Panelkonstruktion

Panelkonstruktion is a building technique in which structural elements such as walls, floors, and roofs are formed as prefabricated panels that are joined on site. The panels are typically manufactured in factories under controlled conditions and then transported to the construction site for quick assembly, reducing on-site labor and weather-related delays.

Common panel systems include timber panel construction, where load-bearing or non-load-bearing panels consist of a wooden frame with insulation and cladding; plywood or OSB sheathing; and inner and outer finishes. Structural insulated panels (SIP) combine a rigid insulation core with two or more skins such as oriented strand board. Cross-laminated timber panels (CLT) provide a solid wood panel with high strength for multi-story buildings. Concrete panels, precast concrete walls, and steel or composite panels are used in various contexts.

Advantages include speed of erection, high quality control in factory, good dimensional accuracy, improved thermal insulation, and potential for airtight buildings when joints are well sealed. Disadvantages include heavier transport loads, requirement for cranes, potential for moisture-related issues if not properly protected, and the need for skilled detailing of joints and connections.

Design considerations cover structural capacity, fire performance, acoustics, moisture management, thermal bridging, ventilation strategy, and durability. Codes and standards vary by country and influence panel thickness, insulation and fire ratings.

Applications include single-family and multi-family housing, commercial buildings, and modular construction. Panels allow rapid construction, repetitive layouts, and high levels of prefabrication, and they are integrated with modern design tools such as BIM and performance-based specifications. In timber regions, CLT and other wood panels have grown in prominence as sustainable alternatives.