Stabilame: wooden houses with the Oikos working centre

STABILAME

200 wooden houses a year

Design and ecology, plus security and insulation:

the Oikos machining centre brings contemporary style into the "home".

Although houses in Belgium are traditionally built in brick or stone, there is a company that can build more than 200 wooden houses a year, in different styles and using different construction techniques. This company is called Stabilame and is located in the industrial district of Mariembourg. Since 1989, when Bruno, the elder son of Michael Rich, transformed the family carpentry firm - it has been creating impressive, innovative wooden structures which are both attractive and highly functional. «Today nearly 16% of houses have a wooden structure» explained Chief Executive Officer Laurent Riche, at the helm of the 70-employee company which is part of the Rich Group family and includes the Carpentry Rich and Enercobois brands. Though the company has a more ambitious goal: to increase the number of wooden houses, particularly in France, where regulations on insulation have promoted the use of this natural material. And to improve on 2012 turnover, of 10 million euros, expanding abroad. «Stabilame has a consolidated position in Belgium, but exports, which account for 35% of our turnover, play an important role, particularly in France, Luxembourg and Congo». Pine and fir are the most commonly used materials, «but in some particular cases, we also use larch, oak and Douglas».

Having a wooden house rather than a conventional structure is motivated by more far-reaching requirements.

«In 20 years, consumer demand has evolved considerably»said Mr Riche.«In the past, demand for wooden homes was driven by aesthetics: wood has a visual impact, plus it is a natural material and quick construction times also play an important part. Today, besides these three factors which are still valid, consumers are seeking greater insulation and a structure that can easily adapt to a contemporary style. Wooden houses perfectly meet new and increasingly complex standards for high levels of insulation for low energy consumption and passive houses».

Yet the challenge is even more interesting on a design level, because of building regulations…

«Each house we build in Belgium is different from others. This is because we comply with stringent requirements, that often differ from region to region, and require architects and designers to take an increasingly original approach, adapting design needs to contemporary structures, so as to meet customer requests. We do not design the style or plan the design of our customer's home: our design department enables us to adapt our construction systems to what the designer and end customers dream of as their home».

How is the production cycle organised?

«All wood processing stages - from the raw material to drying, gluing the beams and machining on our equipment - take place at our company. No work is outsourced. We have long-term experience and a knowledge of building systems that have enabled us to integrate different techniques and different methods of construction, from the most traditional to the most "technologically advanced", while recovering even the smallest piece of wood. We have different, highly-automated production lines, with just a few operators, to produce beams and wooden walls. With 5 machining centres that have automatic loading and unloading systems, we can finish each item with a "just in time” logic».

Is manual work still essential or has it been superseded by new technologies?

«It is still essential, particularly for inspection, and for finishing visible parts. The eye and expertise of a professional are often irreplaceable when it comes to achieving the highest quality finish. Our production line is not fixed: we prefer the utmost flexibility and human intervention is always planned for. A plus of this approach is the full integration of CAD/CAM systems with our machining centres or production lines, a choice that ensures maximum flexibility - which is so vital for businesses in today's world.Flexibility, quality and service at the right price are key to success, which can only be achieved if the right technology and method are adopted».

The equipment to achieve these results plays a fundamental role. Starting from the impressive Oikos HT 12 by Routech.

«This is our latest investment with the SCM Group. We needed a solution to combine with our machining centres that process standard sized items. With the Oikos HT 12, we can machine large items on all six sides, with a very high quality finish.We chose this machine, after different experiences with solutions of other manufacturers. The SCM Group is a reliable partner and provides an efficient after-sales service. This is also due to the special connection with Routech technicians, who are always extremely willing to help and respond during each stage of the purchase process, until the machine is fully operative».

How do the concepts of sustainability, energy saving and low environmental impact play a part in this complex production cycle?

«Sustainable development is our priority. The production of wooden structures and their rapid installation uses less energy compared to a traditional structure. We were one of the first companies to use finger joints to make beams and wooden items, to optimise the use of raw materials. We take great care with waste management, and the waste from our processes is carefully sorted. We make briquettes with our waste wood, which are used for heating at our company and are also sold».