Timber modules
Wooden living spaces

Timber modules
Wooden living spaces

Timber modules
Wooden living spaces

Timber modules
Wooden living spaces

Timber modules
Wooden living spaces

Individual timber module construction
with DERIX

Timber in the third dimension: With our timber module construction, we prefabricate entire room cells that only need to be assembled on the construction site. From raw timber to the production of X-LAM and glulam components to turnkey construction – DERIX is your partner for sustainable modular construction. With a focus on the production of the modules, we are there for you as a general contractor or subcontractor for your project – as part of the overall project. Learn more about wooden module construction with DERIX.

Modular construction with
a high degree of prefabrication

With our innovative timber modular construction, we take care of most of the construction process of your building already in our production. The three-dimensional wooden room cells are completely prefabricated in our factory, so that the construction site is purely an assembly site. In this way, buildings are industrially produced very quickly, completely independent of weather conditions or other circumstances on the construction site. The individual production of the modules enables a flexible floor plan design.

The advantages
of modular timber construction

Building with wooden modules offers numerous advantages. The construction method is flexible and leaves room for attractive buildings and flexible floor plan design. Axis grids and module sizes are individually adapted to the project. For larger projects in particular, modular construction therefore offers numerous opportunities to increase economic efficiency – from improving process and project quality to reducing complexity and construction time.
  • Cost and deadline certainty

The early planning depth enables a reliable project process.

  • Short construction time with low emissions

The parallel construction of the foundation and prefabrication of the modules as well as the fast module assembly make a short construction time with low emissions possible.

  • Solid construction

DERIX wooden modules are made of solid wood and are characterised by enormous robustness and stability.

  • Quality

DERIX modules are manufactured under optimal industrial conditions with high precision and therefore achieve a consistently high quality.

  • Sustainability

The use of wood as a natural building material with simultaneous substitution of concrete and steel leads to a significant reduction of the CO2 footprint. At the same time, wood is a natural, renewable raw material. Learn more about sustainable building with wood.

  • Reduction of ancillary construction costs and site management
The short and smooth construction phases made possible by the use of DERIX timber modules reduce both construction time and the necessary construction management, thus leading to an increase in the economic efficiency of any building project.

DERIX Module construction:
The project procedure

The foundation for a modular building is laid in the early design stage. Planning is carried out integrally on the digital twin of the building, so that all problems can already be solved in the model. Once this milestone has been reached, the modules are manufactured and, in parallel, the foundation work is carried out at the construction site. The assembly takes place with eight to ten modules per working day. The construction process at the building site is thus greatly shortened with the modular construction method and at the same time is characterised by low emissions and a smooth process. Feel free to contact us at the very beginning of your project.

Planning with
timber modules

A successful project is based on detailed, early planning. This applies in particular to the timber module construction method. Only a fully developed digital model is suitable as a basis for production. BIM (Building Information Modelling) has therefore been part of our daily work for a long time.

Our planning guide

Although modular planning is generally subject to few restrictions, some points should be considered. For example, the module dimensions – these are defined by the permissible transport dimensions. The module width in particular has an influence on the economic implementation of the project. Another point is the floor plan. This should be designed systematically and orthogonally. Floors are to be arranged coherently one above the other. Wooden components in the ground are generally not permitted; a foundation is therefore always conventional or elevated.

1. Orthogonal axis –axis dimensions variable

2. Module sizes & room heights

Length Width Height Room height
Optimal < 13.50 m < 2.99 m
< 3.49 m		 < 3.00 m
< 3.50 m		 2.55 m
3.00 m
Maximum 18.10 m 5.20 m 4.05 m 3.50 m

3. Foundation/cellar conventional

4. Flat and monopitch roofs with low roof pitch

Modular construction from
production to assembly

Technical specifications
for timber modules

Foundation

The foundation of a modular building is usually done conventionally on a reinforced concrete floor slab or storey ceiling. In addition, elevated foundations in the form of strips or point foundations are possible in the timber module construction method. These are particularly suitable for smaller or temporary buildings. The skirting detail of a timber building requires special care with regard to wood preservation in accordance with DIN 68800. The floor slab is levelled to the millimetre using a wooden sleeper. This level also serves as a thermal insulation and installation level.

Foundation variants

Socket details

Construction

The solid wooden module is made of self-manufactured X-LAM and glulam components. It consists of floor, ceiling, exterior and interior walls as well as beams and columns. It can be created closed or open on all sides. Open modules allow for large rooms and flexible floor plan design. In addition, closed modules allow almost complete prefabrication in the factory. After production, the modules are assembled on site to form a homogeneous building cubature. Stairwells and corridors are added as 2D elements or stand-alone modules, or built conventionally.

Building shell

The building shell is no different from conventional buildings. All common facade types can be implemented. Curtain walls with wood or HPL coverings are particularly suitable for prefabrication. The modularity can be deliberately emphasised in the facade design, but can also be completely concealed. Windows and exterior doors are factory-fitted regardless of the selected facade. Windows and exterior doors are factory-fitted regardless of the selected facade.

Clinker facade

Plaster facade

HPL facade

Wooden facade

Statics

The typology of small axis grids and double-shell components can be used effectively. At the same time, wood is very light, which favours the foundation.
Thin walls even in multi-storey buildings are common due to the predominantly linear load transfer. The same applies to the modular ceilings, which can be efficiently dimensioned. The same applies to the modular ceilings, which can be efficiently dimensioned. The flexible adjustment of component thicknesses makes it possible to think highly in terms of modular construction. The bracing of a modular building is carried out taking into account sound and fire protection requirements via the isolated design of a vertical module arrangement or by the design of effective ceiling panes per storey.

Fire protection

Wooden modular buildings meet the same protection targets and fire resistance durations as conventional buildings. In addition to taking the building regulations into account, the use of solid wood is also represented by the model timber construction guideline. Buildings up to building class 5 are possible under building law. The dimensioning of the components and the design of the module joints allow a flexible response to fire protection requirements.

Approved fire barriers are available for all media and resistance classes.
An examination of the respective state building code is necessary, as there are some differences between the states. Early dialogue with fire protection experts and building authorities ensures the feasibility of your project.

High level of protection in timber module construction

  • Cavity-free construction thanks to solid wood and joint insulation
  • Double protective effect due to double-shell design of the separating components

Sound insulation

The system-related doubling of the wall and ceiling components is used efficiently for sound insulation. Double-shell partition walls made of solid X-LAM elements achieve high sound insulation. The airborne sound reduction index can be additionally increased by measures in the module joint or by means of facing shells on the room side. Impact sound transmission between the units in use is effectively prevented by the use of elastomeric bearings. In combination with a decoupled floor structure, legal up to increased sound insulation requirements are achieved.

Thermal insulation

The exterior walls and ceilings made of X-LAM have low thermal conductivity and contribute to thermal insulation. In combination with the required insulation level, slim superstructures with high insulation values can be achieved. Critical thermal bridges are safely avoided even without special measures. The air-tightness is ensured by the multi-layered wooden components. Additional measures or foils are not required. At the same time, wood positively regulates the indoor climate with its hygroscopic properties.

BSE installations

The technical building equipment is already taken into account and fully modelled in the digital twin. Openings, socket and switch holes as well as cable routing are derived from this and created mechanically with CNC technology in X-LAM and glulam. Drill holes up to 1.35 m into the face of the X-LAM elements allow invisible cable routing even in exposed wood walls. The CNC machining of the components is carried out with the highest precision and completely replaces the classic carcass trades. The installation of the BSE components takes place in the factory. At the construction site, only the central building services and the supply lines are installed up to the transfer point at the module.

DERIX
References

Hotel Jakarta, Amsterdam (NL)

Hotel Jakarta, Amsterdam (NL)

Multi-family houses, Nettetal

Multi-family houses, Nettetal

Office building Leister, Willich

Office building Leister, Willich

Wooden primary school, Berlin

Wooden primary school, Berlin

Primary School, Lövenich

Primary School, Lövenich

Student accomodation, Hamm

Student accomodation, Hamm

View all references

Further
topics

X-LAM element construction

Whether roof, ceiling or wall – X-LAM can be used in a variety of ways. Our X-LAM element construction gives you great freedom in building design. The flexibly usable elements made of cross laminated timber are custom-made for you and can be assembled quickly and easily.

Sample order

Convince yourself of the excellent properties of our wooden construction elements and order a sample now.

DERIX
Media

Videos

Get exciting insights into our production as well as into the assembly and completion of spectacular DERIX construction projects.

Downloads

Information and suggestions on building with wood can be found in the download area.

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With DERIX as a strong partner at your side, you will implement your construction projects sustainably and efficiently.
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