European Project TIMBERHAUS Aims to Revolutionize Timber Construction for a Greener Future

European Project TIMBERHAUS Aims to Revolutionize Timber Construction for a Greener Future

(IN BRIEF) The TIMBERHAUS project, a European research initiative launched in Copenhagen, aims to promote sustainable timber construction to reduce the carbon footprint of the building industry. Co-funded by the EU and Switzerland’s SERI, the four-year project involves 19 partners from 10 countries. TIMBERHAUS focuses on using underutilized hardwood species and post-consumer wood to develop innovative construction materials and designs that meet building standards while supporting the circular economy. In alignment with the New European Bauhaus initiative, it integrates sustainability with aesthetic and social values, designing healthier and culturally rich living spaces. Prototypes and co-created designs in cities like Berlin, Baia Mare, and Siena will demonstrate the potential of timber solutions to advance climate goals and transform the construction sector.

(PRESS RELEASE) DÜBENDORF, 26-Nov-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — A new European research initiative, TIMBERHAUS, was officially launched in Copenhagen this November, bringing together 19 partners from 10 countries to promote timber construction as a key strategy for reducing carbon emissions in the building industry. Co-funded by the European Union and the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research, and Innovation (SERI), the four-year project will explore innovative uses of under-utilized hardwood species and post-consumer wood to develop sustainable, high-performance construction materials and designs.

Addressing a Carbon-Intensive Industry

The construction sector contributes to 40% of global CO2 emissions, consumes half of all extracted materials, and generates 35% of global waste. Despite wood’s significant climate and carbon sequestration benefits, its adoption in construction remains limited. TIMBERHAUS aims to change this by creating advanced timber technologies and design solutions that enable more efficient use of forest resources while supporting circular economy principles.

“Currently, European forests are underutilized for construction. While hardwood species account for 50% of European forests, they represent less than 5% of commercial wood products used in construction,” explained Anders Kjellow, project coordinator from the Danish Technological Institute (DTI). “TIMBERHAUS addresses this inefficiency to promote sustainable wood usage in building projects.”

Prototypes to Showcase Potential

Empa, one of the project’s key partners, will leverage machine learning and artificial intelligence to create prototypes that demonstrate the capabilities of under-used wood resources. These include engineered wood products designed for load-bearing structures in multi-story buildings and flooring solutions made from hardwood and recycled wood.

“These prototypes will exemplify how diverse wood resources can be effectively utilized to meet current building standards while advancing climate goals,” noted Mark Schubert, an Empa scientist. “Our mission is to provide the construction sector with innovative, sustainable products that align with the principles of the circular economy.”

Sustainability Meets Aesthetic and Social Innovation

TIMBERHAUS aligns with the New European Bauhaus initiative by combining sustainability with aesthetic and social values. The project will develop architectural blueprints that prioritize human health and well-being while incorporating local cultural traditions and design elements.

To ensure relevance and adaptability, the designs will be co-created with stakeholders from Berlin (Germany), Baia Mare (Romania), and Siena (Italy). These cities will serve as pilot locations for implementing culturally sensitive and environmentally sustainable timber construction solutions.

“Our vision goes beyond using wood as a sustainable material,” said Kirsten Haggart, of Waugh Thistleton Architects, a London-based firm specializing in engineered timber buildings. “We’re designing spaces that not only reduce carbon emissions but also foster healthier, more comfortable, and culturally meaningful environments for people to live and work in.”

A Collaborative Push for Timber Construction

Through a combination of technological innovation, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable design, TIMBERHAUS seeks to establish timber as a cornerstone of Europe’s construction future. By addressing inefficiencies and promoting the widespread adoption of timber, the project aims to help the building sector make a meaningful contribution to Europe’s climate goals and transform how buildings are designed and constructed.

For more information about TIMBERHAUS and its progress, visit the official project website.

Media Contacts:

Dr. Mark Schubert
Cellulose & Wood Materials
Phone +41 58 765 76 24
mark.schubert@empa.ch

Manuel Martin
Communications
Phone +41 58 765 44 54
redaktion@empa.ch

SOURCE: EMPA