Modular Design Can be Both High Quality and Fast

PR66050

ESPOO, Finland, Oct. 6 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

     Contrary to general assumptions, the design process for industrial wood

construction can be both high quality and fast. The advantages of modular

design are clear: dimensionally accurate wood elements can help in improving

both the technical design process and collaboration between partners.

    Prefabricated wood elements enable fast, efficient and easy design without

reducing quality. Reports on the benefits of such a lean approach are

convincing: In a study of companies that have applied lean construction

methods, 84% report higher quality in construction and 80% experienced greater

customer satisfaction. [1]

    To view the Multimedia News Release, please click:

https://www.multivu.com/players/uk/7945151-metsa-wood-modular-design-quality

    "A more efficient approach to building design is required, since the number

of people worldwide in need of housing is growing at a rate of 90,000 per day.

In turn, design firms benefit from shorter design times since more projects can

be handled per designer per year, " Matti Kuittinen, architect and researcher

from Aalto University, points out.

    The early operative stages of a project are those in which most of the

quality and value of the project can be ensured or lost.

    "Frequently, a very fast execution is needed due to limited space or other

constraints related to the work site. The lightness of the wood has been a

deciding factor for us in choosing wood elements in those challenging

situations," architect Fabienne Bulle from Fabienne Bulle architecte & associes

explains.

    Designer's asset: the dimensional accuracy of Kerto(R) LVL

    When accelerating the speed of design, one must pay careful attention to

quality. Excessive hurrying too often leads to design mistakes, which can be a

significant cause of delays at a building site.

    Engineered wood products, such as Kerto(R) LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber),

have more dimensional accuracy than materials such as concrete or steel, in

which temperature needs to be considered. For the designer this means utilizing

wood elements can make a real difference in streamlining the design process and

speeding it up without endangering quality.

    "As an architect I appreciate the technical and structural qualities of

Kerto LVL. It allows for truly innovative precision cuts - almost like working

with clothing fabrics," Bulle says.

    Enabling a fast and smooth modular design process

    Designing with wood does not have to be a laborious and time-consuming

process. Technical advantages, such as building information modeling (BIM's),

help to enhance the design process.

    An insufficient flow of information between the client, builder and various

design agencies collaborating on the same project may also create problems.

    "One way to enable easier interaction is to also utilize "prefabrication"

in design. Instead of developing designs from scratch each time, predesigned

elements can be used. This enables smoother collaboration, speeds up the design

process and eliminates mistakes, " Matti Kuittinen says.

    The most important tools for design - quick facts

    - Building information modelling       

[http://www.metsawood.com/uk/Tools/BIM/Pages/BIM.aspx ] helps in getting the

most out of wood products. Many of Metsa Wood's engineered wood elements are

available as BIM objects.

    - Calculation software such as Finnwood       

[http://www.metsawood.com/global/Tools/Finnwood/Pages/default.aspx ] and

Finnframe       

[http://www.metsawood.com/global/Tools/Finnframe/Pages/default.aspx ]

support       structural design and boost resource efficiency.

    - Metsa Wood's Environmental Product Declaration       

[http://www.metsawood.com/global/news-media/News/Pages/Environmental-declaration

s-for-wood-products-are-an-important-tool-in-customer-work.aspx ]       gives

fundamental information about the environmental performance of Kerto(R) LVL

products, which helps in meeting the demands of green procurements.

    References

    [1] McGraw Hill Construction, "Lean Construction: Leveraging Collaboration

and Advanced Practices to Increase Project Efficiency," McGraw Hill

Construction, Bedford, 2013

    Interested in more efficient design process? Learn more about fast and

quality modular design: http://www.metsawood.com/publications

    Images: http://databank.metsagroup.com/l/XjL_SSHHFr-F

    Metsa Wood provides competitive and environmentally friendly wood products

for construction, industrial customers and distributor partners. We manufacture

products from Nordic wood, a sustainable raw material of premium quality. Our

sales in 2015 were EUR 0.9 billion, and we employ about 2,000 people. Metsa

Wood is part of Metsa Group.

    For more information, please contact:

    Henni Rousu, Marketing Manager, Metsa Wood

    Mobile: +358-(0)405548388

    henni.rousu@metsagroup.com.

    For press information, please contact:

    Matt Trace, Director, Defero Communications

    matt@deferouk.co.uk

    Tel. 07828663988

   (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161006/415901 )

SOURCE: Metsa Wood