Addressing Challenges

“The product was created because facade issues are constant. Cheap materials don’t last long; the warranty ends, and clients are already reporting problems. Clinker is expensive, there aren’t many specialists capable of quality installation, and the work is costly. So, we looked for ways to replace traditional materials to make facades as durable as clinker but with simpler and quicker installation,” says E. Račevskis.

The idea emerged to pour concrete directly onto insulation material, such as polystyrene or mineral wool. However, implementing this idea was not easy.

“Scientists told us we would never achieve concrete adhesion that would work the way we envisioned. But I find such challenges interesting, so I decided to try myself. We conducted experiments for seven years, investing in materials and people,” recounts the CEO of “Koderus.”

Eventually, they developed a concrete mixture composed of seven components, achieving the desired result: the finishing layer adhered firmly and reliably to the insulation material, whether polystyrene or mineral wool.

“We have certified the product in Lithuania, and its resistance properties are no worse than those of clinker. Certification procedures are currently underway in EU countries,” says E. Račevskis.

The company has invested around EUR 2 million in the new facade insulation and finishing system.

Tested in Their Own Projects

Initially, the products were tested in “Rinvest” projects, and to date, around 100 buildings have been clad with “Koderus” panels.

After confirming that the quality of the insulation-finishing panels met expectations, the company started offering them for sale to others in mid-2023.

Currently, the catalog includes panels with 16 standard textures, but unique designs can also be created upon request.

“If ‘Verslo Žinios’ builds its own building, we can produce the entire facade with ‘VŽ’ letters. Or anything else you imagine,” laughs the founder of “Koderus.”

The finishing concrete is poured onto polystyrene or mineral wool panels of any thickness, which are then glued to the facade and additionally secured with several screws. Any solid base is suitable for mounting them.

Light-colored pigments can be added to the finishing concrete, while darker facades would need to be painted.

Račevskis is confident that the product will quickly conquer construction sites.

“My primary business is project development, so I look at this as a user, not a creator. Our facade installation costs about EUR 85 per square meter. A square meter of clinker installation costs about EUR 150, while a ventilated facade costs around EUR 200. The quality and appearance are the same. Even the economical composite with plaster costs only slightly less than our solution,” explains the entrepreneur.

One significant advantage of “Koderus” is that compared to other systems, the facade is installed very quickly, without seasonal constraints, and does not require specialized knowledge or skills.

“Finding skilled facade system masters is difficult; installing them requires experience. These panels can be used by people with minimal construction skills—not builders, but even families who decide to insulate their homes themselves,” says E. Račevskis.

Poland – The First Stop

According to him, “Koderus” panels have already attracted considerable interest in Lithuania, and the company is now exploring foreign markets.

At the end of 2024, the first “Koderus” store opened in Warsaw, and this year, three more stores are planned in other Polish cities.

The entry into the market will cost around EUR 1 million, but due to market similarities with Lithuania, the CEO is confident of success.

“In Poland, as in Lithuania, there is a lot of construction, but there is a lack of highly qualified facade specialists because they work in other countries. A facade that can be installed cheaply, quickly, and easily will be successful. We are already receiving inquiries, even though we will start active advertising only this week,” says E. Račevskis.

Further expansion is planned into Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic.