{"id":75426,"date":"2026-09-30T19:49:49","date_gmt":"2026-09-30T17:49:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pacaradamodularsystems.de\/?page_id=75426"},"modified":"2026-09-30T19:49:49","modified_gmt":"2026-09-30T17:49:49","slug":"steel-modular-hybrid-construction","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/pacaradamodularsystems.de\/en\/modular-building-guide\/steel-modular-hybrid-construction\/","title":{"rendered":"Steel modular and hybrid construction: steel, timber and concrete combined"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Steel modular and hybrid construction: steel, timber and concrete combined<\/h2>\n

Pacarada Modular Building Systems, Kelkheim (Taunus), Germany \u00b7 Last updated: September 2026<\/p>\n

In modular construction, steel, timber and concrete are often seen as alternatives. The Pacarada Modular Building System does not have to choose: the Cube<\/a>, an internationally patented steel connection node, connects steel, timber, concrete and plastic. Each component can be made of the material best suited to its role.<\/p>\n

Steel: strong, precise, circular<\/h3>\n

Steel carries high loads at a comparatively low self-weight, can be manufactured precisely in the factory and recycled again and again. The steel & steel combination is the fastest to install in the Pacarada system.<\/p>\n

Timber: renewable<\/h3>\n

Timber is a renewable material, stores carbon and adds a natural finish to interiors. In the steel & timber combination, timber components are connected to the steel node. The building combines the strength of steel with the qualities of timber.<\/p>\n

Concrete: mass for sound and fire protection<\/h3>\n

Concrete adds mass to the building. That helps with sound insulation between apartments and with fire protection, for example in floors. In the steel & concrete combination, concrete components are connected to the steel structure at the Cube.<\/p>\n

Three construction methods in one system<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Method<\/th>\nComponents<\/th>\nTypical use<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
1D<\/td>\nColumns and beams<\/td>\nStructural frame, open floor plans, adapting to existing buildings<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2D<\/td>\nWall and floor elements<\/td>\nFlexible floor plans, flat elements for efficient transport<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
3D<\/td>\nFinished room modules<\/td>\nBathrooms, apartments, classrooms and hotel rooms with a high degree of prefabrication<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

All three methods can be combined in one building. At H\u00f6chster Stra\u00dfe 1C in Liederbach am Taunus, 30 apartments from 33 modules were built above a refurbished supermarket, with 1D, 2D and 3D in one building.<\/p>\n

Bolted, not welded<\/h3>\n

Nothing is welded at the Cube. All components are bolted and plugged together. That speeds up assembly and has a second benefit: buildings can later be converted, dismantled and reused. 83% of the material offcuts from production are recyclable; the target is to cut waste to 1% by 2030.<\/p>\n

An open system<\/h3>\n

Because the Cube forms a common interface, different certified partner companies can manufacture components for the same building. The Pacarada Modular Building System is open to every contractor, design practice and supplier. The partner programme and the system products are on pacaradasystem.de<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Frequently asked questions<\/h3>\n

What is steel modular construction?<\/h4>\n

In steel modular construction the structure of the modules and components is made of steel. The parts are prefabricated in the factory and connected on site. In the Pacarada system this happens at the Cube, a patented connection node to which timber, concrete and plastic components can also be connected.<\/p>\n

Which material combination is the fastest to install?<\/h4>\n

In the Pacarada Modular Building System, steel & steel is the fastest combination to install. Steel & timber and steel & concrete are chosen when sustainability, surfaces, sound insulation or fire protection call for them.<\/p>\n

How is fire protection handled with steel?<\/h4>\n

Steel does not burn, but it loses strength at high temperatures. Load-bearing steel components are therefore clad or coated as required, for example with fire protection boards or intumescent coatings. The required fire resistance follows from the building class and the applicable building regulations.<\/p>\n

More articles in the modular building guide<\/h3>\n