[bruce_bell]

Hi Bruce here from Facit Homes (founder). My freind tom recommended i do an AMA. So feel free to ask away. First comment is - if you buy the right ply its super sustainable and formaldehyde free, we use exclusively Wisa spruce by UPM - they really take sustainability seriously in Finnland.

[Jedd]

Hi Bruce - great to have you here : )

I'm a big fan of these larger constructions with ply, LVL, and similar. I'd guess local timber varieties and production quality plays a big part? I'm in AU - 33S 135E, 150km from the coast, and we have some local timbers (eg Black Cypress or Callitris endlicheri) that are spectacularly well suited for construction, so long as they're protected from weathering. That particular species is termite resistant, fast growing and hardy, easy to work with as lumber but seems to get harder/stronger over time.

Are you looking to customise your design and manufacturing practices, or partner with locals with specialised skills, with/to the prevalent regional timbers available?

[bruce_bell]

Using different species of ply is definitely an option - i see that there are wiki house groups and Xframe over there presumably using a more local ply. Next step for us is to take on multi unit schemes in Europe for housing (as opposed to one off homes).

[bkfunk]

Really interesting company! From the article:

> Facit Homes is a relatively small builder - they build fewer than 10 homes a year, all of them custom. And though they’re using advanced manufacturing techniques, they don’t seem especially interested in any sort of mass production.

I’m wondering if this is true? Or do you think starting high end and super custom might lead to bigger scale?

[bruce_bell]

scaling our approach (multi unit schemes) is definitely on the radar - we have always been ahead of the curve and are waiting for the market to catch up, to the point when the benefits of a fully digital but hybrid approach can be seen. With the struggles of large scale modular becoming clearer by the day, we are coming closer to the time that new approaches are required. We are however doing things in our own time, at our own pace.

[wolfram74]

I shared the article with my partner the other day and they reflected that the house we lived in is over 50 years old, and was curious how durable these buildings are? Time isn't really mentioned except to emphasize how quick these projects can finish.

[bruce_bell]

durability is a key consideration - that can be how easy it is to replace parts over time but also the choice of materials. i personally love Corten steel (weathering steel) for external cladding - not only can it be digitally manufactured, but it gets better over time with its patina, as opposed to most other finishes that degrade in some way.

[skybrian]

There are some high-profile failures for Corten steel documented on Wikipedia so it seems you have to know local conditions well?

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weathering_steel

[efnx]

You're right - I love the look of weathering steel, but it looks like it would be a bad choice for where I live in New Zealand, which is humid subtropical.

[lucioperca]

What is the expected life-span of such a construction?

[bruce_bell]

indefinitely - some of the oldest buildings in the world are timber. As long as you maintain the fabric (roof, cladding etc) - just as any brick build home requires.