Fachwerk construction is a type of building structure based on a rigid power frame made of glued laminated timber. Panoramic glazing, prefabricated frame wall panels or glued beam infill are used as wall infill. The visible frame of a fachwerk house, both inside and outside, gives it a special charm, uniqueness and originality.

Tall houses with sloping roofs, lightly painted walls and intersecting dark wooden beams immediately catch the eye when walking through old German villages. Fachwerk houses have been built in Germany since the 15th century. Over time, the style gained popularity in many European countries. Its elements are still actively used in architectural design today.

The main characteristics of the fachwerk construction style.

• Open load-bearing beams that divide the building into segments. In the classical version, they were made of stained dark wood. Medieval structures were a frame of longitudinal, transverse and diagonal beams, the cavities between which were filled with a hardening filler based on straw or clay. In modern construction, it is possible to fill the voids with bricks and other materials. Often, wooden structures are not load-bearing, but play a purely decorative role, being mounted on the facade over the cladding.
• Clear colour separation. Light plastered walls contrast with the dark frame. Historically, this was due to the high cost of coloured plaster and the peculiarities of woodworking. Nowadays, it is a tribute to tradition; you can use almost any wood and paint the walls in any colour. It is even possible to use inverted colours (dark walls, light beams), but it is worth remembering the need to preserve the style atmosphere.
• Vertical orientation. Old German towns are characterised by narrow streets with closely spaced buildings. Initially, this made it possible to take up more usable space in a cramped European city. Nowadays, even one-storey fachwerk houses are often built, but it does not hurt to add at least one turret as a tribute to the specifics.
• Lots of small windows. Initially, this feature was associated with the inability to make large windows, the inaccessibility of glass as a material, and sometimes the large number of small rooms on the floor played a role. Modern technologies make it possible to install panoramic windows without any problems, but this will kill the whole style. It is better to replace them with several small windows arranged in a row. This solution is more aesthetically pleasing, better in terms of ventilation and gives the facade a cosy look.
• The second floor overhangs the first. In the Middle Ages, this was due to the need to protect the wood from precipitation – the water would run off without affecting the lower floors. This design feature creates a distinctive silhouette of the building and allows for an elegant canopy over the entrance. Nowadays, the point of extending the top is mainly to preserve authenticity, although it also allows you to make a canopy over a veranda or porch, and increase the usable area.
• High and mansard roofs. The shape of the roof provides good drainage during rain, rapid snowmelt, and the presence of an attic allows for increased living space. A pointed roof is a mandatory attribute of a fachwerk building; the attic can be arranged as desired.

Fachwerk houses have been built for many hundreds of years. Back in the 19th century, it was the most common type of building. The idea of the construction is very simple: a frame is assembled from wooden beams of square cross-section, the walls have a lattice structure, and the gaps between the beams were filled with clay mixed with straw. The beams were painted with black paint, and the clay passages with white paint, hence the pattern of intersecting stripes on the wall of the house. Today, however, new fachwerk houses are built infrequently.

Our company performs a full cycle of work – from project approval to timber production and construction. The work takes place in several stages:

• you contact us in a convenient way, we advise you on issues of interest, discuss details, prices for lumber per m2 and other products;
• you choose the fachwerk project you like from the standard ones that we can offer in a wide variety. If you are not satisfied with any of the options, our architects and designers will develop a customised design for you. We can also produce a fachwerk house kit according to your design if you have a BVN file;
• After agreeing on all the nuances, we sign a contract, and you make an advance payment to the company’s bank account. After that, we start production, the timing of which will be agreed in advance depending on the complexity of the project and the workload of the production;
• when the fachwerk house kit is ready, we deliver all products to the construction site in any city of Ukraine or abroad. The cost of delivery will depend on the distance from the Zakarpattia region where our production is located;
• After the fachwerk kit is delivered to the construction site, a team of experienced specialists will assemble it as quickly as possible without compromising on quality.

Our company has its own production facility located in the Zakarpattia region. We use fachwerk modern equipment from European brands to process lumber: presses, machine tools, drying plants, etc. We have separate workshops for painting and wall panel production. Our facilities allow us to produce 10 sets of houses per month. Experienced specialists fully control each stage to ensure the highest quality of structures.

Advantages of contacting us:

• you get a fully finished fachwerk kit from the manufacturer;
• We use high quality northern pine timber for production, and the timber is carefully selected and checked for defects;
• we manufacture all wooden products and components for the fachwerk house kit at our production facility in full compliance with the design documentation;
• we have established the optimal cost per m2 of the house.

In search of the perfect home, everyone strives to find something that reflects their tastes, preferences and lifestyle. Our company offers one of the best solutions on the market – fachwerk houses.

Fachwerk houses are popular for their aesthetics: the style combines traditional architectural techniques with modern solutions. The word “fachwerk” comes from the German language (translated as “grid structure”). The construction is based on strong elements arranged vertically, horizontally and diagonally – these are posts, beams, struts that form a grid. The spaces between are filled with building materials. At the same time, the external wooden elements remain visible.

In the Middle Ages, Fachwerk houses, small palaces, city buildings, churches, and outbuildings were built in Germany using the Fachwerk method. Later, the architectural style spread throughout Europe (in the UK, France, Poland, the Netherlands, and Switzerland).

KOLEO Fachwerk is an engineered glulam (GLULAM) frame system in which the load-bearing frame carries all the forces, while the space between the frames is filled with selected envelope elements: SLT/CLT panels, energy-efficient glazing or lightweight panels. This approach delivers long spans, open interiors, fast “dry” assembly and exceptional architectural freedom.

What makes our Fachwerk different

• GLULAM frame system
  Load-bearing posts, beams and rafter trusses in engineered glulam provide long spans (up to 6–8 m) without intermediate supports, stable geometry and durability.

• Engineered joints and “warm” connections
  Industrial CNC accuracy, concealed fixings, gaskets and vapour/moisture barrier layers at the joints minimise thermal bridges and improve airtightness.

• Choice of infill
  One or a combination of infill types is chosen for the specific climate and regulatory target:

  • SLT panels (solid timber lamellas) — fast assembly, natural materials, good base R-value.

  • CLT panels — high stiffness, mass, excellent thermal inertia; ideal for multi-storey connections.

  • Panoramic glazing — maximum daylight and visual contact with nature; glazing units matched to the project’s energy requirement.

  • Lightweight panels/frame — flexibility in cost and insulation thickness.
    Target thermal performance is achieved through the layering of the assembly; typical U-values for walls are ≈0.15–0.20 W/m²·K and for roofs ≈0.10–0.15 W/m²·K (for the agreed build-up).

• Speed and cleanliness of assembly
  Complete cutting, element labelling, KM/KMD assembly drawings and factory-prepared joints mean a minimum of “wet” processes on site.

• Standards and compliance
  Design to EUROCODE 5 together with EUROCODE 1 (snow/wind); fire classification to EN 13501-2, acoustics to EN ISO 717-1/ISO 10140, residential ventilation to DIN 1946-6.

• Cost of ownership
  A massive timber frame + an optimised envelope assembly = a lower life-cycle cost (energy, construction speed, serviceability of the infill).

Frame infill — choose your solution

• FACHWERK + SLT: a warm, natural “sandwich”, a balance of price/speed/sustainability.

• FACHWERK + CLT: maximum stiffness and mass, ideal for complex volumes and double-height spaces.

• FACHWERK + GLAZING: large formats and minimal profiles for panoramic views.

• FACHWERK + LIGHTWEIGHT PANELS: the greatest flexibility in cost and insulation thickness.

The result: KOLEO Fachwerk is GLULAM frame precision + adaptable envelope solutions for your climate, codes and design.

Below are the three standard supply levels. The exact scope is fixed in the specification attached to the contract (KM/KMD + cost estimate).

1) BASE (STRUCTURE)

What is included

• Load-bearing GLULAM frame system: posts, beams, rafter structure

• Industrial joints: concealed steel inserts/threaded rods/dowels, gaskets

• CNC cutting, element numbering, assembly drawings (KM/KMD)

• Assembly fasteners (as specified)

• Factory-applied timber preservation (biocidal protection)

• Packaging, pallets, packing plan

What is not included

• Frame infill (SLT/CLT/panels/glazing) and insulation

• Roof build-up (membranes, insulation, covering)

• Windows/doors, sills, flashings

• Building services (electrics/water supply/drainage/HVAC)

• Internal and external finishes

• Foundation, earthworks, logistics and assembly (optional, by addendum)

2) WEATHERTIGHT SHELL (WEATHERTIGHT + AIRTIGHT)

What is included

• Everything in the Base (Structure) package

• Frame infill of your choice: SLT / CLT / lightweight panels / combined

• Thermal insulation of the envelope (walls/roof) with wind and vapour barriers

• Roofing: membranes, underlays, ventilation gaps, final covering (metal/tiles/other)

• Windows/doors (Uw to the project target), sills and abutments, joint sealing

• External trim elements: flashings, aprons, abutments

• Airtightness test (by agreement): blower-door n50 target

• Product data sheets, a basic DoP/CE package for the materials

What is not included

• Internal (non-load-bearing) partitions and finishes

• Final façade covering (timber cladding/battens/render/panels — per specification, may be included as a separate line)

• The full building services package (distribution and equipment)

• Kitchen, bathrooms, furniture, lighting

• Foundation/earthworks (separate contract)

3) TURNKEY

What is included

• Everything in the Weathertight shell package

• Internal partitions, ceilings, floors (finished build-up)

• Façade (chosen type: timber/composite/render systems)

• Full building services: electrics, water supply/drainage, heating/cooling, MVHR (ventilation with heat recovery)

• Fully finished bathrooms (waterproofing, tiling, sanitary ware)

• A basic kitchen (or a client-specified brand — per specification)

• Final painting and decorating, skirtings, architraves, trims

• Commissioning of building services, user briefing, warranty package

What is not included

• Landscaping, terraces, fireplaces/stoves/fireplace surrounds (can be options)

• Third parties: connection to utility networks, technical conditions, surveying/geology

• Design supervision outside the basic schedule (can be added separately)

Additional options for any package

• Logistics and assembly (Ukraine/EU)

• Energy model and selection of U/R values to the applicable code (RE2020/BENG/GEG/DBN)

• Fire solutions for increased requirements (REI 60–90)

• Acoustic packages (Rw/L’n,w per scenario)

• Extended document package: CE/DoP, test reports, material certificates

• Basic/extended service plan (post-season inspection, scheduled maintenance)

How to choose?

• Base — if you have a local crew/main contractor.

• Weathertight shell — when you need a fast, airtight, energy-efficient shell with the roof and windows already in place.

• Turnkey — the fastest route to moving in and a single point of responsibility for the result.

Below is a reference overview of energy requirements and regulatory frameworks for European countries. It helps you get your bearings quickly when adapting a KOLEO Fachwerk project. Exact figures (U/R/PE) are confirmed by an energy model for the specific location, altitude and climate data.

Regulatory frameworks by country

If your country/canton is not covered in the short notes — we will take local adjustments into account in the energy model and the compliance check.

Recommended target U-values (design guidance)

These indicative ranges help set the envelope performance level for NZEB/passive approaches. Final values follow from the energy model and the detailing.

Important: the target U-values are achieved by the assembly of “frame + infill + insulation + membranes + sealing”. For panoramic glazing the Uw value depends on the profile, the spacer and the frame fraction (typical targets: 0.7–0.9 W/m²·K in cold regions, 0.9–1.2 in mild ones).

How we ensure compliance

• At the DD/KM/KMD stage we produce an energy model (climate data, insolation, shading, infiltration).

• We select the layering of the assemblies for the required U/R values and the MVHR ventilation required by the national code.

• We prepare the technical document package for permitting/certification (calculations, specifications, DoP/CE).

• Where required we carry out a blower-door test (EN ISO 9972) to confirm airtightness.

So that you know exactly what you are paying for, we openly describe the composition and parameters of our glulam — from the timber species to the strength classes and the bonding technology.

SPECIES AND ORIGIN

• Species: spruce, selected lamellas with radial sawing, minimal knots in visible areas.

• Lamella moisture content: 10 ± 2 % (service classes 1–2).

• Raw material certification: FSC/PEFC (per batch).

• Environmental performance: low emissions, compliance with class E1 for formaldehyde (for MUF/PRF-based systems) or formaldehyde-free systems (PUR) — depending on the specification.

STRENGTH CLASSES (EN 14080)

We work with GL20h–GL30h (h — homogeneous, all lamellas of the same strength grade; combined — “c” — is also available).

The values are given as design guidance; exact parameters are in the batch certificate and in the KM/KMD calculations for your building (snow/wind per EN 1991).

BONDING AND PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY

• Standards and conformity assessment: EN 14080 (GL), factory production control (FPC), CE marking, DoP declarations per batch.

• Adhesive systems (EN 301, type I):

  • MUF (melamine-urea-formaldehyde) — light glue line, geometric stability, interiors/protected façades.

  • PRF (phenol-resorcinol-formaldehyde) — darker glue line, the highest resistance to moisture/exterior conditions.

  • PUR (polyurethane) — formaldehyde-free systems, high strength with a minimally visible glue line.
    The adhesive is chosen according to the purpose of the element and the service class (1/2/3).

• Lamellas: thickness 33–40 mm (typical), longitudinal finger jointing (EN 15497), strength grading (visual + machine).

• Pressing and geometry: industrial hydraulic presses, control of straightness/twist; tolerances in accordance with EN 14080.

• Surfaces:

  • Si (visible) — visible quality for interiors/façades, sanding, removal of defects.

  • NSi (non-visible) — concealed areas/industrial quality.

SERVICE CLASSES AND DURABILITY

• Service class 1–2: residential interiors and protected structures — the standard for Fachwerk with ventilated façades.

• Timber protection: factory-applied biocidal treatment (as specified), structural protection from moisture, vapour/wind barriers at the joints.

• Fire resistance: design solutions of REI 30–60 (up to 90) thanks to the mass of the glulam and the calculated charring depth.

WHAT THE CLIENT GETS IN PRACTICE

1. Predictable stiffness and spans — thanks to the correct choice of GL class (24/28/30) for your “snow + wind”.

2. Stable geometry — dried lamellas, industrial bonding, tolerance control.

3. Safety and durability — certified type I adhesives, structural protection, calculated fire resistance.

4. Surface quality to match the design idea — choice of Si/NSi, uniform colour, sanding, ready for finishing.

5. Transparent documentation — CE, DoP, inspection reports, batch traceability, element labelling.

HOW THE MATERIAL AFFECTS THE PRICE

• GL class: a higher GL → smaller cross-sections or longer spans → less material or more space; the timber costs more, but it often pays for itself in the architecture.

• Surface quality (Si vs NSi): visible elements require lamella selection and additional sanding.

• Adhesive system/service class: joints on the external envelope (balconies/eaves) have higher requirements → a different adhesive system/treatment.

• Accuracy and joint preparation (CNC): concealed steel connectors, “warm” joints and labelling save assembly time and reduce risk on site.

On request we also provide: the GL batch certificate (EN 14080), DoP/CE, the drying report, the cutting plan with element labelling, a production photo report and a Si/NSi surface sample.

Our Fachwerk is not a “slogan about German precision” but the result of CNC machining on high-technology lines. We design the joints for the machines and assemble the frame on site as easily as a construction set.

CNC EQUIPMENT AND CAPABILITIES

• Hundegger (K2/K2i/K3/K2-Industry class): five-axis machining of GLULAM elements (posts, beams, rafters), drilling, grooves, housings, tenon/mortise, angled cuts.

• WEINMANN / Hundegger panel lines (depending on scope): preparation of lightweight panels/envelope (board cutting, membranes, window openings).

• CNC saws and mortising centres: precise end cuts, slots for concealed steel connectors, sockets for dowels/threaded rods.

What this gives in practice

• Joint accuracy: up to ±1 mm at connections/fits; ±2 mm along the length of an element.

• Stable frame geometry: verticals/horizontals/right angles within factory tolerances; minimal adjustment on site.

• Full repeatability: every element has its own ID/QR code and cutting card.

OPERATIONS WE PERFORM ON CNC

• Slots for concealed steel connectors (plates/shoes/brackets), seating pockets, key channels.

• Drilling of axial and angled holes for threaded rods/dowels/bolts (including long through-holes).

• Cuts for “warm” joints with gaskets (minimising thermal bridges).

• Chamfers/radii/sanding of visible faces (class Si).

• Preparation of built-up cross-sections (composite beams) and assembled trusses.

CUTTING OPTIMISATION = LESS WASTE

• Nesting/layout of lamellas and elements is automated → minimum waste and a better price per m².

• Smart selection of blank lengths → fewer joints, less steel in the connections, less assembly time.

QUALITY AND CONTROL (QA/QC)

• FPC (Factory Production Control): incoming inspection of lamellas (moisture content, visual/machine grading), finger jointing.

• Operation records: geometry checks after every cycle; calibrated instruments.

• Test fit of joints in the workshop (on a sample basis): critical connections are dry-assembled.

• Document package: CE / DoP for materials, CNC cutting cards, element labelling in the packing lists.

SPEED OF ASSEMBLY ON SITE

• Labelling + assembly instructions (KM/KMD linked to the element ID) = a minimum of mistakes.

• Accurate fits reduce crane time and give reliable schedules: the weathertight shell goes up considerably faster than with manual fitting.

CHARACTERISTICS THAT ARE CLEAR TO THE CLIENT

• Accuracy: joint/fit ±1 mm, element length ±2 mm.

• Working cross-sections: typically up to 200×360 mm (larger — by agreement/built-up).

• Drilling: angled/deep holes with offset axes for your connections.

• Compatibility: we design the joints for common concealed connector systems and steel plates (agreed in the KM/KMD).

• Waste: optimised cutting cards reduce material losses and lower the cost of the structure.

WHY THIS MATTERS FOR PRICE AND TRUST

1. Less steel and less “manual” work → budget savings and a longer service life for the joints.

2. Faster assembly → less crane time and fewer crew hours, less weather risk.

3. Predictable quality → what you see in the drawings arrives in the package exactly as drawn.

4. Transparency → every element is traceable by ID/QR, and the batch has documents and a photo report.

Conclusion: “German precision” at KOLEO means Hundegger/WEINMANN + joint engineering + QA, which delivers clean geometry, fast assembly and less waste. It is not just beautiful — it is cost-effective and reliable