Renaissance of wooden buildings: further development supported by the Timber Working Group
Wood as a building material has experienced a significant boom in recent years. However, several myths persist that hinder progress in this segment of sustainable construction. Additionally, legislation is often slow to adapt; for instance, increasing the share of wood in public procurement would represent a radical shift for the entire sector. The Timber Working Group within the Czech Green Building Council (CZGBC) aims to support and promote the construction of timber buildings in the Czech Republic.
Thanks to modern technologies and innovative materials, wooden buildings now serve as a viable alternative to brick houses, even for multi-storey and large-scale projects. Nonetheless, the potential of wooden construction in the Czech Republic remains largely untapped, with wooden buildings representing approximately 14% of family house constructions and less than 1% of apartment buildings.
Experts agree on the need for support
The Timber Working Group has defined clear priorities for this year, focusing on promoting legislative changes, supporting the construction of quality timber buildings, removing barriers, raising public awareness, enhancing the qualifications of professionals, and sharing examples of best practices. A crucial aspect of their efforts will also be to increase the share of timber in public procurement.
In the initial months of its existence, the group conducted a comprehensive analysis of the current state of the timber sector in the Czech market. This analysis aimed not only to map the present situation clearly but also to serve as a foundation for future activities. This year, the working group also plans to participate in trade fairs and seminars, creating spaces for knowledge exchange and showcasing the latest developments in wooden construction.
The biggest barrier is the lack of information
To make information about timber buildings accessible to the general public, the group intends to develop an interactive web platform. This resource will aggregate all available information for both laypeople and experts, including a section dedicated to debunking myths about wooden buildings. Several misconceptions remain deeply ingrained in society. Here are some of the most widespread:
Myth: Wooden buildings are not sufficiently resistant to fire. In fact, Wooden buildings can achieve excellent fire resistance, especially when utilizing so-called sandwich structures. The overall fire resistance is determined by the contribution of individual layers within the structure. The wooden load-bearing elements maintain their mechanical strength even in a fire. If all technological and construction principles are adhered to, a wooden building can be as safe and durable as any other type of construction.
Myth: Wooden buildings do not last long and begin to deteriorate after a few decades. This assumption is easily disproven by historical examples, such as centuries-old timber houses that remain standing today. If modern timber buildings are well designed and maintained, they can have a lifespan comparable to that of brick houses.
Myth: Wooden buildings have worse acoustic properties than brick houses, making their interiors noisier. With appropriate design and the use of suitable materials—such as impact insulation in floors, plasterboard ceilings, and curtain walls—high levels of sound insulation can be achieved. A well-constructed composition of walls and floors with adequate soundproofing ensures acoustic comfort comparable to traditional buildings.
Myth: Wooden buildings are susceptible to pest infestation and rot. This is a misconception, because in modern timber buildings, wooden elements are treated with chemical and physical agents that provide long-term protection against pests. If proper construction procedures and maintenance are followed, a timber building can withstand negative influences just as well as brick buildings.
Despite the persistent myths, it is evident that timber buildings are not only environmentally friendly but also represent a technologically advanced solution for construction projects. They offer a high-quality indoor environment, rapid construction, and design flexibility. Given the advantages of timber buildings, it is likely that their significance in the construction industry will continue to grow in the future.
CZGBC.org
Photo: CZGBC Archive
