Weto AG and Nemetschek Allplan present an integrated solution for design, production and machine control in timber construction. It covers practically all the tasks in designing and building timber constructions: from wooden beamwork, frame and solid wood construction to cost determination, transfer to prefabricated construction contractors and CNC machines. This enables architects and engineers to design and implement their ideas more productively and sustainably.
According to market researchers from Bauinfoconsult, the use of wood is on the rise in residential construction: 37 percent of architects and 27 percent of building contractors expect it to increase in importance. The increasing market share of one-family and two-family houses with a timber construction is proof that wood is also being used increasingly as a raw material in homes because it is environmentally friendly. In 2007, the proportion of building approvals granted for timber houses had already reached 14.9 percent. The "Bundesverband Deutscher Fertigbau" (Association of German Prefabricated Building Manufacturers) expects this figure to rise to 20 percent by 2012.
"To meet increasing demand for timber houses, we are giving our customers the tools they need to create energy-efficient and resource-friendly designs. With their many years of expertise in the development of software applications for timber construction, Weto is the ideal partner for us," says Peter Mehlstäubler, CEO of Nemetschek Allplan GmbH. "This cooperation between Weto and Allplan creates a unique solution in a single program that is optimized for the construction sector" adds Otto Toso, CEO of Weto AG.
The Munich-based software company and the Bavarian Weto AG provide a complete solution comprising separate modules for design, production and CNC controlling. The Design module supports architects, designers and block house companies to create detailed designs of roofs, timber walls and ceilings in 2D and 3D. It includes beamwork, half-timber, timber framework, block and solid wood construction, as well as free timber construction. It is also possible to use the virtual building model (Building Information Modeling - BIM) to derive quantities and costs for the tender. BIM does not mean that a user has to choose between working in 2D or 3D. Depending on the project phase, the user can switch between 2D drafting and 3D design as often as required. User-friendly wizards also make the application quick and easy to learn and use.
The Production module is aimed at beam centers, prefabricated building companies, block house companies and trade companies such as carpenters, timber construction companies, roofing companies and construction contractors, as well as engineers working in timber construction. It is used for making roof trusses, as well as timber, timber wall and ceiling constructions. The Design module, with its production-specific links, lists and drawings, forms the basis for the solution. The CNC Controlling module is used for data transfer to a CNC-controlled timber processing machine.
Availability in Germany and internationally
The Design module will be available from June 2009 in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Italy, France, Russia and probably in Rumania and Slovenia, as well as in the English version. The Production and CNC Controlling applications are expected to be available from the end of 2009.
New functions for timber construction in Allplan 2009
Users of Allplan 2009 can create three-layer timber-construction walls without purchasing any additional software. For the first time, the new version of the 3D design software contains functionality for designing timber constructions – based on the Weto AG solution. It allows any user to mix timber and solid wood construction. The software is available from May 2009 as a multi-lingual version in 16 languages from authorized dealers. Further information is available at www.allplan2009.com.
About Weto AG
Weto AG, based in Tittling in Bavaria, Germany has been a well-known provider of timber construction software since 1992. 3D-CAD/CAM programs based on the latest technology enable full roof truss and timber construction processing, providing a compact solution for beamwork, timber frame, post-and-lintel, half timber and block house construction. Its strengths lie both in three-dimensional work, as well as in perfect handling due to its user-friendly design. Weto software is currently used in around 8,000 installations in 8 languages in 35 countries. The Weto Group includes Weto AG, Weto A-Systems GmbH, Weto Ingenieurbüro für Hoch- und Tiefbau GmbH and Weto Nord GmbH&Co.KG. Additional information is available at www.weto.de