The idea of building hospitals out of wood arouses both curiosity and scepticism, but the Vinnova-funded project Health in Wood shows that there are great opportunities. In a groundbreaking collaboration between the timber construction and hospital construction sectors, experts have tested the limits of wood as a construction material in healthcare environments. The results challenge old ideas about how the hospitals of the future can be built.
“Almost no one has done this before, but daring to think about wood in a hospital environment opens up completely new possibilities,” says Magnus Falk, project manager at RISE.
Wood offers much more than just sustainability and aesthetic value; it can also change how we build and experience healthcare environments. Through prefabrication, wooden elements can be manufactured elsewhere, quickly assembled on site, and reused, saving both time and resources.
"The low weight of wood makes it possible to build on or expand buildings without extensive foundation work, while improving the working environment thanks to shorter construction times and simpler installations. Imagine wood in entrances, reception areas, or healthcare wards, perhaps combined with concrete or steel. The possibilities are endless," says Kirsi Jarnerö, researcher and project manager at RISE.
It's about breaking old habits. We have to realize that we can't keep doing what we've always done.
Fire is a key aspect
Fire safety is, of course, one of the most discussed issues in timber construction. Fire safety is particularly important in hospitals, as they house activities that include the care of inpatients and functions that are critical to society.
The project shows that current knowledge makes it possible to build safely, even in hospital environments. Beams and columns can be dimensioned to withstand fire, and prefabricated modules can incorporate proven fire solutions. The challenge lies more in “mental regulations” and recommendations regarding non-combustible materials than in the technology itself.
“Many people believe that wood is automatically a risk. But today we have good methods for both calculating and limiting the impact of fire. It's a matter of using the right type of construction, the right dimensions, and smart solutions,” says Alar Just, fire researcher at RISE.
Where wood works, and where it doesn't
Operating rooms, with their sensitive equipment and extremely high vibration requirements, still require hybrid solutions using steel and concrete. But what about intensive care rooms and regular wards? Here, wood can stand on its own – with column-beam frames, stud frames, or cross-laminated timber.
“We see enormous potential in patient rooms and prefabricated modules. It is possible to build quickly, efficiently, and sustainably, while meeting all functional requirements,” says Cristiana Caira, Centrum för vårdens arkitektur (CVA) at Chalmers University of Technology.
One step at a time
“The key conclusions of the project are that the knowledge is there. And that wooden building systems can save both costs and the climate. It’s about breaking old habits. We have to realize that we can’t continue doing what we’ve always done,” says Tomas Alsmarker at Svenskt Trä.
Kirsi Jarnerö concludes:
“We just need to take one step at a time. Don't think of everything in terms of wood, but rather the possibilities of wood in combination with other materials. It's perfect for complex and cramped hospital environments.”
About the project
Health in Wood is a Vinnova-funded project that started in May 2023 and ran for 26 months. The project was coordinated by RISE. Other project participants: CVA – Centrum för vårdens arkitektur, Region Västerbotten Fastighet, Södra, Moelven Modulbyggnad, Moelven Töreboda, Masonite Beams, AFRY, Sitowise Sverige, CF Möller Arkitekter, White Arkitekter, ByggDialog, Svenskt Trä and AcouWood.
>> Read more about the project and download the final report
RISE expertise in timber construction
RISE offers advanced research and technical expertise across the entire chain of modern timber construction, from material selection and design to moisture safety, fire, acoustics, and life cycle analysis. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and advanced testing environments, we support the development of sustainable, efficient, and innovative timber construction solutions for the society of the future.
>> Read more about our expertise in timber construction and feel free to contact us
