The demand for industrialised timber construction continues to grow, bringing new expectations for speed, precision, and collaboration. While architects increasingly deliver high-quality BIM models, manufacturers still face the challenge of transforming those designs into production-ready timber structures and CNC data without introducing unnecessary manual work.

This is where an integrated workflow makes all the difference.

In our recent webinar, ArchiFrame CEO Petteri Heskari demonstrated how ArchiFrame extends Archicad into a complete timber engineering and manufacturing platform, allowing users to move from an architectural BIM model to production-ready timber elements and CNC files, all within a single environment.

Why an Integrated Workflow Matters

Traditional timber construction workflows often require multiple software packages, repeated data transfers, and manual remodelling before production can begin. Every additional step increases the possibility of errors, duplicated work, and coordination issues.

ArchiFrame removes these barriers by allowing architects, engineers, and manufacturers to work on the same Archicad model. Instead of recreating structural information in separate applications, the structural timber model is built directly on top of the architectural design while preserving the BIM workflow.

The result is a smoother transition from design to manufacturing, with fewer opportunities for mistakes and greater confidence that production data matches the original design.

One Platform, Multiple Construction Methods

The webinar began by showcasing several real-world customer projects that demonstrate the flexibility of the workflow.

The first example featured a CLT kindergarten project, where complete CLT elements are transferred directly to manufacturing using IFC models. Other customer examples highlighted timber frame construction, precut production, and fully automated modular manufacturing, illustrating that the same digital workflow can support a wide variety of production methods.

One particularly impressive example came from Space Factory in South Korea, where automated Weinmann production lines manufacture timber modules using production data generated from ArchiFrame. The factory automates framing, boarding, cutting, and assembly while maintaining close integration with the BIM model throughout the process.

From Architectural Design to Structural Timber Model

The main demonstration focused on converting an existing architectural house model into a complete timber structure.

Using ArchiFrame’s Element Tool, Petteri created structural placeholders directly from the architectural wall. Rather than simply copying architectural geometry, the structural model introduces engineering-specific information such as:

• framing heights
• structural offsets
• wall IDs
• corner definitions
• construction layer relationships

These parameters allow the structural engineer to define how the building should actually be manufactured, while remaining connected to the original BIM model.

Once these settings are complete, ArchiFrame automatically generates the timber framing, insulation cavities, air gaps, cladding layers, and internal service battens in just a few clicks.

Automation Does the Heavy Lifting

One of the strongest themes throughout the webinar was automation.

Instead of manually placing every stud and board, ArchiFrame applies predefined rules to generate framing according to company standards. Designers still retain complete control over the model and can modify any component whenever required.

After the automatic framing is created, users can continue refining the design by adding beams, lintels, support members, custom framing, or modifying individual components with ArchiFrame’s timber editing tools.

This balance between automation and manual flexibility allows companies to standardize repetitive work without limiting custom projects.

Production Documentation Without Rework

Once the timber structure is complete, ArchiFrame automatically produces the documentation required for manufacturing.

During the webinar, the generated documentation included:

• framing elevations
• dimensional drawings
• stud layouts
• insulation drawings
• cladding documentation
• cutting lists
• material schedules
• element weights

Because every drawing is generated directly from the BIM model, changes made to the design can be reflected throughout the documentation without recreating drawings manually.

This significantly reduces the amount of repetitive drafting required before production.

Preparing Timber Elements for CNC Production

The final stage of the workflow focuses on manufacturing.

After adding nail patterns, saw cuts, milling operations, and framing station information, ArchiFrame exports production-ready CNC files with a single command. The webinar demonstrated support for several common manufacturing formats used by timber machinery and framing stations, including BTL, Hundegger, Weinmann, Randek, Salvador, and other CNC workflows.

The exported files can then be reviewed in CNC viewers before being sent directly to production, providing manufacturers with confidence that the generated data accurately reflects the design model.

For manufacturers using automated framing stations, ArchiFrame also generates nail locations, panel segmentation, saw cuts, and opening modules to streamline downstream production.

Built for Real Manufacturing

One aspect that stood out throughout the webinar was the practical focus on real factory workflows.

Rather than demonstrating isolated software features, each example reflected actual customer production environments—from Finnish timber manufacturers and Norwegian prefabrication companies to highly automated modular factories in South Korea.

Questions from attendees also highlighted common production requirements, including:

• working with Archicad Hotlinks
• converting Archicad beams into ArchiFrame structural members
• attaching floor joists to timber elements
• integrating MEP models through IFC
• managing steel connectors
• preparing files for various CNC machines

These discussions reinforced that ArchiFrame is designed not only for modelling timber buildings, but for supporting the complete manufacturing process.

Learning Beyond the Webinar

The session concluded by highlighting the resources available for new users, including a free trial, tutorial videos, weekly support sessions, and BIMx models that allow users to explore complete projects in both 2D and 3D. These resources help new customers become productive more quickly while providing ongoing support as projects become more advanced.

Bringing Design and Manufacturing Together

As timber construction continues to evolve, manufacturers need digital workflows that eliminate unnecessary handoffs between design and production.

By extending Archicad with structural modelling, automated documentation, and CNC-ready manufacturing outputs, ArchiFrame provides a single BIM workflow that supports architects, structural engineers, and timber manufacturers from concept through fabrication.

Whether your company produces timber frame houses, CLT buildings, modular construction, or industrialized prefabricated elements, integrating design and production within one platform can reduce manual work, improve accuracy, and accelerate delivery.

Watch the full webinar below to see the complete workflow in action, from architectural BIM model to production-ready timber elements and CNC manufacturing.