BLOXS

Frequently asked questions and answers

FAQ

Here you will find an overview of frequently asked questions including answers.
If your question is not listed, please contact us.

BLOXS BUILDING PHYSICS

Do BLOXS meet the GEG 2024 requirements?

Since 01.01.2024, only houses built in accordance with GEG 2024 (Building Energy Act 2023) may be built in Germany. All BLOXS models meet these requirements.

We can also offer the Efficiency House Level 40 as an option. Feel free to contact us!

What creates the excellent indoor climate?

Our outstanding BLOXS indoor climate is a combination of several factors, features and materials that all contribute to improving the indoor climate.

These include, among others:

- Solid wood panel construction
- Wood fiber insulation
- Wooden web support
- Organic flooring
- Central living space ventilation system*
- Enthalpy exchanger*
- Triple glazing
- External blinds*

* Optional equipment.

How does solid timber construction work?

In contrast to other providers, we do not build using the timber frame construction method, but offer the ideal solution: solid timber construction.

The load-bearing outer walls are made of 100 mm thick solid wood panels (CLT), which consist of at least 3 layers of solid wood panels glued at right angles. Due to the cross-gluing, these panels are extremely strong and rigid. They are perfect for modular house construction and offer numerous advantages.

Find out more about our construction methods on our special page "Construction methods".

What are wooden web supports?

To maximize the efficiency of a BLOXS, we paid close attention to reducing thermal bridges during development.

This is why we predominantly use STEICO joist/wall timber web beams in the roof and walls. These innovative construction elements not only reduce thermal bridges immensely, but also save around 30 percent in weight compared to solid structural timber (KVH).

Which insulation materials are used?

BLOXS are optimally insulated and have excellent U-values.

We consistently pursue the approach of sustainability. That is why we have decided to use sustainable insulation materials in sensible places.

We use wood fibers as insulation in the walls, floor and roof. Two different processing methods are used: wood fiber blown-in insulation gets into even the nooks and crannies and attaches to other components without cavities - perfect for excellent insulation. We also install wood fiber insulation boards, which help to reduce thermal bridges as they completely cover other structural components, for example in the exterior wall and on the roof.

All in all, wood fiber is an extremely enthusiastic insulating material that can both absorb and release moisture and is therefore virtually resistant to mold.

Find out more about our construction methods on our special page "Construction methods".

What are the U-values of the walls, roof and floor?

You can find the impressive U-values of BLOXS on our special page "Construction".

How are the walls / roof / floor constructed?

Find out more about our construction methods and superstructures on our special page "Construction methods".

How is the roof sealed?

Our innovative flat roof structure fulfills the "7 golden rules for a verifiable flat roof" as well as the requirement for a "hard roofing" to provide protection against flying sparks. The upper layers consist of three coordinated bitumen membranes from the German manufacturer Hasse, with the top layer being an innovative elastomeric bitumen membrane with special properties.

This innovative product is equipped with a catalytic layer that has been proven to have an excellent ability to remove harmful nitrogen oxides (NOx) from the air.

Activated by UV rays, the coating attracts nitrogen oxides from the surrounding air and converts them. The resulting decomposition product is washed off the roofing membranes by rain, whereby this water is harmless to the groundwater.

A roof area of 50m² can clean up to 13,000m³ of air with an average pollution level of 23 µg/m³* in one hour.

* According to the Federal Environment Agency, this corresponds to the 2019 annual average for Berlin Mitte.

How does rainwater run off?

Rainwater runs off the roof in downpipes that are not visible from the outside. 

Are other roof shapes also offered, such as a pitched roof?

Due to transport restrictions, we are initially only offering BLOXS with a flat roof.

You could have a different roof shape installed on site by a third-party company.

Can several BLOXS be placed next to each other or on top of each other?

This is possible in principle!

For the time being, however, we are only offering the models shown, as these give you the opportunity to sell them on at any time.

We will gradually expand our product portfolio and therefore also offer models that consist of several modules in width and height. Subscribe to our product newsletter and find out as soon as new BLOXS models are available.

Which connections are required?

Your property needs the following infrastructure requirements:

- 63A (min. 32A) power supply
- fresh water pipe
- sewer base pipe DIN110
- (internet connection or LTE coverage)

How does the connection to the module work?

There is an opening in the floor of the technical room for the necessary supply connections. After successful connection, this opening can be closed.

Can the roof support a green roof or roof terrace?

Feel free to contact us on this topic!

Several factors must be taken into account here, such as statics etc.

Can I also make special requests?

Would you like another window, another door, another wall, etc.?

Feel free to contact us! With our BLOXS individual program we try to meet your wishes.

You can find out more about BLOXS individual here.

Can BLOXS be resold?

Yes, because that is precisely the advantage of BLOXS.

BLOXS is a system that is delivered in one piece, almost completely finished. You can therefore also resell it in one piece. BLOXS are independent units. A crane and appropriate large-dimension transportation is required for further transport. Please note any approval requirements of your building authority that may be necessary for dismantling.

BLOXS models consisting of several modules are usually designed in such a way that they can be easily separated again. Water pipes usually only run in one module and therefore represent a closed system.

How heavy is a BLOXS?

Quite heavy. A high weight stands for a lot of used material and quality.

However, as a high weight also has disadvantages in terms of the delivery situation and crane loading, we have tried to save weight by using innovative construction elements - such as the STEICO joist/wall web beams - despite the solid timber construction method.

Roughly speaking, a weight of around 350 kg per square meter of gross floor area can be assumed. However, this value varies depending on the model.

What is the longevity of a BLOXS?

This question is of course difficult to answer.

BLOXS have been designed together with experts from various fields such as solid wood construction, building physics, HVAC and many more. We mainly use German quality products and try to achieve maximum quality for decades of durability at almost every turn.

BLOXS therefore stand out in their design and construction and set themselves apart from many other manufacturers. As the solid wood construction method is also more durable than the timber frame construction method typically used in Germany, the durability should be in the high two-digit range or even higher.

Find out more about our construction methods on our special page "Construction methods".

BLOXS EQUIPMENT

How is hot water provided?

A modern BOSCH instantaneous water heater with a switchable output of 21/24/27 kW is installed in the utility room at the rear to supply hot water. This solution not only saves space, but also energy, as you will only need hot water for a few minutes throughout the day.

What type of heating is installed?

All BLOXS models are heated by an air-to-air heat pump. This is therefore convection heat. The bathroom is heated by infrared underfloor heating.

We cannot offer water-bearing underfloor heating due to its transportability and modularity. However, we also offer BLOXS as an extension version, so that you can realize your own wishes, also in terms of heating. Feel free to contact us.

Is an air conditioning system also installed?

We heat BLOXS using an air-to-air heat pump. This can also cool the rooms. A cooling function is therefore available.

What is an enthalpy exchanger?

Unfortunately, ventilation systems in residential buildings have one disadvantage: they remove humidity from the air, especially in winter. To counteract precisely this effect, we equip the central living room ventilation system with an expensive Enthalipe exchanger. This can not only remove the heat from the exhaust air, but also the humidity. Heat and humidity are then fed back into the fresh supply air.

This effect increases the healthy indoor climate immensely.

How many sockets are there in a BLOXS?

In the age of digital assistants and technical everyday helpers, there can't be enough sockets - that's our opinion.

You can therefore rest assured that we provide BLOXS with a sufficient number of sockets.

Are there also outdoor sockets?

Yes, of course we have also thought about outdoor sockets. Depending on the model, there are:

- 230V socket outlets on the front
- 230V socket outlet on the rear

Is there a TV/SAT and LAN connection?

In the modern age of WLAN and IP-TV, we do without LAN and SAT cabling in our BLOXS. However, we can offer you such cabling on request. Feel free to contact us!

Can I place a washing machine/dryer somewhere?

Of course!

Depending on the model, the installation location for a washing machine/dryer is in the utility room or in the kitchen. 

DELIVERY AND ASSEMBLY

Is a BLOXS delivered ready for occupancy?

We produce your BLOXS almost completely at the factory, including the floor, bathroom tiles, lighting, etc.

On the day of installation, only the infrastructure needs to be connected to your BLOXS by a specialist company.

For BLOXS models consisting of several modules, assembly on site takes a few hours longer, as the modules have to be screwed together. But here too, almost everything is already prefabricated.

Where are BLOXS made?

We do not rely on foreign manufacturers in Eastern Europe or outside the EU who think they can match German construction methods and German products.

Our guiding principle:
"If you want to deliver quality, you can only do so if you do everything yourself."

For this reason, we build our modular houses in our BLOXS factory. This was built from scratch and is located a few kilometers from Bratislava (Slovakia) and therefore not far from Vienna.

Find out more about our construction methods on our special page "Construction methods".

How is a BLOXS delivered?

Delivery is made by truck. Due to the large dimensions of BLOXS, transportation is carried out as high-capacity transport.

How is a BLOXS unloaded?

BLOXS have four lifting eyes on the roof.

A truck-mounted crane and a lifting beam are required for unloading at your destination. We will be happy to help you organize a crane.

How wide must my street be for delivery?

For example, if a BLOXS is 4.15 m wide, the road should be at least 5.00 m wide if it is straight. If there are bends, the width must be greater.

Please also note the minimum height of 4.5m for delivery.

We will be happy to advise you whether a BLOXS can be delivered to you or not.

What is the maximum distance between my installation site and an unloading point?

That always depends on the situation on site.

Ideally, the maximum crane outreach is 20m from the unloading point. In extreme cases, crane outreaches of up to 30m are also possible. In this case, however, at least a costly 350t truck-mounted crane must be used.

It may be possible to place the truck-mounted crane halfway between the unloading point and the installation site on your property in order to increase the radius of action.

Do I need a foundation?

A foundation, which can also be designed as a strip or point foundation, is essential for a secure stand.

We ourselves recommend the "steelroots" foundation system from our partner steelroots GmbH due to its sustainability, stability and price-performance ratio.

Our show home in Wipfeld is also built on steel roots.

You can find more information about steelroots here.

PROJECT PROCESS

Can I also rent a BLOXS?

Unfortunately, we do not currently offer a rental option for a BLOXS.

How do I buy a BLOXS?

As a first step, you should visit our show home in 97537 Wipfeld and take advantage of a professional consultation. There is also a wide range of samples to choose from.

After we have defined your desired BLOX together, we will hand you over to our architects if you wish. They will guide you through the building application process, which is mandatory almost everywhere in Germany.

Only when you have planning permission from the authorities will you come closer to signing the purchase contract.

Are BLOXS eligible for planning permission?

Yes, of course!

Do I need a building permit?

In Germany, you need a building permit for a BLOXS. However, if you only want to set it up for a certain period of time, for example 5 or 10 years, there is also the option of a "temporary building permit".

We are happy to support you with your building application in Germany.

How do I find out whether I can/may install a BLOXS on my property?

As a first step, you should contact your local building authority. We have summarized the most important information about our BLOXS models in a PDF. You are welcome to forward this to your building authority.

Brief structural information (PDF)

Can I view a BLOXS?

We strongly recommend that you visit a BLOXS. Although we already offer a lot of information about BLOXS online, you can only experience live how high-quality BLOXS are built.

Find out more about our show homes on our special page "Show homes".

Who calculates the statics?

In Germany, each construction project must be calculated individually in terms of statics, as each location has its own conditions due to snow load, wind load and earthquake zone.

You can find more information on ancillary construction costs under "Project schedule".

How high are the transportation costs?

Due to the costly large-scale transportation, we have to calculate the transport costs individually depending on the distance to the installation site.

You can find more information on ancillary construction costs under "Project schedule".

What additional costs may be incurred?

You can find more information on ancillary construction costs under "Project schedule".

Do I have to take care of everything myself?

No! We are happy to support and advise you in almost all situations. For example, with the planning permission process, financing, structural calculations, foundation decisions and much more.

Can BLOXS also be delivered to other countries outside Germany?

BLOXS are primarily designed for the German market. Of course, they can also be installed in other countries.

Please find out to what extent special requirements/regulations apply in your country and whether these apply to BLOXS.

Feel free to contact us!

Unfortunately, due to the complexity of the approval process abroad, we are currently unable to support you.