With the popularity of affordable modular homes, traditional frame construction has been unfairly overshadowed, despite its many advantages. How long does construction take? What are the prices? This and much more are covered in the article below.

It's worth noting that in the Czech Republic, for example, classic frame construction is still preferred, and such houses are in demand. They take ventilation seriously, and the tradition of equipping houses with additional architectural elements has also remained. This technology has many supporters, and here we'll explore the details using a recent example project, the calculations of which we recently completed.

Vapor Permeability

Very few frame houses can boast vapor permeability. In common parlance, a classic frame house breathes, almost like a wooden one!

Its wooden frame is filled with multiple layers of basalt insulation of varying densities. The sheathing on the counter battens provides a ventilated cavity, while a superdiffusion membrane on the exterior and a vapor barrier inside the frame allow for natural air exchange between the interior and exterior microclimates. Wind protection is provided by the outer and inner layers of 12mm OSB. The interior finish can be anything you choose. For example, the example project suggests drywall, but wood, cork, and virtually any decor are also possible. The exterior is finished with plastered walls, corrugated sheet metal, and blockhouse.

This solution provides improved air exchange in a frame house to create a healthy microclimate and prevent mold and mildew growth within walls and floors, as well as stagnant air.

Heat conservation

It's worth noting that air exchange doesn't degrade the heat-saving properties of a frame house. This year-round home can protect against both severe frosts and intense heat, as its walls are 340-400 mm thick. While this might seem excessive for a frame structure, this sandwich structure is very well thought out and balanced, and its effectiveness will be appreciated by those who want heat retention without sacrificing a healthy indoor climate.

Soundproofing

The effectiveness of soundproofing in frame houses is often criticized and questioned, sometimes rightly, sometimes unfairly. In reality, the adequacy of soundproofing measures depends on many factors: the sandwich structure within the wall, decorative finishes, layout, room shape, floor structure, door material, etc. However, all other factors being equal, it has been observed that walls, for example, made of SIP panels, perform worse in sound insulation than other technologies. A well-designed sandwich of basalt mineral wool, especially where mats of different densities are combined in partitions, performed much better. This technique has been common in Czech frame house projects for quite some time, for example, but today many are using this life hack in frame house construction.

Many modular home manufacturers today do not use mineral wool mats for various reasons, preferring various know-how to improve the quality of SIP/EPS panels, which are easier to transport. It's worth noting that higher-quality module manufacturers increasingly use Neopor BASF with added graphite as a filler inside SIP panels. This slightly improves the panel's soundproofing properties, but unfortunately, the overall effect cannot yet compare to that of a mineral wool sandwich.

Additional architectural elements

Any classic frame house can easily be equipped with additional architectural elements: bay windows, balconies, canopies and awnings, covered and open terraces, fireplaces, barbecues, etc. These details not only add unique functionality but also create a unique character and architectural style, transforming a faceless structure into a cozy home.

A pile foundation is sufficient

For this frame solution, an inexpensive pile foundation with a timber (glued laminated) timber tie-in is sufficient. Frame structures and wall sandwich materials do not create significant loads on stable soil, and in most cases, this is sufficient. However, before approving the design and ordering construction, we recommend that you allow our specialist to visit the construction site to assess the site topography and soil composition to ensure the correct foundation type is selected!

Price for basic and turnkey installations

This frame technology allows for flexible management of the stages and scope of work. Therefore, the price for a basic frame house package, as of November 2025, starts at €520/m2, while the turnkey package starts at €850/m2.

The basic package does NOT include: foundation installation and waterproofing work, including bathroom floors and walls, electrical, water, and heating utilities, and window sill installation. In the turnkey package, services such as plumbing fixtures, interior doors, and built-in furniture are optional and can be included at the client's discretion.

You can find out more about the prices and the composition of the frame house packages on the price lists page and choose a convenient package using online calculator.

If you're interested in this or a similar project, or have any questions about it, you can contact us by phone or via any convenient messenger! We'll be happy to help with design, pricing, and construction of any known frame house option. We'll select the best design and technology for you, and if standard designs aren't suitable, we'll create a custom one based on your specifications. 🙂!