Customer case study Klara Byggsystem: “Patents give us an edge in our dialogue with customers, suppliers and investors”
From inspiration to development, business start-up, patent application, and production, things have gone in a flash. Klara Byggsystem did not hesitate to collaborate with Ström & Gulliksson from an early stage. The result? Patent application for their innovative solutions for the construction sector: prefabricated, concrete-free slab-on-grade foundations.
To reduce overall costs and simplify the construction process. Take reliable, safe methods and make them even more rigorous—all while reducing climate impact and increasing sustainability. Klara Byggsystem, with its strong customer promise and patent-protected solutions, is busy revolutionising the sector.
In a sector where off-site construction by specialised subcontractors is on the rise, Klara Byggsystem looks forward to contributing to projects while they are still on the drawing board, in dialogue with contractors and project developers.
– There are significant benefits to factoring in our foundations early on in a project. That’s when all our innovative advantages can be capitalised on to the full—drilling, milling, anchoring—with optimal coordination on the installation of heating and plumbing, for example. This means that much of the work can be shifted off-site to a safe, controlled environment, says Erik Goverde, CEO of the Båstad-based company Klara Byggsystem.
In simple terms, Klara Byggsystem has filed a patent application for its multilayered Precisionsgrund foundations, a unique construction solution. The layers combine cross-laminated timber with traditional, proven solutions for moisture protection, radon protection, and insulation. The layers are processed and assembled in an industrialised process, meaning it is possible to prepare for the installation of electricity, plumbing, and heating with far greater precision.
From idea to development and commercially strong patent
The inspiration for Precisionsgrund foundations came when working on a property development project—they had been looking in vain for a supplier who could meet their requirements. They took the idea forward and soon decided on a venture start-up. Erik Goverde says at the start none of them knew much about the patent process, but they were certain it was worth spending time and resources on protecting their invention and products.
– Both Albin Persson and Ida Moen Larsson have been superb, helping us every step of the way. It was a huge advantage they joined us early in the process, freeing up time for us to focus on the right things, says Erik Goverde, adding that before Ström & Gulliksson came into the picture they had been nervous about complicated legal proceedings.
– But it quickly became clear that both Albin and Ida have considerable technical expertise and a clear grasp of essentials when formulating the technical details. We’ve had invaluable feedback. Our company today is still the four founders, and with our background in property development, technical consulting, and project management we know the importance of complementing one another. I personally find the patent application process fascinating. We had a continuous dialogue about scope and the claims we should make. Just like our company’s new ideas and development, it’s all an ongoing process.
Continued collaboration, greater opportunities
– In dialogue with all our customers, investors, and suppliers we can tell they think our portfolio of patents is one of our strengths. It gives us, as a start-up, real heft, real credibility. It takes time and resources, so by investing in patents we’ve demonstrated our ambition and long-termism, says Erik Goverde, who adds that their collaboration with Ström & Gulliksson is ongoing.
– We’re always coming up with new solutions and thinking about sending fresh ideas over to Ida and Albin. They give excellent feedback, and ours is the sort of collaboration where we can brainstorm ideas and ask them straight out whether we should look at spin-off solutions.
– As a patent consultant, being able to work with a firm like Klara Byggsystem is very exciting, says Ida Moen Larsson, and Albin Persson agrees.
– Throughout our collaboration they have demonstrated their entrepreneurial and innovative spirit, and we’re looking forward to watching their progress.
You can see Klara Byggsystem’s innovations for yourself on YouTube. Look for Klara Byggsystem Modulgrund and Klara Byggsystem Grundsystem.