Material efficiency has become a competitive edge in modular construction

geWOONhout is a Dutch company producing prefabricated elements for sustainable, circular and affordable multi-storey houses. The company has an industrialised production for wooden 3D modules, which come complete including installations, kitchen, toilet and bathroom to the building site.

“We will begin the construction of Xylino, a five-storey building of 103 apartments build out of 436 modules, which will be a real eye-catcher”, Herman van Ommen, geWOONhout’s Managing Director, promises.

geWOONhout contributes to solving the twin challenge that societies are facing by addressing the climate problem as well as the housing shortage. The company aims for carbon neutrality in all aspects, from the solar panels and the closed water system to electric transport in logistics – and the choice of Metsä Wood’s Kerto LVL wood as a key material for its modules. geWOONhout utilises the smart parametric design system of another Dutch company, Sustainer, to engineer their modules.

The unique properties of Kerto LVL increase space efficieny

geWOONhout takes full advantage of the outstanding strength-to-weight ratio of Kerto LVL by using it in, for example, load-bearing walls, floor and column structures.

”Nowadays new developments are  started with CLT. However, Kerto LVL’s ease of use, material efficiency, strength and advanced properties like precise CNC machining have been a driving force to switch to LVL”, says Metsä Wood’s Sales Manager Bas Meeuwissen.

Compared to alternative wood products like CLT and Glulam, Kerto LVL’s strength enables geWOONhout to create open spaces with large spans with less materials. Three modules can be placed without dividing walls, allowing more living space and freedom for designing interior layouts.

Kerto LVL improves resource efficiency throughout the life cycle

In geWOONhout’s production, material waste is minimised by the controlled environment and getting Kerto LVL delivered in customised dimensions. The uniform quality and dimensional stability of Kerto LVL further improve material efficiency.

Light yet strong, Kerto LVL supports sustainability and cost-efficiency also by lowering emissions during transportation and construction and reducing the amount of building material. Kerto LVL’s resource efficiency covers the whole life cycle thanks to sustainable forestry, responsible use of raw materials, energy and water in production, and the easy recyclability and even reusability of the material.

Co-operation with Metsä Wood enables geWOONhout to aim high

Currently employing about 50 people, geWOONhout aims to expand its production facilities to achieve its 2025 growth targets.

“Our co-operation with Metsä Wood and their Kerto LVL product enables us to significantly increase our production of modules,” says Herman van Ommen.

For a mass production company, Metsä Wood’s large manufacturing capacity and efficient supply chain are crucial factors.

”Supply chains have to be as short and cost-efficient as possible. This is why we aim to purchase the products straight from the manufacturers,” van Ommen explains.

Benelux countries show the way in offsite wood construction

According to Bas Meeuwissen, engineered wood products are making substantial headway in the construction industry, especially in the Benelux countries, where Metsä Wood has significantly expanded its presence in off-site market during the last 3 years.

While countries such as the Netherlands and Belgium are the current frontrunners in progressive wood construction, sustainable and material-efficient practices are certain to make a breakthrough elsewhere in Central Europe as well.