Official site Clt Greece Benefits of Mass Timber Construction: Cost-Effectiveness, Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

Cost Competitive

Jobsite efficiency. Half the number of workers is typically needed for mass timber installation compared to concrete construction. With a substantially smaller workforce required, mass timber construction proves to be more economical.
Significantly reduced contribution to IKA stamps (50% reduced)
Non-counting in the square footage of the perimeter as wood is a natural, recyclable and primary material. Saving up to 10% of living space.
Lower foundation costs due to the smaller loads that burden it. Wood’s light weight helps building designers reduce foundation requirements, which saves us time, money, and reduced carbon footprint by using less concrete.
Simplicity of Execution and speed of Assembly. Unlike complex techniques of concrete with bricks, CLT’s assembly process is straightforward and simple. Modular components allow for rapid installation, minimizing labor requirements and speeding up project completion. Precision in construction reduces errors and delays, ensuring cost-effectiveness. Less construction time, less money spent.
More accurate estimation of overall budget. When building with prefabricated wood, it is more manageable to accurately estimate the overall price of a building.
With inherent thermal insulation properties, CLT can also cut long-term energy expenses. By reducing heat transfer, wood insulation helps to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling thereby lowering energy costs.

High Degree of Seismic Resistance

CLT structures combine a good strength-to-weight ratio and natural elasticity delivering high degree of seismic resistance. Studies have shown that mass timber structures perform better under seismic loading, exhibit less damage and better recovery than traditional building materials such as concrete and steel. For that reason, It is the most ideal solution for adding an extra floor to an existing building.

Energy Efficient

Softwood has about 10 times the thermal insulating ability of concrete and masonry, and 400 times that of solid steel. The magic lies deep within the cellular structure of timber that naturally insulates against both hot and cold. And when used in conjunction with standard insulating materials, you and your new home are set to benefit from the natural thermal efficiency for many years to come. Additionally, prefabrication of wood buildings in factory can further improve thermal performance by delivering a precise fit that is tested and airtight. With CLT wood buildings are meeting and exceeding the requirements of new energy programs, such as Passive House.

Sustainability and Environmental Protection

Wood stores huge amounts of carbon. Trees absorb carbon from the atmosphere where it remains stored, even when the wood is cut and used in any way.

As the Earth gets progressively warmer and more tightly populated, the urgency to adopt sustainable construction materials has become vital. That’s where mass timber (the construction alternative that’s thriving worldwide), penetrates.

Design flexibility

Design community has enthusiastically embraced mass timber for its ability to create beautiful, functional spaces, and to meet the rising demand for buildings that can be constructed and operated more sustainably. Last minute plan changes can be easily made onsite by carpenters, while the installation of plumbing and electric cables is quick and simple. Wood is valued for its beauty, strength, flexibility and practicality. It can be cut, carved, planed, milled, bent, joined, glued, nailed, laminated, spliced and more.

Biophillic design

The warm and inviting atmosphere created by exposed wooden walls and ceilings aligns perfectly with biophilic design principles, fostering a sense of connection to nature within our living environment. Being in a space with wood delivers psychological benefits as stress reduction due to perception of warmth, and connection to living things.

Building on difficult sites.

Mass timber can be assembled by fewer workers in tight and more difficult to reach locations. Since CLT panels are prefabricated and assembled to size off-site, it is ideal for challenging locations whether it’s a steep slope, a small island, rocky mountains or compressed residential areas.

Silent Assembly

Mass timber offers a cleaner and noiseless construction procedure. As cities continue to grow exponentially, modular wood building systems can be easily assembled like Lego. This approach results in less noise and disruption in urban areas, making mass timber a practical choice for modern construction.