New living space. Upwards. With a system.
fermacell® gypsum fibreboards – the certified cladding solution for building extensions and multi-storey timber construction in building classes 3, 4 and 5.
Cities are becoming denser and building land is becoming scarcer – new housing is being created by adding storeys to existing buildings and through multi-storey timber construction. Both construction methods place high demands on fire safety, structural integrity and build quality. The new Model Timber Construction Guideline opens up new possibilities in this regard. fermacell® has the right construction solutions for this.
Whether adding storeys to an existing building or constructing a new building from scratch, multi-storey timber construction involves the same requirements in both cases: lightweight structures that safely bear loads, fire safety that is met without compromise, and a construction method that can be carried out quickly and precisely.
Both parties benefit when cladding, structural analysis and design documentation are provided from a single source. Whether it’s three new floors on an existing building or eight storeys in a new build – fermacell® has the approved design solution for the job.
A roof extension involves adding new residential floors to an existing building. This is not a new build on a greenfield site – it involves building on existing foundations, with existing tenants living below and limited scope for weight, noise and construction time.
Typical projects:
1–3 new storeys added to apartment blocks built between the 1950s and 1980s, often on behalf of housing associations and local housing authorities.
In the case of multi-storey timber construction for building classes 3, 4 and 5, a new building is constructed from the ground up using timber panel construction or solid timber construction. With the new Model Timber Construction Guideline 2024, this is now also possible for standard timber panel buildings in building class 5 with building heights of up to 22 m. Residential buildings can therefore be constructed using both timber panel and solid timber construction in building classes 3, 4 and 5 – i.e. residential buildings with up to 8 storeys.
Typical projects:
New-build housing for property developers and project developers, student accommodation, and local authority housing schemes.
The use of fermacell® gypsum fibreboards in timber construction offers structural, thermal and environmental benefits all in a single product. Fire protection, structural reinforcement and sound insulation – without having to switch between specialist products, and without the need for additional layers or a mix of materials.
With over 50 years’ experience in timber construction design and certified structural designs for all building categories, we support designers from the initial sketch right through to the finished build.
Multi-storey timber construction presents specific challenges: fire safety, earthquake resistance, sound insulation and sustainability – all at the same time. Proven designs for all building classes, experience from projects across the EU, and a technical team that provides personalised support for every project. We have already fully incorporated the new Model Timber Construction Guidelines into our design database – so that designers can get started straight away.
Approved structures for the relevant building class
quick, clean, even whilst the home is occupied
Manufacturing wall panels with precision and regardless of weather conditions in the factory
Why fermacell® makes all the difference
Multi-storey timber construction presents specific challenges: fire protection, earthquake resistance, sound insulation and sustainability – all at the same time. The use of fermacell® gypsum fibreboards in timber construction offers precisely these benefits in a single product. Fire protection, bracing and sound insulation – without switching between specialist products, without additional layers and without mixing materials.
With over 40 years’ experience in timber construction design and certified structural designs for all building categories, we support designers from the initial sketch right through to the finished build.
A panel for building classes 3, 4 and 5.
In timber construction, fire protection, structural reinforcement and sound insulation must all be achieved simultaneously – often using different products in multiple layers and a combination of materials. The fermacell® gypsum fibreboard can be used for all layers. This simplifies planning, tendering and installation.
Build more compactly. Gain more living space.
Thinner walls mean more usable space – a real economic advantage in building extensions and multi-storey residential construction. The fermacell® gypsum fibreboard makes this possible without compromising on fire safety.
Earthquake-proof. For the whole of Germany.
There are designated earthquake zones stretching from the Ruhr region to Lake Constance. fermacell® gypsum fibreboards offer solutions for all German earthquake zones and have the relevant approval (Z-9.1-434) for this purpose, including for multi-storey timber panel construction.
Sustainability that can be proven.
Stores CO₂ throughout its life cycle, can be recycled as a single material, contains no synthetic additives. These aren’t just promises – they are verified by an EPD and directly eligible for credit under DGNB, BNB and BREEAM.
Of course. And you can see that – or rather, you can feel it.
Gypsum fibreboards actively regulate indoor humidity. In timber construction, which naturally has little thermal mass, this makes a noticeable difference – in both summer and winter.
Tenants are staying. Construction work is underway.
Prefabricated timber panel elements with fermacell® cladding enable building extensions whilst residents continue to live in the property. Short installation time, no wet construction work, minimal building noise – tenants stay put, life goes on.
New guidelines. Tested designs. Ready for planning.
The Model Timber Construction Guidelines 2024 have fundamentally transformed multi-storey timber construction:
Timber panel construction is now also permitted for standard buildings in building classes 3–5.
fermacell® has translated the new requirements directly into ready-to-use construction solutions – for GK 3 to 5 – which can be filtered, downloaded and are ready for planning.
fermacell® gypsum fibre products make a significant contribution to efficiency.
From the subfloor to the floor covering – every detail has been carefully considered.
We assist designers and installers in selecting the right system and find the ideal configuration for every project.
Classified in accordance with DIN EN 13501-1 – meets the fire protection cladding requirements of the MHolzBauRL for classes GK 4 to 5.
Approved designs for all building categories. A declaration of conformity is sufficient; no special procedure is required.
Slim structures thanks to high board stability – in GK 4, 2 x 12.5 mm is sufficient. Genuine space-saving.
Approved for use in all German earthquake zones (zones 1–3 according to DIN 4149), including multi-storey buildings.
Plaster, water, paper – nothing else. Stores CO₂ throughout its life cycle
Extensions can be carried out whilst the property remains occupied – thanks to the short installation time and dust-free, dry construction methods.
Gypsum fibreboard increases thermal mass in timber construction – resulting in slower heating and a more even room temperature.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about building extensions
Products for multi-storey timber construction
Everything under one roof – fire protection, structural reinforcement or damp-proofing – the right solution for every requirement.