Yes. When a BBS panel is exposed to the elements the outer layer is Larch, while the inner layers can be Spruce. Larch is the most indicated for outdoor exposure. If the panel surface is left untreated the wood will experience a natural aging process over time (change in color and surface texture).

They are made of Austrian Spruce and/or Larch. The Inner layers are normally in Spruce while the outer layer can be in Larch, which is better when exposed to the elements. Arolla Pine is also used for exposed flooring for its quality and resistance. Solid natural wood makes up 99.4% of the element composition with the remaining 0.6% mostly PU glue (Formaldehyde free). Only a small amount of MUF (E1) glue is used on the single ply longitudinal layer (see related article).

You can look up the Static Chart for a quick assessment of panel capacity in relation to the applied load on a simple span. For exact calculations you should refer to an engineering evaluation on the specific project application.

The average time is between 4 and 8 weeks from the time the order is received by BBS in Austria, depending on the size of the order and amount of special size panels. Once the order is shipped from the plant in Austria it takes an average of 3 to 4 weeks for the container to arrive to the final US destination. Shipping with an Open Top container is generally easier for unloading at the site, but a standard 40' or 20' closed container can be used also, as long as the proper equipment are present at the site for unloading.

You can load up to 44000 lbs onto a 40' container. That is the equivalent of 22 tons of solid wood panels, or about 45 cubic meters.

The cost depends on the final destination in the US, but as a general rule of thumb, you can anticipate transportation cost to be anywhere between 10% and 20% of total cargo value.

You communicate with Holz Build in the US and final orders and invoices are checked and approved by Binder-Holzbausysteme GmbH in Austria. The final invoice will include the cost of the panels, import fees and transportation costs to the jobsite.

In addition to transportation expenses, you will need to factor in the duties. The BBS panels are calsssified with HTS # 4418.90.4550/ 3.2% Duty Rate. The description of this classification is "Prefabricated partitions and panels for buildings".

The BBS panels do not require a unique set of construction details. The reason being that each application is different and the requirements may vary considerably. There is a series of generic details that have been widely adopted, but the archiect and engineer still have an option to develop their own details. The BBS panel is essentially a monolithic building material and as such it can be shaped and assembled with a great degree of flexibility.

Yes, a wall can be composed of vertically as well as horitontally palced panels. In fact often a panel (or part of a panel) is installed horizontally as a header obove wall openings. The top side of the receiving panel can also be profiled to accomodate the joint between the panels. See some examples from this house project.

Because the panels are solid, fire will have a predictable and slow impact on the structure. One inch of solid wood will be consumed every 30 minute. It may take hours before the structure is impacted to the point of failing.

Solid wood is one the most versatile building material and one that requires the least amount of energy to produce. The wood used to make the BBS panels comes from the Austrian forests where each year, no more than two thirds of new growth is harvested. More trees grow every year that those that are being harvested. Secondly a building assembled in solid wood has inherit streght and longevity, which makes the use of the resource more responsible and sustainable. Finally a job site that uses BBS panels will produce very little waste, since each panel has been designed and cut exactly according to the plans.