Executive FAQ — developers, architects and contractors
The headline points you need for a first conversation with ZTC: what we deliver, how the price model works, where we are strong — and honestly: where we are not.
ZTC is a Latvian prefab manufacturer of timber frame (HSB) and Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), active since 1991. 35 years of experience, 400+ projects across 14 European countries, production capacity around 30,000 m² per year, CE-marked under ETA-21/0014. For Dutch projects, Theo Rolvink is your dedicated point of contact.
A. About ZTC — short
Who is ZTC?
Founded in 1991, 4,500 m² factory in Vītoliņi (near Jelgava, approximately 30–45 minutes from Riga). CE marking under ETA-21/0014. 400+ projects across 14 European countries. Deeper company background on request (reference list and award list).
Has ZTC already built in the Netherlands?
Yes — including an architect's house in the Arnhem area (2025), a CLT house in Land van Cuijk (2024) and four semi-detached houses for a developer (2012), plus several private projects. Reference list available on request.
Can I visit the factory?
Yes, for serious projects — one to two days including travel (Vītoliņi is near Jelgava, approximately 30–45 minutes from Riga). We will also connect you with owner Māris Avotiņš and the engineering team.
B. What ZTC delivers — short
Which building systems?
CLT (solid cross-laminated timber, up to 8 storeys), HSB (timber frame, up to 5 storeys) and hybrid combinations. Specs in the Technical dossier (available on request).
What is included as standard?
Made-to-measure panels (CNC), insulation and membranes, installation by our own crews, CE/ETA documentation, transport, standard warranty. Excluded: foundation, MEP installations, interior finishes, façade and roof coverings (unless optional), windows and doors (unless optional), crane, scaffolding, accommodation for the installation crew, permits. Full breakdown in the Procurement dossier (available on request).
Does ZTC also deliver turnkey?
No. ZTC supplies the prefab structural package — engineering, production, transport and installation. Fit-out is organised with your own contractor.
C. Price and lead time — short
How does the pricing model work?
Fixed-price contracts with no standard escalation clauses for inflation. Indicative price within a few working days; detailed fixed-price quotation around three weeks after we receive the design. Process, payment terms and VAT treatment in the Procurement dossier (available on request).
What is the indicative price range?
Every development is different; we therefore make a project-specific assessment based on location, scale, engineering and scope. An indicative price follows within a few working days of receiving your documents; a detailed fixed-price quotation around three weeks later.
How long from contract to weather-tight?
For a standard home: production planned project by project, transport 2–5 days, installation typically 3–5 days per storey (depending on project design, site conditions and scope). We deliberately do not quote a total in months: the production lead time is set by project management after the detailed quotation, and the stages before the factory — permit, design and material procurement (CLT around 2 months, windows 2–3 months) — determine most of the overall lead time.
D. Best fit — where ZTC plays to its strengths
- Villas and architecturally distinctive detached homes
- Apartment buildings of 2–6 storeys
- Inner-city additions on top of existing buildings
- Repetitive residential construction (terraced, semi-detached)
- Sustainable and bio-based tenders
- Time-critical projects (1 storey per 3–5 days for the shell)
- Projects with BENG+, NOM or passive-house ambitions
E. Where ZTC is not the best choice
- Very small projects (private homes under roughly 100 m²)
- Projects with extreme bespoke interior fit-out or many design changes after the technical design has been fixed
- Mandatory KOMO-only supply chain without room for CE/ETA equivalence
- Ultra-short permit timelines without room for proper TO-engineering
- High-rise above 8 storeys (CLT) or 5 storeys (HSB)
- Strong preference for a masonry appearance without a hybrid compromise We prefer to be honest up front rather than discover a poor fit mid-project. When in doubt we assess it in a 30-minute conversation and give straightforward advice.
F. Comparison — very short
Why ZTC versus Dutch prefab builders?
Both options have their place. ZTC differentiates on four points: both CLT and HSB from a single supplier, fixed-price with a clear milestone structure, a dedicated Dutch point of contact, and a favourable cost base (project-dependent — we assess each project individually).
Why ZTC versus other Baltic suppliers?
Other Baltic suppliers also deliver high-quality work. Specifically for ZTC: production capacity around 30,000 m²/year, 35 years of operational history, two technologies from a single supplier, and a dedicated Dutch point of contact instead of export-only.
Why prefab timber versus concrete?
Main differences: a short on-site shell assembly time, fixed price, indicatively lower CO₂ profile, better MPG score, lower on-site labour, less noise and dust, circular materials. Which factor is decisive depends on the project.
G. Risk — short
What if ZTC were to go bankrupt?
Mitigation through milestone payments (you pay as work progresses, not up front), 35 years of operational continuity and CE/ETA certification. For large projects additional safeguards can be discussed per project.
What about design changes after the technical design has been fixed?
Change orders with rates agreed up front. Changes during CNC production are expensive — a firmly fixed technical design is essential.
What if production is delayed?
The production slot is confirmed by the project manager at contract stage; production is scheduled in order of contract signing. In case of force majeure we communicate proactively.
H. Objection handling — most frequent
"Latvia feels risky"
The risk is mitigated by 35 years of operational history, 400+ delivered projects, CE/ETA documentation under ETA-21/0014, milestone payments and a dedicated Dutch point of contact. A factory visit is possible for serious projects and production records are available per project on request.
"What warranty do I actually receive?"
Standard 3-year warranty on the house and all work carried out, extendable to 5 years — agreed and recorded at contract stage. Additional cover through a Dutch warranty scheme can be discussed per project. Theo Rolvink is your first point of contact after handover. Detail in the Compliance dossier (available on request).
"How do you control quality from a distance?"
CNC production on Hundegger Speed-Cut SC3 with ±1 mm tolerance, automated QC, production photos per project, factory tour, working method aligned with ISO 9001 principles.
"How does ZTC scale for large projects?"
Around 30,000 m²/year ≈ 250 home equivalents. Phasing for projects above that capacity; experience with cluster projects in Sweden and Norway.
I. Next steps
We usually start with an introductory meeting of 30–45 minutes online or 60–90 minutes on site. For serious opportunities we follow up with a 1–2 day factory visit. The design process, indicative quotation and fixed-price proposal then run in parallel. For the best planning: send us a sketch design or preliminary design as early as possible, even if details are not finalised yet.
Further in the dossier
Technical specifications
Building systems, fire, acoustics, moisture and BIM workflow.
Module 3 of 4Compliance: BENG, Wkb, certification and financing
The honest status per topic, for assurers and financiers.
Module 4 of 4Working with ZTC: contract, payment and logistics
Contract models, milestone payments, VAT and site logistics.
Next step
Send your sketch or preliminary design (PDF, DWG or IFC) — you will receive an initial feasibility assessment from our engineering team.