Location >> Date：2026-04-29
Abstract:
In early 2026, the Xylino modular timber housing complex in Almere, the Netherlands, was completed. The project comprises 103 residential units formed from 436 prefabricated timber modules, all constructed using laminated veneer lumber (LVL). It is the Netherlands’ first large-scale modular LVL building project. The scheme used a “sprint-style” installation method, with the construction team installing 8–12 modules per day and each residential block completed in about one month, demonstrating the significant potential of modular timber construction for efficiency, scalability, and sustainability.
Faced with growing demand for affordable housing across Europe, traditional building methods have struggled with extended schedules, labor shortages, and increasingly stringent carbon regulations. Modular timber construction has emerged as a promising solution, drawing attention for its speed, scalability, and substantial reductions in environmental impact. Completed in early 2026 in Almere, the Xylino project sets a new benchmark for modular timber construction in Europe.
Xylino is a five-storey residential complex developed in partnership between housing corporation De Alliantie and contractor Koopmans Bouwgroep. The development includes 103 dwellings, covering mid-market rental units, social housing apartments, and ground-floor homes, and features courtyards and a semi-basement parking level. As the Netherlands’ first large-scale modular timber housing development, Xylino demonstrates the feasibility of the construction industry’s transition to faster and more environmentally responsible building methods.
The building is composed of 436 prefabricated timber modules manufactured by geWOONhout. Each module was delivered pre-equipped with complete building services, including wiring, plumbing, and insulation. The structural core is built entirely from laminated veneer lumber (LVL), chosen for its high strength, dimensional precision, and light weight—qualities that make it ideal for modular construction. Kerto LVL delivers a strength-to-weight ratio and material efficiency up to 50% higher than some large solid timber products (such as cross-laminated timber), and its millimetre-level dimensional accuracy is crucial for the rapid assembly of modular units.
Xylino employed a distinctive “sprint-style” installation methodology. The construction team installed 8–12 modules per day and could complete up to four apartments simultaneously, allowing each residential block to be built in roughly one month. This approach accelerated the schedule and reduced on-site labor requirements—an important advantage given ongoing labor shortages in the construction sector.
In terms of digital integration, Xylino used advanced digital design technologies to ensure precision and scalability. Each module has a digital twin containing detailed specifications, dimensions, and end-of-life disposal instructions, supporting more accurate manufacturing, streamlined material procurement, and simplified recycling when components reach the end of their service life. Each module is also tagged with a QR code linked to its digital twin, further supporting precise and efficient on-site assembly.
Sustainability was a central focus in Xylino’s construction. Modules were designed for disassembly and reuse to support a circular economy model. The timber is PEFC-certified, ensuring sustainable sourcing. The building integrates photovoltaic panels, high-performance insulation, and a rainwater harvesting system, while low-carbon concrete was used only where absolutely necessary and in minimal quantities. The combination of renewable energy, efficient insulation, and material optimization reduces not only construction-phase emissions but also ensures sustainable operation throughout the building’s lifecycle.
Source: Wood & Panel Europe
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