Commercial timber frame buildings are today finding their place in hotels, guesthouses, office buildings, schools and wellness centres. That is why Vesper Homes does not only build family homes, but also delivers turnkey prefabricated timber frame buildings for investors in the commercial segment. In this article, we take a closer look at two specific projects – apartment complexes in Harrachov in the Krkonoše Mountains and in Bělá pod Pradědem in the Jeseníky Mountains. Both serve as short-term rental properties for tourists, and both demonstrate that timber frame construction as an investment is a well-considered, profitable and sustainable strategy.
Why Timber? A Building Material for the 21st Century
Modern turnkey prefabricated timber frame construction offers investors several compelling advantages at once. Speed of Construction and Faster Return on Investment Thanks to precise prefabrication in a controlled factory environment, an entire building can be completed within weeks. Investors can therefore launch operations significantly earlier than with traditional construction systems.
"Timber frame buildings give investors a clear advantage today: faster construction means an earlier start of operations and, consequently, a faster return on capital," says Michal Šopík, Managing Director of Vesper Homes.
Undeniable Advantages of Timber Frame Construction
Well-designed low-energy timber frame buildings naturally excel in their thermal insulation properties, which positively impact operating costs and the long-term energy efficiency of the building. Another undeniable advantage of prefabricated timber frame construction is its non-invasive nature during the build process. Dry construction significantly reduces dust and noise while shortening the overall construction timeline. Timber is a renewable material with a substantially lower carbon footprint than concrete or steel. Eco-friendly timber frame buildings resonate with the values of modern investors as well as the expectations of increasingly environmentally conscious guests. And it is precisely the guests who are a crucial factor in short-term rentals – natural materials, the warmth of wood and the authentic atmosphere of a timber frame building create an unmatched experience that is difficult to replicate with any other material.
"Some guests actually come to us specifically because it is a timber frame building. They are planning to build one in the future and want to experience what it feels like to live in one. Because timber, as we all know, is a completely different material from living in a brick or concrete house," notes Robert Antoš, owner of Challeyott Harrachov.
Digital Twin and Maximum Prefabrication: Vesper Homes Technology
The speed and precision of every project is backed by a sophisticated technological process. Based on an architectural design, Vesper Homes' engineers create a digital twin of the building using Cadwork software – they refine the structure down to the last detail and send the data directly to CNC machining centres. Individual building components are assembled in the factory, eliminating inaccuracies and potential clashes on site. Even the logistics – how trucks are loaded with components and the order in which they arrive on site – is planned in advance using software. The result is minimal downtime and precise coordination throughout the entire process.
"We would love to use timber everywhere, but it is not always logical – it can often be inefficient and uneconomical. Architects frequently come to us with quite complex designs, so we take a hybrid approach: combining steel, glass and concrete," adds Michal Šopík.
This approach – a hybrid timber frame construction combining timber with steel, glass or concrete – makes it possible to realise even architecturally demanding projects without compromising on quality or cost-efficiency.
Challeyott Harrachov: Bold Modern Architecture in the Heart of the Krkonoše Mountains
Harrachov is one of the best-known mountain resorts in the Czech Republic. Competition among accommodation providers is fierce and guest expectations are high. Yet – or perhaps precisely for this reason – the investor chose to bet on modern timber frame construction in a mountain setting. The result of the collaboration between architectural studio Archzone Architects and Vesper Homes is a building that immediately impresses with its contemporary appearance. Structurally, it is a hybrid system combining timber, glass and steel. Natural timber dominates both the exterior and interior, creating the unmistakable atmosphere that guests seek in mountain accommodation.
The two-storey building offers a usable floor area of 260 m², comprising 3 fully equipped apartments, each with its own terrace, as well as commercial retail spaces. Design and engineering took 3 months, off-site manufacturing took 7 weeks, and the turnkey construction was completed in a further 8 weeks. Notably, the structural shell – including windows and doors – was weathertight in just 5 days, a striking testament to the efficiency of prefabricated timber frame construction.
"We are glad we found Vesper Homes. We first designed the house with an architect, refining it down to the finest detail, and only then did we look for a contractor. We quickly realised that was somewhat of a mistake – most companies on the market told us they couldn't build it. Then Mr. Šopík came along, and he was clearly excited by the challenge. He built it for us first time," describes investor Robert Antoš.
A podcast episode featuring the owner of Challeyott, titled Na Dřevo, is available on Spotify – well worth a listen for anyone curious about the project in detail.
Chalupa U Krtka, Jeseníky Mountains: Traditional Soul, Modern Body
Our second project takes us to a less tourist-saturated, yet all the more authentic corner of the Czech Republic – the foothills of the Jeseníky Mountains, in the village of Bělá pod Pradědem. The facade combines dark timber cladding with mineral render – the result is a harmonious whole that feels neither overly rustic nor starkly modern. Exposed beams and timber ceilings evoke a traditional mountain cottage, all paired with the comfort that today's guests expect.
The apartment building, designed by NOA architekti studio, offers a usable floor area of 270 m² with 3 apartments, each with a 3-bedroom layout. Every apartment features an open-plan living room and kitchen on the ground floor, with two bedrooms upstairs. The heart of the house is a spacious shared common room. Full factory production took 5 weeks, the structural shell was weathertight in 4 working days, and the building was handed over turnkey after a further 5 weeks. The roof is fitted with photovoltaic panels, partially offsetting operating costs – yet another point in favour of the project's long-term economics.
Results That Speak for Themselves
These projects clearly demonstrate that commercial timber frame construction is not an experiment, but a well-thought-out investment strategy – one that the financial performance of both properties confirms. Guests at both destinations are enthusiastic – not only because of the buildings themselves, but also thanks to the hospitality and the locations. On Booking.com, Challeyott holds a perfect score of 10 out of 10, while Chalupa U Krtka scores an impressive 9.7 out of 10.
"Both projects share the same foundation: prefabricated timber frame technology, a high standard of workmanship and professional post-warranty service that reduces operational risks and protects the long-term value of the investment. Both properties are enjoying strong guest demand, confirming the potential of timber frame buildings as a stable income-generating asset in mountain and leisure destinations," concludes Michal Šopík.
Frequently Asked Questions: About Commercial Timber Frame Buildings
How long does it take to build a turnkey commercial timber frame building?
With Vesper Homes' prefabricated commercial timber frame buildings, the structural shell is typically weathertight within 4–5 days. The full project – from design to turnkey handover – is completed within a matter of months, significantly faster than traditional construction systems.
Are timber frame buildings suitable for commercial rental?
Yes. Thanks to their thermal insulation properties, low carbon footprint and authentic atmosphere, timber frame buildings are ideal for mountain holiday accommodation, apartment complexes and guesthouses. Lower operating costs contribute to a better return on investment.
What is a hybrid timber frame building?
A hybrid timber frame building combines timber with other materials – most commonly steel, glass or concrete. This approach makes it possible to realise architecturally complex projects while optimising costs and structural efficiency.
How does a prefabricated timber frame building differ from conventional construction?
Prefabricated timber frame buildings are largely produced in a factory using CNC technology and a digital twin of the structure. Finished components are delivered to site and assembled with minimal downtime. The result is a shorter construction period, greater precision and less disruption to the surroundings thanks to dry, dust-free construction methods.
Considering a Commercial Timber Frame Building as an Investment?
Vesper Homes delivers turnkey prefabricated commercial timber frame buildings – from apartment complexes and guesthouses to wellness centres and office buildings. We would be happy to arrange a no-obligation consultation. Contact us and find out how a timber frame building can maximise the return on your investment
Vesper Homes has produced an engaging time-lapse documentary covering the entire construction of the Challeyott guesthouse project. What motivated the investor to choose timber frame construction, what inspired the architect's design approach, and what structural challenges did the project present for Vesper Homes? We also revisited the Chalupa U Krtka guesthouse with a camera two years on – so we are sharing a short video showcasing both the exterior and interior of this commercial timber frame building.
