ᐅ Brick vs. Lightweight Concrete Blocks vs. Expanded Clay Aggregate vs. Timber Frame Construction

Created on: 24 Oct 2009 16:40
E
Empire
E
Empire
24 Oct 2009 16:40
Hello!

We are planning to buy a bungalow next year with a living area of 110-125 m² (1,184-1,345 sq ft).

We have visited some model home parks to look at prefabricated houses but are still very uncertain about the building materials.

We quite liked the house from Bien-Zenker. They use a solid timber-brick wall with 5 cm (2 inch) "vital bricks." However, I’m not sure if these 5 cm really make much difference in terms of moisture regulation and heat storage.

There is also the prefab house from Maba, where the exterior walls are made with Ziegelit or Liapor.

Alternatively, we could go with a local builder. Near us, there is a company called Wimberger that offers “prefabricated but brick” houses. The exterior walls consist of 25 cm (10 inch) bricks plus full thermal insulation.

Does anyone here have experience with any of these building materials and could offer advice on which are best?

Of course, the kitchen wall cabinets need to be securely fastened to the wall so they don’t fall down over time. Also, the whole house should not sway during storms.

Best regards from Austria
S
Schakal
25 Oct 2009 08:35
Hello Empire!!!

My personal opinion is that massive construction really means massive…

I’m not entirely sure if the data is correct, but I assume you will need a (U-value from 0.16 W/ for your external walls..

What you mentioned from the company—25 bricks plus facade—seems very weak to me!!!

Nowadays, I would say that wall thickness for houses usually starts at 30–50 cm (12–20 inches) for external walls. The standard brick, I would say, is at least 38 cm (15 inches).

Best regards from Vienna
E
Empire
25 Oct 2009 16:28
Hello,

thank you for your reply.

Solid constructions include brick, Ziegelit, or Liapor. But which one is better?

I assume that all companies achieve less than 45 W/m²K (0.0079 BTU/(h·ft²·°F)) since otherwise no subsidies would be granted, and these houses probably wouldn't be easy to sell.

At the company Maba, the wall thickness for Ziegelit is 40cm (16 inches) including full thermal insulation, reaching 0.15 W/m²K (0.026 BTU/(h·ft²·°F)).
For Liapor, the wall is 45cm (18 inches) including full thermal insulation, and it also reaches 0.15 W/m²K (0.026 BTU/(h·ft²·°F)).
P
parcus
25 Oct 2009 17:47
Hello,

Better for what exactly, meaning which features are most important to you?

All systems have their advantages and disadvantages.

Best regards
P
parcus
27 Oct 2009 21:44
Hello,

Advantage of solid construction:
more thermal mass, which can also be beneficial for sound insulation.

Advantage of timber frame: more energy-efficient with thinner walls, without the "castle-like" feel.

However, everything depends on the exact wall assembly.

Best regards
A
Alina.H.
25 Jul 2011 11:44
I would not only pay attention to the material but also to how it is fastened. Of course, Schakal’s principle applies: solid is solid, and solid equals quality, but only if it is well executed! Therefore, my advice is to take a closer look at the bracket hooks, because quality really matters here. Otherwise, even the best material won’t help if the fastening isn’t right.