Research Sustainable Building with Solid Wood | Innovative Architecture | UC Architects

Sustainable Building with Solid Wood: The Future of Architecture

Syntrus Achmea Real Estate has commissioned Urban Climate Architects to research building with solid wood as a sustainable alternative to traditional construction methods with concrete and steel. This research aims to develop an environmentally friendly investment product that contributes to CO₂ reduction while shaping the future of architecture.

What is Solid Wood?

Solid wood, such as Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) and Glued Laminated Timber (Glulam), offers an innovative alternative to traditional building materials. Bonding wood in multiple layers creates strong, durable and flexible building materials that not only contribute to the structural integrity of buildings, but also play an important role in sustainable construction and CO₂ reduction.

Overview and Comparison of Timber Construction and Traditional Construction Methods

This study provides a detailed overview of the advantages and challenges of building with solid wood compared to traditional building materials such as concrete and steel. Attention is paid to the following aspects:

Design processes

Timber construction requires specific design approaches that take into account the flexibility and limitations of wooden elements. Architects must take into account the properties of wood, such as its tendency to shrink and expand due to humidity and temperature. This requires specialized design techniques that ensure structural stability.

On-site construction practices

The construction site practices for solid wood structures differ significantly from those for concrete and steel, especially with regard to assembly and logistics. Wood is lighter than concrete and steel, making it easier to use in urban areas with limited access. In addition, solid wood elements can often be assembled on site more quickly, which reduces overall construction time.

Team composition

Timber construction teams often require different skills and expertise than those for traditional concrete or steel structures. Working with solid wood requires knowledge of the specific properties of wood and the techniques for processing and mounting it. This requires well-trained professionals with experience in modern timber construction.

Technical Considerations

Solid wood construction has specific technical requirements, such as fire safety, sound insulation and structural stability. Although wood is a natural material, it offers excellent fire safety performance when properly applied. However, it is important to choose the right treatment process and finish to ensure technical requirements.

Impact on Costs, Time and Environment

Although the initial costs for timber construction can sometimes be higher, the benefits in terms of shorter construction times and lower environmental costs often offset this. Wood is not only a renewable material, but it also acts as a carbon storage. This means that it absorbs and stores CO₂ over the lifetime of a building, contributing to CO₂ reduction and helps to reduce the environmental footprint of the construction sector. Solid wood is therefore an attractive choice for construction projects that attach great importance to sustainability and environmental friendliness.

Focus types: CLT and Glulam

This research focuses on the most commonly used types of solid wood in modern architecture: Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) and Glued Laminated Timber (Glulam). Both materials offer strong structural properties and flexibility in design. CLT is often used for walls, floors and roofs, while Glulam is an excellent choice for supporting structures such as beams and columns. Both materials are praised for their sustainability, environmental friendliness and structural stability.

The Future of Sustainable Construction

This research shows that building with solid wood not only contributes to a more sustainable building practice, but is also a viable option for investors looking for innovative and ecologically responsible investment products. Solid wood has the potential to play a larger role in the future of architecture, where sustainability and co2 reduction are becoming increasingly important in the choices of both developers and end users.