Engineering construction with wood
Timber and hybrid structures (timber/metal/concrete)
Engineered timber construction is characterised by high technical precision, an industrial approach and a strong focus on sustainability. Although this method offers significant environmental and time-saving advantages, it requires careful design and precise coordination between all specialities due to computer-aided manufacturing and specific performance standards.
Modern timber and hybrid systems allow the construction of large-scale objects – from office and commercial buildings to industrial halls and complex architectural structures.
What is engineered timber construction?
Engineered timber construction uses high-tech products such as CLT, BSH/GLT, LVL, as well as hybrid solutions combining timber with steel and concrete. The elements are manufactured in a factory with high precision, which allows for fast assembly and minimal deviations on the construction site.
In many ways, this approach resembles the Lego principle – the building is assembled from prefabricated elements planned in a digital environment.
Advantages of engineered timber structures:
Sustainability
Wood serves as a long-term store for CO₂ and can be produced in a climate-neutral way. The use of timber as a construction material contributes to a significant reduction in the carbon footprint of the building.
Speed of construction
The high degree of prefabrication of the components significantly reduces the assembly time on the construction site. Construction is cleaner, quieter and less dependent on weather conditions.
Energy efficiency
Wood has natural thermal insulation properties that are up to 20 times better than concrete, which can reduce heating and cooling costs over the life cycle of a building.
Lightweight
The low density of wood is a key advantage in additions and extensions to existing buildings, as the structure can be added without placing excessive stress on the foundations.
Healthy indoor climate
Wood regulates humidity and provides comfortable surface temperatures, contributing to a healthier and more pleasant living and working environment.
Hybrid structures – the optimal balance
Current trends show an increased use of hybrid methods (wood/metal/concrete), in order to optimally combine the advantages of wood with the load-bearing capacity of concrete or steel.
Hybrid structures are particularly effective in:
• long spans and high loads
• buildings with high fire protection requirements
• industrial and logistics sites
• multi-storey buildings and superstructures
Complexity and challenges of engineered timber construction
Higher design requirements
Engineered timber construction requires material-oriented design and computer-aided structural calculations. BIM integration is often used, which makes the process more complex compared to conventional construction.
Building Physics
Special attention is required to:
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Sound insulation
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Moisture protection
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Joint and layer details
Wood is sensitive to water and has a smaller mass for sound insulation, which requires a proper engineering solution.
Fire protection
Wood burns predictably and is structurally stable, but higher construction classes (e.g. class 4 and 5) require special structural measures and precise coordination of all specialities.
Skilled workforce shortage
Digitalisation and industrialisation of processes require highly qualified specialists for the design, production, processing and installation of elements.
Sustainable commercial and industrial construction with wood
Economical solutions with wood
CO₂-neutral commercial construction with wood offers a number of advantages. Wood as a building material stores CO₂ in the long term, creates a healthy and pleasant working environment and can be recycled at the end of its life cycle.
In addition to the environmental benefits, solid wood and engineered wood products provide high load-bearing capacity, elastic behavior and high dimensional accuracy.
Energy-efficient • Durable • Recyclable • High load-bearing capacity • Economical
Why choose a commercial building made of wood?
Today, wood construction is no longer associated with manual work on the construction site, but with fully automated, industrial production of structural elements.
The boundaries of what is possible have shifted significantly upwards in recent years. Continuous ceiling heights of up to almost 20 meters are fully achievable, and large spans and column-free spaces can be realized with BSH/GLT and other engineered materials.
This makes engineered wood construction suitable for both prestigious office buildings and large-scale production and logistics halls.
Advantages of sustainable commercial construction
Integrated planning process
A comprehensive integrated planning process involving all stakeholders from the outset reduces the risk of errors and makes costs more predictable.
Weather-free
Components can be prefabricated in a factory regardless of the weather and on schedule.
Clean, dry and quiet construction
Assembly is fast, without wet processes, with minimal noise and significantly less dust – suitable even for densely populated areas.
High degree of prefabrication
Openings, installations and details can be manufactured in the factory. This allows the building to be weatherproof in a very short time.
Excellent ecological footprint
Almost one ton of CO₂ is bound in every ton of wood. This makes wood one of the most effective materials for reducing the carbon footprint in industrial construction.
Very good thermal insulation
Wood products allow for high energy standards and excellent operational efficiency.
Flexibility in renovations
Commercial buildings often change their function. Wooden structures allow for the adaptation of premises with lower renovation budgets.
Possibility of certification
Energy-efficient wooden buildings can be certified according to standards such as BREEAM, DGNB, LEED or Passivhaus.
More usable space
Wood elements are often thinner than conventional solutions, which provides more area and higher cost-effectiveness.
Better reputation and corporate identity
Wood architecture is a strong sign of sustainability and modern thinking, and can be part of the corporate image of companies.
Reduced disposal costs
Wood building materials are fully recyclable after the end of the building's life cycle.