Building materials make up a significant share of greenhouse gas emissions during a building’s life cycle, and their relative importance increases as the energy efficiency of buildings improves.
The requirements for low-carbon and recyclable construction products have boosted the development of new wooden structures. As a renewable raw material, wood has become one of the materials with the most potential in the world. Wood is a versatile building material: it is simultaneously a load-bearing structure, heat insulator, vapour and air barrier, as well as a moisture balancer. It also has naturally antibacterial internal and external surfaces. In addition, the production of wood products produces energy. Carbon dioxide bound by wood is stored by wooden structures for the entire lifetime of the building.
Of all massive wood materials that are suitable for the quick construction of apartment blocks and other large locations, Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) has quickly become a common construction material. CLT is used to manufacture installation-ready large, accurate panels and their details. In order to make housing production as efficient as possible, CLT panels are generally assembled and equipped as completely finished building block modules. The use of CLT panels, which are easy to handle on site, has quickly become more common even though the complete execution process, from designing to finishing the building, needs new suitable methods.
As a result of wood construction, construction is moving from construction sites to factories, with the exception of the installation of elements. A high grade of prefabrication creates various benefits: faster and more efficient construction; reduced need for site-specific storage; improved quality control; improved cost efficiency; more focus on occupational safety; more efficient supply chain management; and reduced significance of seasons. Industrial construction also has a positive impact on the development of productivity in the construction sector, which has not risen since the 1970s. In addition, indoor moisture issues can be minimised by building and installing the elements under weather guards.
Cross-laminating has quickly reached a foothold in the production of logs as well. The method enables the production of non-settling logs, which facilitates construction and produces cost-savings. It is possible to combine different materials with non-settling logs without leaving margins for settling. There is also no need for adjustment and maintenance measures, which are typical for traditional log buildings.
The market share of industrial logs in the construction of detached houses increased from 11% in 2010 to 27% in 2020. The growth seems to be accelerating.
Tytti Ahoranta
Project Manager, Circular Economy Solutions for the Built Environment
p. +358 40 504 2257
