Decision support for wall construction

Thermal insulation is more of an economic issue for us. If it pays off, then gladly. But if it is clearly a losing proposition, then not. The solid house in this configuration and considering KfW would be about €40,000 cheaper. Living area approx. 210 m² + 50 m² ELW.

By thermal insulation I actually meant protection against heat. The temperature curve is going upwards, so this topic will likely gain importance in the coming decades.

The type of wall construction is ultimately not so crucial; the important thing is the technical properties.

The timber frame wall will offer great thermal insulation but more than mediocre soundproofing and also poor protection against heat.

Aerated concrete will have less insulating effect but somewhat better sound and heat protection properties, which should also be rather in the lower mid-range.

If I had the free choice, I would not decide for any of the wall constructions. If only these two variants are available, then monolithic, as it is the better compromise and the simpler wall construction (less prone to errors).

Thank you very much for your feedback.

Is aerated concrete really that much more resistant to water damage? I would have insured against tap water and weather events, as the total investment is really very high for us. Does this relativize this assessment?

The comparison of apples and oranges comes from the fact that we asked both providers to give us an offer with the best possible cost/performance ratio. The solid builder said even KFW 55 would not be worth it. Prefabricated houses are standardly KFW 40, but we wanted an installation level to avoid damaging the vapor barrier, so that with an additional insulation layer we are well below that. The "plus" to KFW 40 was then no longer a question, since with 2 residential units the photovoltaic system with storage hardly matters due to the 2x5,000 € additional subsidy. Of course, it is also a good feeling to be as self-sufficient as possible in the current climate discussion, but we do not overemphasize it and see it rather rationally.

The location is very good. About 12 km from the Daimler headquarters. In this respect, the location will certainly also have an impact in the event of a possible resale.

A really tough decision!

By thermal protection, I actually meant protection against heat. The temperature curve is rising, so this topic will likely gain importance in the coming decades.

The type of wall construction is ultimately not that crucial; the important thing is the technical properties.

The timber frame wall will provide excellent thermal insulation but more than mediocre soundproofing and also poor heat protection.

Aerated concrete will have less insulating effect but somewhat better soundproofing and heat protection properties, which should also be rather in the lower mid-range.

I would not choose any of the wall constructions if I had free choice. If only these two options are available, then monolithic, as it is the better compromise and simpler wall construction (less prone to errors).

What would you prefer? The builder also offers other options for an additional charge.

We are currently building multi-layered (although this is the most expensive option). Each section of the exterior wall serves the purpose it does best. There are several versions of execution. Do some research in that direction, as I am also just an amateur and have read up a bit. We are doing (from inside to outside) KS - mineral wool - brick cladding. However, using bricks is certainly not everyone's preference.

If you do decide on a timber frame, then use mineral wool or cellulose insulation. They add more mass and thus better sound and thermal insulation to the house at reasonable additional costs. Otherwise, such things are difficult to correct afterward if you find out that wild parties in the neighbor's garden do bother you or that the sun burns hotter in summer than expected.

What would you prefer? The solid builder also offers other variants for an additional charge.

Which variants at what extra cost?

Which variants for which surcharge?

Unfortunately, clinker is rather uncommon here. What would be a possible alternative to clinker on the exterior?

Regarding the surcharge, I would have to inquire. The construction service description has a note at every point where there is a choice. For the exterior wall, it says: Residential floor exterior wall 36.5 cm aerated concrete masonry (0.09 W/mK).

Special services: Other exterior wall stones? Additional thermal insulation on the exterior masonry?