This improves fastener grip and reduces the risk of edge breakage.
Anchoring elements used to fix walls to the foundation slab also perform better when attached to heavier timber.
In addition, KVH finger-jointed timber allows the use of longer structural components—up to 13 meters in length. This eliminates the need to join multiple sections in elements such as top plates or base plates, which further strengthens the frame and reduces the risk of structural deformation or buckling at connection points.
Thermal Insulation
In addition to standard insulation within the wall structure, our homes are further insulated with 60 mm-thick wood fibre insulation boards: Steico Universal Dry or Steico Protect. These Steico boards significantly improve the thermal transmittance of the building envelope (Uw), and thanks to their high specific heat capacity (Cw), they also protect the building from overheating in the summer. Moreover, they provide excellent acoustic insulation.
As a result, our walls have a total thickness of 40.0 cm (Uw = 0.135 W/m²K), and our roofs reach 41.0 cm (Uw = 0.126 W/m²K).
The insulation performance of our buildings far exceeds the minimum requirements for energy-efficient homes defined by the 2021 Technical Conditions (WT21). Our houses achieve insulation parameters close to passive house standards, meaning that heat loss through walls, roofs, or floors is kept to an absolute minimum.
Such a well-insulated building, when combined with a photovoltaic system, can even achieve net-zero energy consumption, where the electricity generated fully offsets the home’s annual energy demand. A net-zero energy house produces zero net energy consumption and zero carbon emissions on a yearly basis.
The insulation standard we apply is always the same, regardless of the house design, intended use, or type of permitting procedure. Whether the building is to serve as a year-round residence or a recreational home, whether built under construction notification or a full permit—the technology, build quality, and insulation parameters remain unchanged.
Vapour-Open Construction
The construction system we use is vapour-open, meaning that any potential moisture is naturally released to the outside of the building. Thanks to this type of wall system, our houses are resistant to mould, mildew, and structural decay.
In practice, this means we use materials with high vapour resistance on the interior side, and low vapour resistance on the exterior side. Additionally, a ventilation gap is built into the wall between the cladding and the insulation layers, which greatly enhances the building’s energy efficiency.
On the exterior, our walls are clad in Fermacell gypsum fibre boards and Steico wood fibre insulation boards. Both materials have low vapour resistance and are fully suitable for exterior application. In contrast, materials like polystyrene or OSB, which are often used externally in other systems, trap moisture inside the structure. This blocks natural evaporation and drastically reduces the lifespan of the building envelope.
Using high vapour resistance materials on the outside—such as OSB or styrofoam—leads to moisture retention, which in turn fosters mould and fungal growth, eventually causing structural degradation.
Prefabrication
All of our homes are built from pre-prepared prefabricated components produced at our manufacturing facility. Wall and roof construction, installation of windows and doors, and facade finishing are all completed in the factory. These prefabricated elements are then transported and assembled directly on the client’s plot.
Thanks to the standardized production process carried out under controlled conditions, construction errors are reduced to an absolute minimum.
The materials used during prefabrication—such as timber, insulation, and sheathing boards—are stored indoors and are not exposed to weather conditions. The dry and stable production environment guarantees that no components will become wet or damaged, preserving their original technical properties.
Since our buildings are constructed in the factory from the very beginning, they are not exposed to moisture, heavy wind, or rainfall—risks that are common in traditional on-site construction.
Up to 90% of all construction work is carried out in the factory, which means building can continue regardless of weather conditions. Thanks to our systematic approach, the entire process—from preparing the foundation slab, through house production and on-site assembly, to delivering the building in a developer-ready state—can be completed in about one month.
Unlike traditional construction, which relies on so-called “wet methods” and is often delayed by weather, our process allows work to proceed even in sub-zero temperatures, year-round.
Heavy German Timber Frame
In timber frame construction, three systems are most commonly used: Canadian, Scandinavian, and German. Each system differs in the timber dimensions used:
¾ Canadian system: 38 x 140 mm
¾ Scandinavian system: 45 x 145 mm
¾ German system: 60 x 160 mm
At Modularen, we have chosen the heavy German timber frame system, using KVH-certified finger-jointed timber with a cross-section of 60 x 160 mm. This provides:
¾ 47% more material than the Scandinavian 45 x 145 mm stud
¾ 80% more wood than the Canadian 38 x 140 mm stud
This larger structural profile significantly enhances the static performance of the building. The wider beams allow sheathing boards to be fixed more securely using larger nails, screws, or staples. Deeper anchoring of connectors improves load transfer, increasing overall load-bearing capacity.
A broader stud also increases the overlapping area between sheathing panels, providing better support at their junction. This improves fastener grip and reduces the risk of edge breakage.
Anchoring elements used to fix walls to the foundation slab also perform better when attached to heavier timber.
In addition, KVH finger-jointed timber allows the use of longer structural components—up to 13 meters in length. This eliminates the need to join multiple sections in elements such as top plates or base plates, which further strengthens the frame and reduces the risk of structural deformation or buckling at connection points.
Exterior wall with timber cladding [40 cm]
- 1. Scandinavian spruce cladding (tongue and groove)
- 2. Battens, counter-battens
- 3. Tyvek Housewrap windproof membrane
- 4. Steico / Naturheld wood fibre insulation board
- 5. C24 KVH finger-jointed timber frame
- 6. Mineral wool
- 7. MFP P5 structural stiffening board
- 8. Steico Multi Membra 5 vapour barrier membrane
- 9. Installation cavity
- 10. Mineral wool
- 11. Fire- and moisture-resistant Fermacell board
U = 0,135 W/m²K
[mm]
- 22
- 38 x 58 x 2
- -
- 60
- 60 x 160
- 160
- 12
- -
- 60 x 60
- 50
- 12,5
Thermal Insulation
In addition to standard insulation within the wall structure, our homes are further insulated with 60 mm-thick wood fibre insulation boards: Steico Universal Dry or Steico Protect. These Steico boards significantly improve the thermal transmittance of the building envelope (Uw), and thanks to their high specific heat capacity (Cw), they also protect the building from overheating in the summer. Moreover, they provide excellent acoustic insulation.
As a result, our walls have a total thickness of 40.0 cm (Uw = 0.135 W/m²K), and our roofs reach 41.0 cm (Uw = 0.126 W/m²K).
The insulation performance of our buildings far exceeds the minimum requirements for energy-efficient homes defined by the 2021 Technical Conditions (WT21). Our houses achieve insulation parameters close to passive house standards, meaning that heat loss through walls, roofs, or floors is kept to an absolute minimum.
Such a well-insulated building, when combined with a photovoltaic system, can even achieve net-zero energy consumption, where the electricity generated fully offsets the home’s annual energy demand. A net-zero energy house produces zero net energy consumption and zero carbon emissions on a yearly basis.
The insulation standard we apply is always the same, regardless of the house design, intended use, or type of permitting procedure. Whether the building is to serve as a year-round residence or a recreational home, whether built under construction notification or a full permit—the technology, build quality, and insulation parameters remain unchanged.
Vapour-Open Construction
The construction system we use is vapour-open, meaning that any potential moisture is naturally released to the outside of the building. Thanks to this type of wall system, our houses are resistant to mould, mildew, and structural decay.
In practice, this means we use materials with high vapour resistance on the interior side, and low vapour resistance on the exterior side. Additionally, a ventilation gap is built into the wall between the cladding and the insulation layers, which greatly enhances the building’s energy efficiency.
On the exterior, our walls are clad in Fermacell gypsum fibre boards and Steico wood fibre insulation boards. Both materials have low vapour resistance and are fully suitable for exterior application. In contrast, materials like polystyrene or OSB, which are often used externally in other systems, trap moisture inside the structure. This blocks natural evaporation and drastically reduces the lifespan of the building envelope.
Using high vapour resistance materials on the outside—such as OSB or styrofoam—leads to moisture retention, which in turn fosters mould and fungal growth, eventually causing structural degradation.
Prefabrication
All of our homes are built from pre-prepared prefabricated components produced at our manufacturing facility. Wall and roof construction, installation of windows and doors, and facade finishing are all completed in the factory. These prefabricated elements are then transported and assembled directly on the client’s plot.
Thanks to the standardized production process carried out under controlled conditions, construction errors are reduced to an absolute minimum.
The materials used during prefabrication—such as timber, insulation, and sheathing boards—are stored indoors and are not exposed to weather conditions. The dry and stable production environment guarantees that no components will become wet or damaged, preserving their original technical properties.
Since our buildings are constructed in the factory from the very beginning, they are not exposed to moisture, heavy wind, or rainfall—risks that are common in traditional on-site construction.
Up to 90% of all construction work is carried out in the factory, which means building can continue regardless of weather conditions. Thanks to our systematic approach, the entire process—from preparing the foundation slab, through house production and on-site assembly, to delivering the building in a developer-ready state—can be completed in about one month.
Unlike traditional construction, which relies on so-called “wet methods” and is often delayed by weather, our process allows work to proceed even in sub-zero temperatures, year-round.
Premium partition
Discover our heavy prefabricated wooden structure
- Scandinavian spruce cladding (tongue and groove)
- Battens, counter-battens
- Tyvek Housewrap windproof membrane
- Steico / Naturheld wood fibre insulation board
- C24 KVH finger-jointed timber frame
- Mineral wool
- MFP P5 structural stiffening board
- Steico Multi Membra 5 vapour barrier membrane
- Installation cavity
- Mineral wool
- Fire- and moisture-resistant Fermacell board
22
38 x 58 x 2
–
60
60 x 160
160
12
–
60 x 60
50
12,5
Exterior wall with timber cladding [40 cm]
Heavy German Timber Frame
In timber frame construction, three systems are most commonly used: Canadian, Scandinavian, and German. Each system differs in the timber dimensions used:
¾ Canadian system: 38 x 140 mm
¾ Scandinavian system: 45 x 145 mm
¾ German system: 60 x 160 mm
At Modularen, we have chosen the heavy German timber frame system, using KVH-certified finger-jointed timber with a cross-section of 60 x 160 mm. This provides:
¾ 47% more material than the Scandinavian 45 x 145 mm stud
¾ 80% more wood than the Canadian 38 x 140 mm stud
This larger structural profile significantly enhances the static performance of the building. The wider beams allow sheathing boards to be fixed more securely using larger nails, screws, or staples. Deeper anchoring of connectors improves load transfer, increasing overall load-bearing capacity.
A broader stud also increases the overlapping area between sheathing panels, providing better support at their junction. This improves fastener grip and reduces the risk of edge breakage.
Anchoring elements used to fix walls to the foundation slab also perform better when attached to heavier timber.
In addition, KVH finger-jointed timber allows the use of longer structural components—up to 13 meters in length. This eliminates the need to join multiple sections in elements such as top plates or base plates, which further strengthens the frame and reduces the risk of structural deformation or buckling at connection points.
Thermal Insulation
In addition to standard insulation within the wall structure, our homes are further insulated with 60 mm-thick wood fibre insulation boards: Steico Universal Dry or Steico Protect. These Steico boards significantly improve the thermal transmittance of the building envelope (Uw), and thanks to their high specific heat capacity (Cw), they also protect the building from overheating in the summer. Moreover, they provide excellent acoustic insulation.
As a result, our walls have a total thickness of 40.0 cm (Uw = 0.135 W/m²K), and our roofs reach 41.0 cm (Uw = 0.126 W/m²K).
The insulation performance of our buildings far exceeds the minimum requirements for energy-efficient homes defined by the 2021 Technical Conditions (WT21). Our houses achieve insulation parameters close to passive house standards, meaning that heat loss through walls, roofs, or floors is kept to an absolute minimum.
Such a well-insulated building, when combined with a photovoltaic system, can even achieve net-zero energy consumption, where the electricity generated fully offsets the home’s annual energy demand. A net-zero energy house produces zero net energy consumption and zero carbon emissions on a yearly basis.
The insulation standard we apply is always the same, regardless of the house design, intended use, or type of permitting procedure. Whether the building is to serve as a year-round residence or a recreational home, whether built under construction notification or a full permit—the technology, build quality, and insulation parameters remain unchanged.
Vapour-Open Construction
The construction system we use is vapour-open, meaning that any potential moisture is naturally released to the outside of the building. Thanks to this type of wall system, our houses are resistant to mould, mildew, and structural decay.
In practice, this means we use materials with high vapour resistance on the interior side, and low vapour resistance on the exterior side. Additionally, a ventilation gap is built into the wall between the cladding and the insulation layers, which greatly enhances the building’s energy efficiency.
On the exterior, our walls are clad in Fermacell gypsum fibre boards and Steico wood fibre insulation boards. Both materials have low vapour resistance and are fully suitable for exterior application. In contrast, materials like polystyrene or OSB, which are often used externally in other systems, trap moisture inside the structure. This blocks natural evaporation and drastically reduces the lifespan of the building envelope.
Using high vapour resistance materials on the outside—such as OSB or styrofoam—leads to moisture retention, which in turn fosters mould and fungal growth, eventually causing structural degradation.
Prefabrication
All of our homes are built from pre-prepared prefabricated components produced at our manufacturing facility. Wall and roof construction, installation of windows and doors, and facade finishing are all completed in the factory. These prefabricated elements are then transported and assembled directly on the client’s plot.
Thanks to the standardized production process carried out under controlled conditions, construction errors are reduced to an absolute minimum.
The materials used during prefabrication—such as timber, insulation, and sheathing boards—are stored indoors and are not exposed to weather conditions. The dry and stable production environment guarantees that no components will become wet or damaged, preserving their original technical properties.
Since our buildings are constructed in the factory from the very beginning, they are not exposed to moisture, heavy wind, or rainfall—risks that are common in traditional on-site construction.
Up to 90% of all construction work is carried out in the factory, which means building can continue regardless of weather conditions. Thanks to our systematic approach, the entire process—from preparing the foundation slab, through house production and on-site assembly, to delivering the building in a developer-ready state—can be completed in about one month.
Unlike traditional construction, which relies on so-called “wet methods” and is often delayed by weather, our process allows work to proceed even in sub-zero temperatures, year-round.
We Build in Harmony with Nature
We use durable materials that serve not only people — but also the planet.
A Real Impact on the Environment
Fully aware of the growing waste-processing crisis, we’ve chosen to rely on natural building materials. Excessive CO₂ emissions and mountains of construction waste that go unrecycled contribute to environmental degradation — both on land and in our oceans.
We believe that every small decision adds to a greater change. That means each of us can have a positive impact on the world around us. We build not only for ourselves but also for future generations, always with respect for our planet.
By choosing our homes, you take a proactive and tangible step toward reducing the production of harmful substances, lowering CO₂ emissions, and securing a healthy, sustainable home for yourself and for those who come after you.
Thanks to the use of ecological materials, our homes are energy-efficient and beneficial to both people and the environment.
Natural-Origin Materials
We minimize the use of materials that are difficult to recycle, such as OSB boards, polystyrene, or polyurethane foams. Instead, we use eco-friendly, sustainable alternatives that are safe for human health, including:
¾ Mineral wool
¾ Wood fibre insulation
¾ Fermacell gypsum fibre boards
¾ Steico wood fibre boards
¾ Natural raw materials like wooden cladding
The Steico wood fibre boards we use — an alternative to conventional external polystyrene insulation — offer excellent thermal performance while being fully natural.
Wood fibre, wood-based insulation boards, and other bio-based products used in our buildings are entirely ecological materials.
Materials We Build With
Our homes are designed for conscious investors — people who value environmental responsibility, health, and long-lasting quality.
Scandinavian Spruce Cladding
We use carefully selected Scandinavian spruce boards, available in three original profiles. Each board is chosen for quality and mounted on ventilated battens and counter-battens, which extend the durability and lifespan of the cladding. The wooden facade can be protected with a clear preservative or painted in any colour of your choice.
Standing Seam Metal Roofing
Our prefab homes are roofed with standing seam metal panels or metal roof tiles. The standing seam panels we use feature micro-wave technology, which makes them more resistant to dents and warping. This innovative detail not only increases the durability of the roof but also enhances its visual appeal.
Fermacell Board
Fermacell is a gypsum fibre board known for its exceptional hardness and weight, which qualifies it as a structural material that significantly stiffens the walls of a building. It is fully fire-resistant and moisture-resistant. By reinforcing walls with Fermacell on both sides, we ensure that our houses meet the highest wind load zone in Poland (Zone III) and the highest snow load zone (Zone V) — as standard.
Steico Thermal Insulation Board
Steico boards significantly improve the thermal transmittance (Uw) of the building envelope. Thanks to their high specific heat capacity (Cw), they also protect the building from overheating in summer. In addition, these wood fibre boards offer excellent acoustic insulation. Being vapour-open, they are suitable for external use, unlike polystyrene or OSB boards, which can trap moisture inside the wall structure.
Vapour Barrier Membrane
Used internally in walls, roofs, and ceilings, this membrane seals the structure against water vapour and moisture. It is made of a three-layer PP-based nonwoven fabric reinforced with mesh, making it extremely tear-resistant, unlike conventional vapour barrier films.
Windproof Membrane
This highly vapour-permeable wind barrier protects the building from external moisture. It is windproof and water-resistant, providing long-term protection against the elements. Its reinforced, tear-resistant structure offers superior durability compared to standard windproof membranes.
C24 KVH Structural Timber
All our homes are built using high-quality C24 structural timber, specifically KVH finger-jointed beams. By using German-profile cross-sections, which are significantly more robust than standard Scandinavian C24 timber, we achieve superior structural strength and stability.
Rockwool Mineral Wool
Rockwool mineral wool is the primary insulator in our houses. Made from natural raw materials, it offers excellent fire resistance and thermal insulation. Upon request, Rockwool can be substituted with high-density wood wool, offering improved compression resistance and long-term dimensional stability.
Scandinavian Spruce Cladding
We use carefully selected Scandinavian spruce boards, available in three original profiles. Each board is chosen for quality and mounted on ventilated battens and counter-battens, which extend the durability and lifespan of the cladding. The wooden facade can be protected with a clear preservative or painted in any colour of your choice.
Standing Seam Metal Roofing
Our prefab homes are roofed with standing seam metal panels or metal roof tiles. The standing seam panels we use feature micro-wave technology, which makes them more resistant to dents and warping. This innovative detail not only increases the durability of the roof but also enhances its visual appeal.
Fermacell Board
Fermacell is a gypsum fibre board known for its exceptional hardness and weight, which qualifies it as a structural material that significantly stiffens the walls of a building. It is fully fire-resistant and moisture-resistant. By reinforcing walls with Fermacell on both sides, we ensure that our houses meet the highest wind load zone in Poland (Zone III) and the highest snow load zone (Zone V) — as standard.
Steico Thermal Insulation Board
Steico boards significantly improve the thermal transmittance (Uw) of the building envelope. Thanks to their high specific heat capacity (Cw), they also protect the building from overheating in summer. In addition, these wood fibre boards offer excellent acoustic insulation. Being vapour-open, they are suitable for external use, unlike polystyrene or OSB boards, which can trap moisture inside the wall structure.
Vapour Barrier Membrane
Used internally in walls, roofs, and ceilings, this membrane seals the structure against water vapour and moisture. It is made of a three-layer PP-based nonwoven fabric reinforced with mesh, making it extremely tear-resistant, unlike conventional vapour barrier films.
Windproof Membrane
This highly vapour-permeable wind barrier protects the building from external moisture. It is windproof and water-resistant, providing long-term protection against the elements. Its reinforced, tear-resistant structure offers superior durability compared to standard windproof membranes.
C24 KVH Structural Timber
All our homes are built using high-quality C24 structural timber, specifically KVH finger-jointed beams. By using German-profile cross-sections, which are significantly more robust than standard Scandinavian C24 timber, we achieve superior structural strength and stability.
Rockwool Mineral Wool
Rockwool mineral wool is the primary insulator in our houses. Made from natural raw materials, it offers excellent fire resistance and thermal insulation. Upon request, Rockwool can be substituted with high-density wood wool, offering improved compression resistance and long-term dimensional stability.
