Enkelvägg

Enkelvägg, literally “single wall” in Swedish, is a term used in architecture and construction to describe a wall that consists of a single layer of material with no continuous cavity. In practice, enkelväggs can be exterior walls built as a solid layer of masonry or timber, or interior partitions that carry structural loads. The defining characteristic is the absence of a built-in cavity for insulation and air barriers, which affects thermal performance and moisture management. As a result, enkelvägg construction typically has higher heat loss and requires careful detailing of joints, finishes, vapor barriers, and moisture control, especially in climates with cold winters.

Materials vary, including brick, stone, concrete, or timber with a plaster or siding finish. Some variants incorporate a thin external or internal insulation layer, or rely on breathable materials with adequate ventilation, but the fundamental concept remains a single-layer wall without a continuous cavity.

In modern building practice, enkelväggs are less common for new residential construction in temperate and cold regions, where cavity walls with insulation are standard. They are more frequently encountered in historic or traditional buildings, in certain low-cost or rapid-construction projects, or in structures where construction speed and simplicity are prioritized. The term’s exact meaning and requirements can vary by country or region, and local codes may use different classifications for similar wall systems.

References to enkelväggs may thus indicate a local construction tradition or a specific type of monolithic wall rather than a universal standard.