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Homag WEINMANN collaboration with B&O Bau transforming modular home timber construction.
German modular home manufacturer, B&O Bau, has firmly established itself as a leader in sustainable and efficient construction, significantly influencing the country’s housing landscape. With origins in roofing and facade renovation, the company has evolved into a key player in modular home offsite construction, particularly in multi-storey timber buildings. Their innovative approach, which combines advanced technology with sustainability, is exemplified at their Frankfurt (Oder) facility. (main pic: Multi-storey offsite construction at work with Homag WEINMANN equipment at B&O Bau.)
Opened in 2022, this facility produces timber-based modular home elements using cutting-edge techniques, capturing B&O Bau’s commitment to delivering high-quality modular housing both quickly and cost-effectively.
The company’s new modular system, developed in collaboration with Homag WEINMANN, represents a major leap forward in multi-storey timber construction. “For me, this is the only way to achieve a continuous, material-efficient production process as found in the automotive industry,” says Michael Schäpers, Head of Research and Development at B&O Bau. This statement succinctly captures the company’s philosophy: bringing industrial precision and efficiency to timber construction.
The Confluence of Technology and Sustainability with Homag WEINMANN
B&O Bau’s approach focuses on maximising material efficiency while minimising waste. At their Frankfurt (Oder) facility, timber studs are processed into solid components using robotics and advanced automation, distinguishing their method from traditional construction practices. The use of LVL belts, are used rather than traditional beams or joists, enhances load capacity while conserving materials. This approach is particularly advantageous for multi-storey buildings, ranging from five to eight floors, where both cost and quality are critical. The system’s efficiency is further improved by the WALLTEQ M-300 insuFILL, which ensures precise insulation application with minimal waste. Schäpers notes, “I save processing time, I don’t lose any time and money disposing of offcuts and don’t have to pay for the material that was in the openings.”
Digital Precision and Modular Flexibility
A key factor in B&O Bau’s success is their integration of digital processes with modular construction techniques. By utilising a building information modelling (BIM) system, the company reduces work preparation time from 60 days to just five, ensuring each component is optimised for its role in the structure. The modular system offers flexibility, allowing for customised solutions that meet specific client needs. Schäpers explains, “Based on the clearly defined performance of the profiles installed in the wall, the system can tell me, for example, immediately after the design is completed, which stud in the wall is stressed 23 per cent and which is stressed 89 per cent.” This level of precision ensures that resources are used efficiently, contributing to the sustainability of the construction process.
Setting New Standards in the Industry
The Frankfurt (Oder) plant’s rapid establishment further highlights B&O Bau’s commitment to innovation. The facility’s ability to produce load-bearing walls in just 60 minutes—compared to the traditional four to six hours—demonstrates a significant advancement in construction efficiency. Schäpers reflects on this, stating, “Two and a half months after commissioning, we are achieving a solid 80 to 85 per cent of the target cycle in all parts of the plant. This means that we can now produce a load-bearing wall, which in a conventional line would be subject to 40 minutes of trimming alone and would take around four to six hours in a woodworking shop, in just 60 minutes.”
As the demand for sustainable building solutions continues to grow, B&O Bau’s approach at Frankfurt (Oder) serves as a practical example of how digital precision, modular flexibility, and sustainability can effectively converge in timber construction.
Join Homag WEINMANN on the Inspiration Tour
To gain deeper insights into these innovations, Homag have organised an Inspiration Tour to Germany from Monday, November 11 to Friday, November 14, 2024. This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore offsite construction methods and practices directly from some of the leading manufacturers in the Munich area, producing between 50 and 500 homes per year. Participants will visit construction sites, attend the WEINMANN TREFF in-house show to discover the latest innovations in machinery and software, and engage in networking events with industry experts.
This all-inclusive tour, priced at (approx) AUD $2,500 (excluding airfare), includes accommodation, ground transportation, and meals. You’ll also have the chance to visit the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart and extend your stay over the weekend to explore more of Germany. With only 10 spots available, be sure to RSVP soon to secure your place on this exclusive event designed to equip you with the tools and knowledge to stay ahead in the offsite construction industry.
For further tour details contact Carlos Garcia on 0450 614 116 or email him HERE
See: B&O Bau
