The family-owned company Arkos Home, based in Insjön, is a dynamic business focused on timber. They produce everything from prefabricated construction components to complete houses for both export and the Swedish market. The Posi-Joist flooring system has become an essential and widely used component in Arkos Home’s building projects.
Arkos Home has collaborated with MiTek on its construction projects for over a decade, utilising both spiked plates and the Posi-Joist flooring system.
“We recognized the potential of Posi-Joist early on, having seen how widely it was already used in the UK and the US. We wanted to help bring the technology to Sweden, which led to a successful partnership with MiTek,” explains Stefan Arnesson, who runs the company alongside his parents.
Streamlined installation with Posi-Joist
The lightweight and flexible design of Posi-Joist has revolutionized operations, enabling faster installations and accommodating longer spans. Stefan highlights how cassettes containing Posi-Joist can be prefabricated in the factory, complete with integrated systems such as electrical wiring and ventilation.
“This efficiency reduces on-site labor requirements and significantly shortens construction timelines,” he explains.
Focus on unique projects
Stefan emphasizes several standout projects, including a heritage-listed locomotive shed. “We created a custom inner roof structure to conceal a steel frame, with each beam being unique. Initially, solid wood was planned, but Posi-Joist offered a lighter and quicker solution,” he says.
Another major project was a hybrid construction in Switzerland. “We combined wood and concrete in a solution that had never been tested before, yielding fantastic results,” Stefan shares.
A similar hybrid technique was used in collaboration with Linnaeus University, where wood, steel, and concrete were combined to enable long spans, reduce material use, and maintain both flexibility and strength.
Sustainability in focus
Stefan underscores the environmental advantages of wood over traditional materials like concrete.
“Our goal is to minimize the use of concrete and prioritize sustainable timber alternatives to reduce carbon footprints. Wood sequesters CO₂ both in the forest and throughout the building’s lifespan,” he explains.
A bright future ahead
Stefan is optimistic about continued growth despite market challenges. The company has several exciting projects in the pipeline, including ventures in South Korea.
“Our exports to Korea often involve delivering complete housing solutions, including furniture and interiors. Koreans are very open to new technology, which is inspiring,” he says.
The drive to innovate
Working in a rapidly evolving construction sector keeps Stefan motivated.
“We always strive to innovate and stay at the forefront with new techniques and solutions,” he concludes.