Timber frame, CLT or hybrid: what is the difference?

A load-bearing frame of timber studs, filled with insulation. Light in weight, excellent insulation and suitable for 1 to 5 storeys. It is the most common form of prefab timber construction in Europe. Inside, the frame is finished with plasterboard as standard — you do not see the wood.

CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber) consists of solid wooden panels of cross-glued boards. Sturdier than timber frame, suitable up to 8 storeys — and you can opt for visual quality: the solid wooden wall then remains visible inside. Very popular in modern designs. CLT is somewhat more expensive than timber frame.

A CLT core with a timber-frame facade: strong and well insulated, with a more favourable cost profile than an all-CLT house. Many clients also mix within one home: one wall in visible CLT, the rest finished with plasterboard.

A prefab timber house is something different from a tiny house (usually very small and movable) or a log cabin (solid logs). What we make is a fully fledged home — detached, semi-detached or apartments — that meets all Dutch building standards. From the outside you cannot tell the difference from a traditional house. It is energy-efficient, sustainable and quick to assemble.

In a first conversation we discuss what fits your design and budget. Rule of thumb: for most detached homes timber frame is the most economical route; if you want visible wood inside or are building higher, CLT or hybrid comes into view. ZTC has been doing this since 1991 — more than 400 projects in 14 European countries, including the Netherlands.