Standardization in construction processes

Wood innovation in the field of construction opens up endless possibilities for architectural design, production processes, labor, sustainability and urban planning, among other aspects. Such is its importance that an interpretation of prefabricated wood construction systems is necessary to standardize construction processes.

An example of a prefabricated wood construction system is the manufacture of modular structures away from the construction site, to then be assembled onsite, which can take place in two ways: as finished modules or as parts kits of parts for assembly.

• Kits of parts

Prefabricated elements that are assembled at the construction site, usually wood panels that section off spaces, and pieces that make up part of the structure such as beams and pillars, or glass elements such as walls and doors with windows. The panels to be assembled can be used for open spaces in which cladding and insulation are later incorporated; and for closed spaces for plumbing, electricity, doors, windows and final finishings.

• Modular construction

Three-dimensional modules built in the factory, with the plumbing, electrical, finishing and even the decoration and furnishing aspects implemented. This way it arrives at the construction site ready and is assembled with the help of a crane, and lastly, inspected by construction professionals who complete connections and structural and mechanical details.

Prefabricated wood construction systems

Wood prefabrication technologies come with advantages such as a reduction in execution times of up to 50% and a 20% reduction in associated costs. To achieve these results, 3D design and modeling software is used, which allows the project to be more accurately planned, simulating building assembly in each of its phases, based on prefabricated wood construction systems.

Prefabricated wood construction systems are based on conventional light-frame construction or Mass Timber construction, both of which can be used on the same site. To get an idea of both:

• In light-frame construction, the material is delivered to the construction site for trimming and installation of beams and trusses, which covers most of the construction; OSB and plywood panels are used for roofs, floors and walls. This type of construction can also be prefabricated as nearly finished modules.

• In the case of Mass Timber construction, it uses multi-layered compressed wood panels. Mass Timber structures serve as load-bearing structures in a building, and given that they are lighter than other building materials, are also used in prefabrication. Mass Timber is divided into several products such as the well known Cross Laminated Timber (CLT), increasingly required in the industry for its versatility and resistance, as well as Glulam, used in beams and columns, both star materials in the construction work of Niuform, a company that provides wood construction solutions. Other products used, as detailed on the site, are: Nail Laminated Timber (NLT), Dowel-Laminated Timber (DLT), Laminated Strand Lumber (LSL), Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) and Parallel Strand Lumber (PSL).

Buildings of the future start today

The flexibility of construction with prefabricated wood modules allows for future structural modifications by simply disassembling modular units, allowing for reorganization, removal or additions as needed.

Flexible homes have gradually become a trend since they offer families the ability to reconfigure them depending on changes in the composition of its members over the years. Modular construction makes it possible to expand or divide spaces, reconfiguring the interior walls.

Companies like Niuform look forward to your wood ideas and projects to create and rethink the buildings of the future together, collaborating on every step of the process: Conceptualization, Modeling, Fabrication and Installation; making you part of the construction revolution.

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