Holztafelkonstruktionen

Holztafelkonstruktionen describe timber panel construction systems in which wood panels act as the primary structural elements for walls, floors and roofs. These systems are typically prefabricated in factories and assembled on site, enabling faster construction and controlled quality compared with traditional timber frame methods. The panels can consist of solid wood boards, plywood or other engineered wood panels (such as LVL, OSB or cross-laminated timber), bonded with adhesives or connected by mechanical fasteners. In many designs the panels provide a structural diaphragm that resists bending and shear, while vertical loads are carried by an accompanying frame or stud structure.

Connections between panels and between panels and frames use tongue-and-groove joints, dowels, screws or metal connectors. Insulation, vapour barriers and airtight membranes are integrated to achieve thermal efficiency and moisture control. Exterior and interior cladding are typically attached to the panels, with detailing at joints and edges to address weather exposure and air sealing.

Historically, Holztafelkonstruktionen evolved from traditional wooden plank walls and developed through early engineered panel systems in the 19th and 20th centuries. In contemporary practice, they align with mass timber construction and engineered panel technologies, including CLT and other multilayer panels, expanding their use to residential and commercial buildings.

Advantages of these systems include low structural weight relative to masonry, good thermal performance when paired with appropriate insulation, and rapid on-site assembly. Limitations involve sensitivity to moisture if not properly protected, the need for careful detailing at joints and penetrations, and constraints related to panel sizes and spans.