Modular houses on wooden construction are becoming increasingly popular. They are eco-friendly, quick to build and, most importantly, extremely durable. However, many myths have grown up around them, which can mislead potential buyers and investors. In this article, we dispel doubts and present facts about the safety and durability of timber-framed modular homes, following the example of the technology used by WestaTre.
At WestaTre, we specialize in the production of modular homes. In doing so, we use timber frame technology, made using the STEICO building system. This makes the houses extremely strong and robust. The combination of wooden construction with a concrete foundation ensures the stability and safety of the entire structure.
Houses produced in this way are in no way inferior to brick buildings. Tests undergone on buildings created with timber frame technology and using the solutions we go for at WestaTre have proven that their durability ranges from 80 to 100 years. This is the same as the level of durability defined for traditional solid buildings.
WestaTre modular homes are built from several layers, each with its own purpose, and together they form a clever layout of a diffusion-open wall. That is, one that allows air to flow naturally through its structure. Wood-based materials are used as building blocks, which preserve the natural advantages of this excellent raw material, such as excellent insulation, while being free of its disadvantages, like being exposed to wetness or deformation.
External load-bearing walls, made of flangeed beams in wood-frame construction, filled with wood wool, guarantee excellent thermal and acoustic insulation. The ventilated facade, on the other hand, is usually made of spruce facade boards and seamed metal sheets, which adds a natural and welcoming touch to the whole structure. There is also the option of finishing the facade with plaster and thus achieving a more traditional look for the building.
Although the frame structure itself is lightweight, it is a rigid, strong and resistant whole. This is due to the combination of the panels with which the external partitions are clad on both sides and the other elements of the building.
Great structural flexibility makes it possible to expand the modular house with additional rooms. You only need to make that request at the design and production stage, and we will plan the structure accordingly.
Unlike plastics and highly processed materials, wood is a renewable material. At the end of its life, the building can also be recycled, leaving no trace for the environment.
.png)
So let's take a look at the most common myths and review the facts:
Myth 1: Modular homes are less durable than traditional homes
Fact: Wood-frame modular homes, such as those manufactured by WestaTre, are extremely durable. The use of timber frame technology ensures the robustness of the structure, and the combination with a concrete foundation guarantees its stability. Wood is a very durable construction material and protects well against the cold, which is why it has been used as a building block for centuries. It is because of its very good resistance to the elements that wood buildings are particularly popular in mountainous regions, where they are exposed to extreme weather conditions. We also have more contemporary examples of timber-frame houses, common in Scandinavia, which have been in use for more than 100 years and show no signs of age. Thus, wood passes the test of durability perfectly.
Myth 2: Modular homes are less safe
Fact: Modular houses are just as safe as traditional houses. External load-bearing walls, made of flanged beams and filled with wood wool, provide excellent thermal and acoustic isolation. In addition, walls built with the Steico system have a NRO classification, which means they do not spread fire.
Myth 3: Modular homes are less environmentally friendly
Fact: Modular houses are more environmentally friendly than traditional houses. The use of wood as the main building material makes them more environmentally friendly. In addition, the technology used to build modular homes minimizes construction waste.
In summary, modular homes on wood construction with the technology used in WestaTre, are safe, durable and environmentally friendly. They are an excellent alternative to traditional construction, combining modernity with functionality.
