First time using hybrid-sandwich wall elements

Metsä Wood has collaborated with its partners to develop hybrid sandwich wall element for multi-storey, office, or industrial buildings. New hybrid elements were used to build the log feed control building at Metsä Fibre’s new Rauma sawmill. The three-layer-elements combine Kerto® LVL, insulation, and concrete, made by Finnish precast concrete manufacturer Lipa-Betoni.
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  • Kerto LVL, Offsite construction, Hybrid construction

Rauma sawmill’s log feed control building is built with hybrid sandwich wall elements, in which Kerto LVL functions as the load-bearing structure, mid layer has the insulation, and outer layer is reinforced concrete façade. Using Kerto LVL makes the elements light to transport and creates carbon storage into the building, making hybrid sandwich wall elements environmentally smart choice.

Construction did not require vertical joint casting, sanding or cleaning, typical for concrete wall elements, making the whole process faster. Additionally, assembly of the 14 elements was similar to usual concrete sandwich elements, taking only 10 hours.