The EUROPANEL® building system is a Czech product inspired by the now-traditional American SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels) technology. The core element of this technology is the panel. It consists of large-format wood-based panels and a polystyrene core, which serves as thermal insulation.
Foundation
Houses assembled from EUROPANELare most often built on
concrete foundation slabs
slabs made of panels laid on foundation strips, footings, or ground anchors.
The position of the individual walls is marked on the slab, which is equipped with waterproofing or radon insulation, according to the assembly documentation. The panels are placed on a foundation rail that aligns with the edge of the foundation slab and, together with a wooden insert defining the panel’s position, is anchored to the foundation slab.
Assembly of the Structure
Panel installation begins at one corner of the structure and continues by connecting additional panels around the perimeter. After completing the perimeter of the first above-ground floor, the load-bearing interior partitions are assembled in a similar manner. The entire perimeter and partitions are connected by inserting wooden elements into the mounting groove in the “crown” of the first above-ground floor. In the case of a single-story house, the panels are finished with an OSB distribution strip, the width of which corresponds to the thickness of the panel. A roof structure made of trusses is then installed on the building constructed in this manner.
Completion of the shell
For multi-story buildings, construction continues with the ceiling. Ceiling beams are suspended from metal brackets attached to the inner panels. If larger spans are required, they are supported by a laminated timber girder supported by columns on adjustment footings. Ceiling beams are most commonly made of 60x240 mm adjustable-length wooden profiles or wooden I-beams. The floor of the second story is constructed from 22 mm thick OSB boards, which are tongue-and-groove joined and secured with screws through sealing strips into the ceiling beams and perimeter walls. A wooden insert defining the position of the second-story paneling is placed on this floor. The installation of panels on the second floor is carried out in the same manner as on the first floor.
Animation of the shell construction of a two-story single-family home using the EUROPANEL building system
The panels can also be used for the construction of the roof cladding.
This solution simplifies the roof truss construction, as the panels are supported by the rafters only at the joints, i.e., at intervals of 2500–3000 mm. Another advantage is the increased space in the attic, since the roof cladding insulation is placed above the rafters. The structure is enclosed very quickly and protected against precipitation.
Completion of the EUROPANELstructure
EUROPANELshell structures are very conducive to subsequent trades. They are assembled precisely; the walls are smooth, straight, vertical, and square. Precise, clean openings are prepared for the installation of windows and doors. The external insulation composite system is applied to the flat walls. All utilities are routed horizontally in the floors or ceilings. Vertically, utilities are installed in the drywall partitions and false walls, and channels are provided in the panels for electrical wiring.
In most cases, the interior is finished with gypsum board; alternatively, gypsum fiber or cement-ceramzit boards may be used. Floors on the first floor are poured, or dry floor systems using various types of panels are employed. Floors on the second floor are constructed as “floating” floors, meaning a load-distributing board is laid over a material with good impact sound insulation, and the floor covering is laid directly on top of it.