Massiiviseinässä

Massiiviseinässä, often translated as solid wall or load-bearing wall, refers to a construction method where walls are built to support the structure of a building and also act as the primary means of dividing interior spaces. Unlike framed walls, massiiviseinät are constructed from monolithic materials or a series of solid elements that are closely fitted together.

Common materials used in massiiviseinät include concrete, brick, stone, or solid wood. In modern construction, reinforced concrete is frequently employed for its strength and durability. Traditional methods often utilized carefully laid natural stone or fired bricks. The key characteristic is that the wall itself provides the structural integrity, bearing loads from floors, roofs, and other elements.

The advantages of massiiviseinät include excellent thermal mass, which can help regulate indoor temperatures, and good sound insulation properties. They are also inherently fire-resistant. However, they can be more labor-intensive to construct and modify compared to lighter, framed wall systems. The thickness of a massiiviseinän is typically greater than a framed wall to achieve the necessary structural strength and thermal performance. Planning for openings like doors and windows requires careful consideration of load transfer to maintain the wall's integrity.