FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about BIOBUILDS Passivhaus certified modular homes, from construction and efficiency to pricing and delivery across Europe.
What does Passivhaus certification mean for MODULAR?
You are investing in the world's most rigorous building certification. Over 2,000 parameters are verified by the Passive House Institute in Germany. In practice, this means: up to 10x lower energy bills, significantly longer lifespan, constant fresh air ventilation, and a home that feels like a thermos - warm in winter, cool in summer, silent inside.
What structure is MODULAR built on?
Passivhaus certified timber-frame system, built on 35cm structure. Exceptional strength, ground-breaking efficiency.
What insulation does MODULAR use?
High-performance STEICO wood-fiber insulation, λ ≈ 0.036 W/m·K.
What is the service life of MODULAR?
Over 85% of new homes in Sweden are built on timber-frame, with an average lifespan of 70+ years. MODULAR uses a significantly improved timber-frame structure (Passivhaus certified), fully airtight and incredibly efficient, which can significantly extend its service life. The minimum estimate is 80+ years.
Is MODULAR a permanent or temporary home?
Both are possible. Over 80% of clients choose Modular as a permanent home. Sanctuary 142m² Semi-finished model is the most popular among families.
What sizes does MODULAR come in?
Nest 24 m² (6.3×3.8 m). Wanderlust 48 m² (12.6×3.8 m). Serenity 95 m² (12.6×7.6 m). Sanctuary 142 m² (12.6×11.4 m).
How much does BIOBUILDS MODULAR cost?
Guide: about €1,000/m² semi-finished to €2,000/m² for a fully finished model plus smart systems. Compare this against ongoing savings. EU average reference: ~€1,800-2,200/m² finished.
What does the EPD cover for MODULAR?
It quantifies the life-cycle impact. MODULAR is carbon-negative, at −101 kg CO2e per m².
Where can I verify MODULAR certificates?
On the BIOBUILDS website and the public pages of the issuing institutes. This includes Passivhaus certification and EPD International.
Can MODULAR run off-grid?
Yes. Ultra-low consumption enables compact PV and battery systems for autonomy.
How does MODULAR handle earthquakes and severe weather?
It has a very high resistance 35cm prefabricated structure with ground-screw foundations to dissipate shocks and vibrations. It offers significant resilience to natural disasters.
What is the fire resistance rating?
Factory tests reach over 90 minutes on wall fire resistance. While it can vary by location, the natural resistance of the cladding and the wall's airtightness is undeniable.
What is inside a MODULAR wall?
C24 FSC timber + ultra-efficient wood-fiber insulation + ECO OSB without formaldehyde adhesive + smart vapor control membrane. In total - a Passivhaus certified system achieving a ground-breaking U-value ≈ 0.14 W/m²K.
What structural system do you use and why?
Timber frame. The most advanced building material available - timber insulates naturally, is exceptionally strong, stores CO2 instead of emitting it, and creates naturally healthy indoor conditions.
What share of organic materials does MODULAR use?
Over 98% organic materials. Your home breathes naturally - regulating humidity, purifying indoor air, and creating a living environment that conventional buildings simply cannot match.
What is the acoustic performance of the walls?
Approximate airborne sound insulation of 54 dB. This is comparable to professional audio spaces.
How is vapor diffusion managed in the walls?
Controlled outward drying via a smart membrane and carefully selected structural panels. The risk of condensation and mold is eliminated.
What facade options are available?
Yakisugi or Lunawood. Both offer high protection and durability.
What interior finish options are available?
A full catalog of premium organic finishes is available during the design phase. These are included at no extra cost for the turnkey option, unless specified otherwise.
What is a ventilated facade?
A controlled air cavity that evacuates moisture and protects the structure long-term. Also known as rainscreen cladding.
Are kitchen services included?
All installations included. For modules with a kitchen, rough-ins are pre-installed and ready for cabinets and appliances.
How is timber cladding maintained long-term?
Organic finish. Low maintenance. A typical recoat is needed every 3-6 years, versus 1-2 years for conventional synthetic finishes.
How are interior finishes maintained long-term?
Materials are selected for easy cleaning and durable, modern natural aesthetics.
What exterior shading do you recommend for large windows?
Smart external blinds are available as an option. They are passive-house compatible and can block up to 99% of UV. Smart control is available.
What roof pitch do you use?
A low slope of 3–5°. This provides a flat look with efficient drainage.
Is the roof ventilated?
Yes. Ventilation reduces moisture and overheating and extends the life of the roof covering.
What roof material do you use?
Firestone EPDM membrane. Load capacity over 300 kg/m².
Can I add a green roof or solar panels?
Yes. The structure supports green roofs and PV. Dimensions are engineered to the required loads.
How is rainwater managed?
Concealed gutters are located within the ventilated facade. Optional collection for reuse is available.
What snow and wind loads does the roof handle?
Engineered beyond national standards for extreme loads, ensuring high safety in use. Est. at 300kg/m² for the roof load versus EU average of 80kg/m².
How efficient is MODULAR?
It repeatedly beats the Passivhaus standard of ~15 kWh/m² per year according to Passivhaus simulations. This is about 10 times more efficient than an nZEB (nearly zero-energy building) and the average new-build in Europe. Performance varies by climate, orientation, and use.
How airtight is MODULAR?
Below 0.6 h⁻¹ (air changes per hour) tested or simulated. It has been measured as low as 0.1 h⁻¹ on real projects - up to 100x more airtight than conventional builds. This is ground-breaking performance that directly translates to near-zero energy loss.
What does the Passivhaus system certification cover for MODULAR?
The construction system. It confirms efficiency, airtightness, and zero thermal bridging.
What specific annual consumption is targeted?
According to Passivhaus simulations: Modular reaches a ground-breaking 15 kWh/m² per year. In comparison, the EU detached house average is ~350* kWh/m² per year. This ensures a dramatically lower energy consumption. Values vary with location and positioning.
How much can bills drop versus a conventional home?
Up to 95% savings. This depends on consumption, climate, and orientation.
How does it perform in summer?
Super-insulation, smart shading, and heat-recovery ventilation maintain stable indoor comfort even during extreme heatwaves - without air conditioning. Needs vary by climate.
How does it perform in winter?
Super-insulation and smart heat-recovery ventilation maintain stable indoor comfort even during harsh winters - with minimal energy input. The home stays warm with a fraction of the heating a conventional house needs. Needs vary by climate.
What is the role of airtightness?
It cuts infiltration. Typical houses can reach losses up to ~20 ACH (air changes per hour) under a standard airtightness test. MODULAR repeatedly reaches below 0.6 ACH. A 33x difference!
How do the windows perform?
Triple glazed, laminated, tempered glass. Ground-breaking Ug of ≤ 0.5 W/m²K. And Passivhaus-certified ultra-efficient aluminum frames.
How are thermal bridges eliminated?
Through a volumetrically designed ultra-efficient system: MODULAR, also certified by the Passivhaus institute.
What is MODULAR’s CO2 impact?
Carbon-negative. −101 kg CO2e per m².
What does the EPD calculation include?
The full life cycle. It is an international standard with full transparency.
Where do key materials come from and how are they certified?
Almost the entirety of MODULAR's organic structure is sourced from Europe, specifically Germany, Austria and Romania.
How much is recyclable or reusable at the end of life?
With over 98% organic content, a large share is recyclable or reusable.
Do you offer buy-back or refurbishment programs?
Such programs are under evaluation as part of our circularity strategy.
What is the on-site waste level?
Near zero. 99% is factory-prefabricated for a clean site and reduced impact.
What VOC emissions do the materials have?
Materials are selected for minimal VOCs. Interior smooth ECO OSB with near-zero formaldehyde is used for clean indoor air.
How does the system prevent condensation and mold?
High airtightness with controlled outward diffusion, engineered to Passivhaus standards. Unlike conventional homes where condensation and mold are common problems, MODULAR's sealed envelope and continuous ventilation make these issues structurally impossible.
What filtration does the heat-recovery ventilation provide?
Zehnder ventilation system filtration. It captures dust, pollen, and allergens. A full air refresh occurs roughly every 2 hours.
How do natural materials affect indoor air quality?
Organic materials buffer humidity and support daily breathing comfort.
What quality checks occur before delivery?
MODULAR is tested to meet both all discussed local standards as well as the incredibly strict Passivhaus System certification metrics.
What is the average factory production time for each model?
Average production times: Nest: 2 days. Wanderlust: 3 days. Serenity: 5 days. Sanctuary: 7 days.
How does prefabrication ensure tight tolerances and precision?
Through LEAN processes, Passivhaus standards, and EU regulations. 99% of the work happens in the factory under controlled conditions.
Can I visit the factory or a show home before ordering?
Yes. Schedule a visit at hello@biobuilds.com.
What are the steps from reservation to move-in?
Reservation: 10%. Order: 40%. Production: 40%. Delivery: 10%.
Do you support permitting and technical documentation?
In specific areas across Europe, we collaborate with local architects to simplify the process. If the area isn't covered by our collaborators, we can collaborate with the local architect directly for most projects.
Who prepares the foundation and utilities on site?
The client handles foundation preparation and utilities with licensed contractors. The home is compatible with ground screws, concrete slabs, and other standard foundation types, as long as they do not compromise the efficiency of the home.
What does the transport and delivery process involve?
Logistics planning is included. Site access requirements are verified during the project planning phase.
How long does the delivery process take?
Usually a few days from factory dispatch to your site. The exact time depends on location and site conditions.
What remains for the client after delivery?
The semi-finished option requires interior finishing. The turnkey option is move-in ready for your furniture.
What can I customize in the configurator without affecting performance?
The configurator is designed for personalization while maintaining system performance.
Can I move window or door positions during design?
Yes, with added production-adjustment costs. Changes may slightly affect efficiency.
Can I join modules or extend later?
Yes. The system supports planned future extensions.
Can I add decks or pergolas?
Yes. Both decks and pergolas are easy to install and can be implemented independently.
What smart-home options exist?
Preconfigured lighting, blinds, and other smart systems are available. They are expandable on request.
How are changes handled after signing the order?
Changes are billed against agreed drawings. We use a transparent change control process.
What is included in the list price and what is extra?
Turnkey includes: the complete house, smart systems, ventilation, blinds, finishes, and MEP. What is not included: foundation preparation, utility hookups, and transport logistics. Estimated at 4-8% of the price, depending on location. Get in touch with our team for an auxiliary cost breakdown.
What payment types do you accept?
Financing, bank transfer, cash, company payment, crypto. Solutions are tailored to your context.
What standard warranty do you offer and what extensions are available?
The EU standard is 24 months for consumers and 12 months for commercial clients. Extensions are available. Component manufacturers’ warranties apply in addition.
Energy performance figures are based on Passivhaus Institut simulations under standard conditions and may vary depending on site, climate, orientation, and occupant behavior. Materials and specifications may change as part of our continuous improvement process.
Our principles
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Efficient
Passivhaus-certified. ~15 kWh/m² per year.
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Healthy
98% organic materials. Zero VOCs.
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Prefabricated
Factory-built in 3 weeks.
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Made in Europe
5 countries. Full traceability.
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