It is a pleasant feeling to be recommended by another professional in the field. This is how these clients found out about us, a couple with whom we got along from the very beginning, even though our first meetings were only online or over the phone because of the pandemic. We can say that the very detailed manner we usually work with has had a positive impact on them, managing to impress them. The huge amount of complex information we offered did not overwhelm them but actually made them feel at ease. They had an interest not only in knowing the technical solutions but in fully understanding them and how they were thought of. This turned out to be a key aspect in the building materials purchasing phase and during the construction process to ensure the quality of the end result.
The house is not only designed to be energy efficient. Working on the architectural details, we also took into account the German Standards (DIN) as well, because they contain more durable solutions than national regulation. The decisions we take regarding execution details are not based on feelings or local practices, but by the latest scientific research. All the elements of the building are thought to work together in an ideal way; in other words, there is no more or less than what is strictly necessary. But our country is not as educated in the building sector as in western countries, so the client encountered difficulties while purchasing building materials and construction workers did not seem well prepared.
Another specific aspect of the house is its timber frame structure. The wall is composed of wood frames with insulation between its elements and on the outer face, replacing the usual concrete and brick solution. This building type is not yet so widespread in our country, even though it has several advantages:
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Because of their flexibility, timber frame houses have a better seismic performance than a more rigid reinforced concrete structure, offering more security during earthquakes. Also, the building’s possible repair costs afterwards are lower.
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The construction phase is shorter and the building site is cleaner.
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If all measures are taken into account, timber frames can be made just as fire-resistant as any other building.
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Working with wood allows greater freedom in the model design because wood has a lower thermal conductivity than concrete, so the temperature exchange is slower. In general, the edges of a house consist of columns and beams made of reinforced concrete, where thermal bridges occur. Straight walls have equal surfaces on their inner and outer face, but corner ones have the exterior face twice as big as the interior one. It is in these corners where walls and slabs have the lowest temperature. As a result, a thermally insulated building without well-thought details in these sensitive areas has a big risk of condensation and mold formation on the interior surface.
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Conventional concrete and brick houses have a higher wood consumption than a wood structure one. Even though wood is not part of the structure, it is used as fuel for burning ceramic bricks and tiles, for manufacturing materials required for reinforced concrete and their formwork on buildings sites.
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Last but not least, wood processing requires less energy and is more ecological and sustainable than any other building method. Buildings with this material reduces the carbon dioxide in atmosphere because wood is able to store CO2.
Designing a timber frame structure is complex: it requires more time, the team behind needs to have extended knowledge in the field, but the end result can be a highly energy efficient home, so it is worth it. Prefab houses are similar to oversized furniture because they depend upon a millimeter-scale approach and special attention must be paid to the dimensions of every element.
Those who want to build a highly energy efficient house that also complies with Western standards – which means high quality standards – first of all need a design team that takes these aspects into account. Furthermore, they must be prepared to „fight a battle” for good quality materials and for their correct installation. Of course, there is also the happier and easier situation where the budget allows to hire a General Contractor that can take care of these aspects.
Unfortunately, the quality of the building industry in our country does not raise to the same level as other developed countries. We know we are swimming against the tide, but it is worth it for those who want a lasting, sustainabale and energy-efficient building.
