Technical specifications
Building systems, wall build-ups, fire, acoustics, moisture and BIM workflow — for architects, structural engineers, building physicists and quality assurers.
Building systems
Which building systems does ZTC deliver?
Three variants:
- CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber): solid cross-glued timber, 3–8 layers, 60–300 mm thick, max panel 13,800 × 3,150 × 400 mm. Up to 8 storeys.
- Timber frame (HSB): insulated panel construction, max approx. 12 × 3.5 m. Up to 5 storeys.
- Hybrid: CLT in critical places (visible wood, spans), timber frame for the envelope. A more favourable cost profile than all-CLT, project-dependent.
Which wall build-ups does ZTC offer?
Shell Comfort, Premium and Lux:
- Comfort: indicative U = 0.18 W/m²K, Rc approx. 4.5 — meets the Dutch BENG requirement
- Premium: U = 0.136 W/m²K, Rc > 4.7 — comfortably exceeds BENG
- Lux: U = 0.100 W/m²K with STEICOtherm + Fermacell
- Range: U = 0.10 to 0.20 depending on package
- Best measured airtightness: n50 = 0.24 (passive-house level)
Which insulation materials are used?
Wood fibre (STEICOflex, STEICOtherm), cellulose (Isofloc), mineral wool or combinations. The choice depends on budget, the Dutch MPG target and acoustic/fire requirements.
What production quality and tolerances?
CNC production on a Hundegger Speed-Cut SC3, tolerance ±1 mm. Engineering in SEMA. Production administration in accordance with ISO 9001:2015 (certificate on request). Every panel undergoes a visual and dimensional final check; photo reporting per project available.
Can windows, doors, facades and roofs be fitted in the factory?
Factory-fitted windows are available as an add-on. Facade and roof coverings can be included, depending on project and logistics. Specific brands and profiles on request.
Fire safety
Fire class and EI values of CLT?
Charring rate 0.65 mm/min in accordance with Eurocode 5. Reaction to fire D-s2,d0 (untreated) or A2-s1,d0 (encapsulated). EI up to 120 minutes in standard build-ups.
Do ZTC build-ups meet the Dutch Bbl for fire?
Up to 13 m in height: WBDBO 30–60 minutes achievable without special measures. 13–30 m: encapsulation or sprinklers. Above 30 m: sprinklers almost always required. The functional fire-safety requirements of the Bbl are equivalent for timber and traditional building systems.
Difference between exposed and encapsulated CLT?
Exposed CLT = visible; fire resistance comes from the charring layer. Encapsulated = clad with gypsum or fibre board, allowing thinner CLT. A hybrid combination balances aesthetics and cost.
WBDBO — how does ZTC achieve this?
Standard build-ups achieve 30–120 minutes EI depending on layer thickness and cladding. Specifications per build-up on request.
Acoustics
Which acoustic requirements does the Bbl set?
DnT,A,k ≥ 52 dB for airborne sound, Lnt,A,k ≤ 54 dB for impact sound (between dwellings).
Does ZTC meet these requirements?
Not with bare CLT alone. With a floating screed + impact mat, build-ups achieve Rw up to 65 dB.
How does CLT compare with concrete?
Concrete is heavier (mass = better sound insulation); CLT is harder (impact sound is more challenging). With correct decoupling, CLT build-ups reach 53–58 dB Rw at roughly 80% of the weight of a concrete equivalent.
Typical floor packages for CLT apartments?
Floor finish → screed → impact mat → CLT 100–180 mm → resilient hangers → suspended ceiling. Total thickness indicatively 250–350 mm.
Party walls between dwellings?
CLT party wall 55–60+ dB Rw with double gypsum + mineral wool. Timber-frame double-wall construction achieves 52+ dB Rw.
Formal acoustic dossier?
NEN-EN-ISO 12354 substantiation on request; we are working towards supplying this as standard.
Moisture and the Dutch climate
How does ZTC handle the Dutch climate?
KD spruce up to max 16% moisture content, PE foil and roof caps during transport, quickly wind- and watertight, vapour-open membrane (pro clima SOLITEX), bio-based insulation as a moisture buffer.
Vapour-open or vapour-tight?
Vapour-open principle — Ubakus-calculated to "no condensate" under Dutch climate conditions.
What if it rains during assembly?
Panels remain packed, vertical walls first, assembly stops at >15 minutes of heavy rain, tarp cover during interruptions. Weather-tight within 5 days.
Blower-door target?
Standard target n50 < 0.6 (passive-house level). Best measured in Latvia: n50 = 0.24.
Long-term moisture monitoring?
Sensors (SmartSense, Vibes) can be integrated as an add-on, not standard.
Risk of wood rot?
Requires >20% moisture and oxygen. Build-ups stay dry with correct detailing. Lifespan indicatively >75 years; the ETA certification assumes a technical lifespan of approx. 50 years with correct application and detailing.
Architect and BIM workflow
Which software and exchange formats?
Production in SEMA, CNC on Hundegger. IFC exchange with architects as an add-on; we accept DWG/DXF/IFC as input.
At which design stage do you need our input?
Concept or preliminary design → indicative quotation. Definitive design → fixed-price proposal. Technical design freeze → production start. The earlier we join, the smoother the detailing.
Does ZTC also do structural engineering?
Yes, as an add-on. For the Dutch signature this is complemented by a Dutch structural engineer (EUREX-certified or equivalent).
How do you handle BIM level of detail?
We work at LOD 300 for production. For coordination with MEP and interiors we deliver models that your BIM coordinator can integrate.
Further in the dossier
Executive FAQ
The headline points for a first conversation.
module 3 of 4Compliance: BENG, Wkb, certification and financing
For quality assurers, legal advisers, financiers and compliance managers — the honest status per topic.
module 4 of 4Working with ZTC: contract, payment and logistics
For procurement, finance and project coordination — contract models, milestone payments, reverse-charge VAT, WagwEU and site logistics.
Want your project specifications assessed?
Send your sketch design or definitive design (PDF, DWG or IFC) — within 10 working days you receive a technical feasibility assessment with a first price indication. Foundation and groundwork fall outside the ZTC delivery.