FAQ
The URBUILD construction method is based on timber-frame elements. Within those frames, we use renewable fiber insulation materials such as straw and hemp. Wood and straw and the like are renewable and absorb CO₂ during growth. We guarantee that our materials come from responsible sources — preferably local, and always FSC-certified. Our design tools are optimized to minimize cutting waste, ensuring maximum material efficiency. Our system also makes it easy to integrate reclaimed building materials such as windows or doors into our basic frames. Reusing façade boards, roof tiles, or interior elements (like stairs or kitchens) is strongly encouraged — especially for self-builders, since it saves money and gives materials a second life. Finally, we promote screw foundations. These are often more sustainable and cost-effective than traditional concrete foundations. When choosing this option, we take local regulations and soil conditions into careful consideration.
We handle the entire construction of your eco-home on your site — including all fixed interior elements such as the kitchen, bathroom, and built-in furniture if desired.
We deliver a watertight 'shell' on site. You then handle the façade and roof finishing, interior joinery (walls, doors, trims, and possibly stairs), and installations (or hire a local installer). These tasks are perfectly manageable for motivated self-builders with some guidance.
We supply the full building kit. You assemble it yourself. This option isn’t for beginners — it’s best suited for those with construction experience or anyone up for a serious challenge. The wall and roof elements are designed to be lightweight and easy to lift into position by hand or with a small hoist.
You receive all materials and build everything yourself, possibly with our support. To choose this option without guidance, you should be a confident do-it-yourselfer and willing to invest the time. Support can take several forms: A) remote guidance, B) a crash course with check-ins, or C) a collaborative build with one of our professional builders.
By choosing this, you go for maximum local and sustainable. Think: local straw bales, clay plaster, reclaimed windows, and recycled wood façades. We’ll support you in sourcing and applying these materials — helping you with tips, tricks, and local contacts. It may take a bit more effort, but it’s rewarding, cost-saving, and deeply sustainable. This option can be combined with any of the above scenarios: Full-Service / DIY-Finish / DIY-Flatpack Kit / DIY-Full.
When properly constructed and maintained, our homes have the same lifespan as conventional houses. Under normal use, we provide the statutory 10-year warranty on the delivered house, and a 2-year warranty on the technical performance of other supplied elements. If visible defects arise during this period due to issues in the supplied product, we will repair them. Even when you’re building under the supervision of one of our partner builders, this warranty remains in effect — and we’ll always be there to help if problems arise. If you choose to finish or build the house entirely on your own, you are, of course, responsible for proper execution of those finishing details. Any issues resulting from modifications made outside URBUILD’s supervision are not covered by our warranty.
At URBUILD, we have a clear ambition: we build robustly. Repairability and easy adaptability of installations within a home are key design principles. Maintenance largely depends on the choice of materials for façades and window frames. By using thermally modified wood species, it’s possible to achieve extremely low-maintenance exteriors without compromising ecological integrity. This topic is always addressed in depth during the design process.
You can customize every detail to truly make your house a home — from façade materials to interiors, and features such as various roof and wall finishes, shutters, verandas, greenhouse elements, and decking. These personal touches bring the underlying concept to life — and we’re happy to help with them.
Yes. If it turns out you need a more personalized design process, that’s possible too. Our sister company Woonpioniers will gladly help you develop a fully bespoke design.
Absolutely. We can assist with all documentation required for the approval of your home — such as BENG and MPG energy tests, structural calculations, and technical drawings. If additional aesthetic documentation is needed, we can help with that too. We also connect you with a qualified WKB assessor (Quality Assurance for Building) who is familiar with our construction approach.
Yes. By using the natural capacity of biobased materials to regulate moisture and temperature, we build vapour-open. This creates not only healthier homes but also more comfortable indoor climates.
In addition to healthy, natural materials and support for self-builders, we focus on energy-efficient, energy-neutral, and even fully self-sufficient (“off-grid”) technical systems. We can integrate solar panels, composting toilets, and systems for rainwater collection and filtration. Whether you prefer to open your windows wide and enjoy natural ventilation, or to use modern technologies to minimize energy use — we’ll help you design a solution that fits your lifestyle and the qualities of your site.
Our timber-frame houses are highly expandable. The construction method is so straightforward that, if you ever decide to extend your home, anyone familiar with the system can do it — especially you, if you helped build your own house.
Definitely. At URBUILD, we love building together in every sense of the word. When developing a shared housing project, new opportunities arise — for example, smart collective investments, shared spaces, and centralized systems for energy and water. Different ownership models can also be combined intelligently. The modular and adaptable nature of our URHOUSES makes it easy to create cohesive and beautiful ensembles — families of houses that are all unique yet harmonious with each other and their surroundings. Collective self-building also opens exciting possibilities: “DIY” (do-it-yourself) becomes “DIT” (do-it-together). So, bring on your project — we’d love to build it together!
We deliver throughout Europe. Depending on the size of your home, accessibility, and distance to your building site, we can provide a customized quote for transport and logistics. Because we can also build in 3D modules — easily transportable, fully finished living units — we’re able to deliver complete houses quickly and efficiently, even far from our workshop.
