Drevodom produces turnkey log houses and exports them to Europe.

"As soon as we contacted experts from Quebec in 1995, we started manufacturing log houses from solid round logs, the first ones in Central Europe. We paid for the Canadian know-how with deliveries of our log houses," says Bronček. While they completed about five constructions in that year, this year they are expected to have over 60. Log houses represent 75 percent of the production in this company, which is now one of the largest European manufacturers of log houses. Almost one-third of their sales are in the Czech Republic, one-third in France, Italy, Austria, Croatia, and other European countries, and the remainder is in Slovakia.

Log Houses as Family Homes

Half of the customers purchase log houses as family homes. Their price is about half as much as that of Western European manufacturers abroad. "Our log houses have excellent thermal insulation and fire-resistant properties due to the high-quality handcrafted spruce wood. Living in them is pleasant and healthy. We prepare an architectural study that fully reflects the customer's ideas for each interested party."

Foreign customers of Drevodom can take advantage of a payment system divided into several installments. The subsidiary Drevodom Rajec CZ operates in Tábor, Czech Republic. "Customers can also obtain mortgage loans from commercial banks or from the State Housing Development Fund for our log houses," adds Bronček.

Unconventional Production

Drevodom uses carefully selected solid spruce logs for production. The handcrafted process does not disrupt the natural growth rings on the logs, as is the case with squared log constructions. Thanks to this process, the logs maintain their natural taper, unique rustic appearance, and long lifespan. "We carefully select the logs for the log houses from specific locations, from where we transport them to the handling site," reveals Bronček about the secrets of production.

The lifespan of the houses can reach up to 200 years, and they are habitable year-round. Modern architectural solutions can also be implemented in the interiors. The warranty for the construction is three years, and for the load-bearing structure, it is up to 30 years. "As an additional service, we offer the construction of log houses from pre-dried wood, allowing for immediate occupancy," adds Bronček. Only ecological materials are used in the construction process, including oil-based paints and beeswax or sheep's wool as thermal insulation in grooves.

Log House in Three Months

The manufacturer produces the log shell structure in its production facility, transports it to the construction site by trucks, and reassembles it there. "The delivery of the log shell structure takes three months, while for a traditional rough construction, it takes six to eight months," compares Bronček. Local companies connect the house to the sewerage, water, and electricity in accordance with the standards of the respective country. Customers can choose a house from a catalog or create their own vision. The company invests several million crowns annually in technical equipment. In previous years, they built two facilities, a drying plant, and another facility for wood processing. Bronček reveals that they will obtain the European CE certificate and the quality management system certificate this year. In addition, they are planning to join the International Log Builders' Association (ILBA).

Zruby Rajec achieved a turnover of 90 million crowns last year, and this year they plan to reach 120 million. The company employs around 130 employees, mostly from the Rajec Valley.

You can read the original article (in Slovak) HERE..