The Ministry of Development and Technology has introduced new regulations for the wider use of wood in construction, and work is underway on further solutions, allowing the use of other types of wood. We talk about these changes with architect Maciej Zuber, president of SARP Bielsko-Biala Branch and owner of Archas Design studio.
Józef Stachów: Every now and then we hear about the realization of new building projects in which the structures are made of wood, including durable CLT (Cross Laminated Timber). Is there a new one coming?
Maciej Zuber: It definitely is. And I will say more - this is only the right direction in thinking about the future of our construction industry. An amendment to the regulation of the Minister of Development and Technology last year on the technical conditions to which buildings should conform has already allowed the use of cross-laminated timber, not only CLT, as structural linear elements in the construction of low-rise buildings, that is, up to four stories and 12 meters high.
The condition for the use of wood in this case is a minimum cross-sectional dimension of beams and columns of at least 14 cm and a fire resistance class not lower than R30.
The new regulations also made it possible to make laminated timber roof structures not only in low-rise buildings, but also over swimming pools, sports halls, performance halls, and safe fire separation elements, as well as staircases.
What's more, the Ministry of Development and Technology has just announced an extension allowing the use of other types of wood, not only glued laminated, but also solid. However, we still have to wait a while for the details of these solutions. Certainly, the introduction of the proposed regulations will be another step contributing to the growing importance of wood as a construction material of the future.
Jozef Stachow: Why should investors opt for greater use of wood? What benefits will they have from this?
Maciej Zuber: Interest is already beginning to grow, as the European Union directive requiring the calculation of the carbon footprint of buildings is about to come into force. From 2027, this obligation will apply to new buildings over 2,000 sq. m, and from 2030 to all newly designed buildings.
Failure to comply with these obligations could incur costs associated with a high carbon footprint - determining greenhouse gas emissions during the manufacture of building materials, construction and operation of buildings, among other things.
The introduction of mandatory certificates is part of a broader trend to decarbonize construction and move toward a zero carbon footprint for buildings by 2050. Let's remember that cement and steel are among the most carbon-intensive materials, so alternatives precisely such as wood or modular construction, the use of recycled material, or the use of low-carbon concrete are becoming increasingly popular.
And this means that every designer, investor and contractor will have to take into account the environmental impact of the building - from the concept stage to the choice of materials and construction technology. What does this mean for us architects? Our task will be to design buildings not only aesthetically pleasing and functional, but also with materials and technologies that minimize their impact on the climate. For the benefit of the environment, society and investors.
Józef Stachów: Do investors interested in designing buildings with greater use of wooden elements also approach your studio?
Maciej Zuber: Yes, at the moment we are working on a project for a single-family housing estate using CLT technology for the Vatra Group company in Podbeskidzie. The project envisages the construction of 15 semi-detached and terraced buildings. We have also completed several large foreign projects for MOD21, a company that specializes in modular construction. We are also in talks to build a timber-frame hotel with CLT elements and timber-frame housing developments in Cyprus and Malta.
