Timber construction is constantly developing. Because it combines ecological and economic advantages with quality of life.

More and more wooden houses are being built. This is not a fad, but a trend that is not about to stop. This is because timber construction - regardless of the technology used - offers many ecological and economic advantages. Because it is part of the undeniable awareness of the absolute necessity of sustainable development. Because, as a North American Indian proverb says, the earth does not belong to us, it belongs to our children, who lend it to us.

It is useful to remember that wood construction, apart from its technological aspects, is of course nothing new. Today, the choice of this material is certainly the result of another approach. It is the result of a thoughtful approach to respecting the environment, and is linked to a search for well-being and the (re)awakening of the senses. For one thing is already clear: everyone who has had the opportunity to discover life in a wooden house (we are not talking about basic "chalets" or the like) is seduced by the atmosphere and the feeling that emanates from it. Moreover, architectural creativity can be expressed just as much as in traditional construction.

AtHome will not dwell here on the various wood construction techniques but will limit itself to mentioning them for the record. The choice of this or that technique depends on many factors, both budgetary and practical, and for this reason we can only refer you to your architect and to the various specialists in this construction method, which, moreover, is evolving very rapidly.
If you decide to opt for timber construction, you will have the choice between the timber frame house (the most commonly used method because of its various advantages), the post and beam construction (the most "basic"), the solid wood panel house with its possible derivative, which is stacked solid wood, and timber masonry. It should be noted that most of these options allow access to prefabricated housing. Which also has nothing to do with the prefab of the past and its sad reputation. Nowadays, prefab is of the highest quality and uses the latest technology. However, the ideal is to make sure that the wood used is 'organic' and has not been treated with various chemicals that need no further demonstration of how dangerous they can be to health. And make sure that it is PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes) certified, which guarantees that the wood comes from sustainably managed forests.

Immediate and long term savings

Opting for timber construction will allow you to save money from the moment you build and, above all, throughout your life thanks to the insulating properties of wood combined with the use of renewable energy.

On the construction side, prefabrication considerably reduces the construction time (usually between 6 and 7 months) and, in addition, only light foundations are usually required, which reduces costs.

But it is obviously above all the insulating capacity of wood - three times greater than that of brick - and its natural regulation of hygrometry that will allow clear savings (which will certainly compensate for the still somewhat higher cost of this type of construction). Specialists estimate the maximum extra cost of insulation to be about 12% of the cost of construction. However, they also agree that the insulating qualities of wood and the multi-layered structure of a timber frame wall make it possible to achieve lower loads of over 50%. This is due to both the insulating qualities of wood and, in the case of timber-frame houses, the multi-layer structure. This structure also makes it possible to create thinner walls and thus to reduce the living space.
Ideally, you should choose natural insulation materials, which require much less energy to produce.

And it is obvious that this individual choice also has economic consequences for society as a whole through the reduction of fossil fuels consumed, the development of a regional industry, etc.

Environmental gains

The ecological gains also apply to the building owner and to society as a whole. They also occur at the construction site and throughout the life of the building.

This is true from the construction site onwards, as it requires less implementation and therefore contributes to reducing CO2 emissions, of which we know that the construction sector is a major producer. Similarly, the use of regionally sourced and certified timber reduces the production of greenhouse gases by reducing the transport chain. And, no less importantly, it contributes to the protection of exotic wood forests, while at the same time promoting the sustainable use of forests in our country, which themselves absorb unprecedented amounts of carbon dioxide, thereby protecting our environment.

In addition, wood fixes carbon dioxide at a rate of one tonne per 1 m3 of wood used.

As already mentioned, "organic" wood provides the inhabitants with a healthy environment and thus reduces the overall use of polluting chemicals. Once again, this is a personal and collective benefit.

Not to mention the use of solar energy, the reuse of rainwater, etc., but this is not at all specific to timber construction.

Durable and fire resistant

The timber construction sector is still very often confronted with questions from interested parties about the durability and fire resistance of a timber house. These are legitimate questions, but any concerns can be put to rest.

It is worth remembering that the great strength of wood has made it the material used for centuries for carpentry in particular.

There is no greater risk of fire. Wood burns slowly, which gives it plenty of time to react before the structure of the building itself is (eventually) affected.

When it comes to durability, timber construction requires no more or less maintenance than any other type of construction, while fungicide and insecticide (bio) treatments, applied before installation and once and for all, guarantee perfect longevity. What's more, various types of wood - including those from our regions - are naturally resistant to insects and fungi.
In order to avoid the problem of water vapour through the walls and for more humid rooms, many timber constructions are equipped with a ventilation system which, in addition to protecting the material, also ensures a healthy atmosphere.

It should also be noted that exterior wood, if this option is applied, left in its natural state will age to a silvery-grey colour but can also be painted.

Finally, it is important to dispel the preconceived notion that wood does not allow for architectural creativity or harmony with its surroundings. In fact, the opposite is true, as all wooden constructions, from the most traditional to the most futuristic, prove. This creativity is even enhanced by the variety of wood and all its derived materials.