Wood as the solution for the construction industry

Wooden modular construction, also known as timber frame construction or prefabricated wood construction, has been gaining momentum in recent years due to its sustainability, affordability, and speed of construction. I see four trends that will impact the construction industry and finally change the record low industry added value.

1. Mass timber construction: One of the biggest trends in wooden modular construction is the use of mass timber products such as cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glulam beams. These products are made from layers of wood that are glued and pressed together, creating a strong and stable material that can be used in place of concrete or steel. Mass timber construction allows for the construction of tall buildings using wood, and several mass timber buildings have been built in recent years, including the Treet residential building in Bergen, Norway, and the Brock Commons student housing at the University of British Columbia.
2. Off-site prefabrication: Another trend in wooden modular construction is the use of off-site prefabrication, where components of the building are manufactured in a factory and then transported to the construction site for assembly. This approach allows for faster construction times and improved quality control, as the prefabricated components can be built to a higher level of precision than if they were built on-site.
3. Sustainable sourcing: As concerns about the environmental impact of building materials continue to grow, there has been an increased focus on using wood that has been sustainably sourced. This includes using wood from forests that are managed in a way that ensures the long-term health of the ecosystem, as well as using wood from recycled or reclaimed sources.
4. Advanced wood products: In addition to traditional wood products, there are also a number of advanced wood products that are being used in wooden modular construction. These include wood-plastic composites, which are made from a mixture of wood fibers and plastic, and structural insulated panels (SIPs), which are made from a foam core that is sandwiched between two layers of wood. These products offer improved performance and durability, making them an attractive option for use in modular construction.

Overall, the trends in wooden modular construction point towards a more sustainable, efficient, and high-performing building method. As these trends continue to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative and exciting developments in the field that are about to revamp the construction industry.