Large-scale LVL modular housing project completed in the Netherlands
A five-storey residential complex in Almere, the Netherlands, has been built using Metsä Wood's Kerto LVL as the sole load-bearing structure. The project, comprising 103 homes, demonstrates the potential of modular construction for faster delivery and reduced environmental impact.
The Netherlands' first large-scale modular construction project, a five-storey residential complex in Almere featuring 103 homes, has utilized Metsä Wood's Kerto LVL for its entire load-bearing structure. Developed by housing corporation De Alliantie and constructor Koopmans Bouwgroep, the project showcases how industrialised modular construction can accelerate building delivery and mitigate environmental impact.
The Xylino complex comprises 436 prefabricated wooden modules, manufactured by geWOONhout, which arrive on site with integrated technical systems. Installation teams can place eight to twelve modules per day, completing apartments rapidly. Digital design integration with digital twins for each component ensures manufacturing consistency and allows for flexibility in layouts.
Kerto LVL was selected for its strength-to-weight ratio and dimensional precision, offering up to 50 percent greater resource efficiency compared to similar mass timber products. This reduces transportation emissions and on-site handling. The project utilized various Kerto LVL products optimized for specific applications, such as beams for floors and roofs, and panels for floor surfaces, with CNC machining ensuring high precision.
Metsä Wood highlights that Kerto LVL's listing in the Dutch National Environmental Database simplifies compliance with sustainable building regulations. The development meets rigorous standards for acoustic comfort, fire safety, and durability. The modular design also facilitates disassembly and material recovery, promoting circularity. The project demonstrates the viability of modular LVL construction for delivering affordable, high-quality housing at scale.