The Timber Construction Revolution: Why Wood is the Future of Finishing

Let's discuss wood, because wood is rapidly gaining ground in the construction industry. In the search for the ultimate solution to the housing shortage, we often look to prefabricated and modular construction . But traditional materials also deserve a critical look. Can they be made more efficient and sustainable? The answer is yes: the Netherlands is on the cusp of a timber construction revolution.

Maximum sustainability and biobased construction

Wood as a building material is, of course, centuries old, but over the past two centuries it has been supplanted by concrete and brick. Today, however, we are painfully aware of the environmental impact of these industries; the production of concrete and cement emits up to ten times more CO2 than that of wood. By replacing concrete with wood, we drastically reduce the ecological footprint of the construction sector. Biobased is back.

Light weight, high speed

One of the biggest advantages of wood is its weight; it weighs only one-fifth as much as concrete. This makes transport cheaper and installation easier, without the need for heavy machinery. Moreover, timber construction is incredibly fast. A wooden house or an additional floor on an existing building can be built within a few weeks. This speed is crucial for effectively addressing the housing shortage.

A smart investment in the future

Although the cost of wood is currently slightly higher than that of concrete, the market is changing rapidly. Due to increasing CO2 levies on energy-intensive materials like brick, wood is becoming relatively more attractive. Scaling up timber construction will lead to economies of scale that further reduce the price per home. Wood is therefore becoming an increasingly prominent feature of the Dutch streetscape.

Wood in finishing: The Flex Nature

We're also seeing this transition in interiors and finishes. Wood is not only sustainable and fast, but also a true aesthetic enhancement. Our Flex Nature is the perfect example. This unique system wall utilizes custom-made wooden profiles. The result is a natural, warm look that can be fully customized to your own taste.

Curious about the results? Check out our project at K+V and discover the power of wooden partition walls.