Tall Timber Buildings - concept studies

In recent decades, sustainability issues have become increasingly important in the construction industry. After reducing energy use in completed buildings through improved installations and building envelopes, attention has shifted toward material choices and energy consumption during the construction phase, where wood has proven to be a favorable alternative in several studies. Combined with growing urbanization, this has led to increased interest in tall timber buildings (20+ stories).

The project was carried out as a concept study of a building with more than 20 stories, analyzing and dimensioning different construction systems such as glulam beam-column systems, cross-laminated timber panels, and lightweight timber beams. The work addressed key areas such as fire safety, life cycle assessment (LCA), structural calculations for static and dynamic loads, and the development of new calculation models for serviceability limit state deformations. These models have been implemented in a form usable by practicing engineers.

Through practical design work, joint design meetings, and knowledge exchange among stakeholders, the project resulted in:

• Enhanced knowledge among participating actors on issues related to tall timber buildings
• More architects and structural engineers with experience in designing tall timber structures
• Informational material describing the possibilities of different building systems
• Improved calculation models for vertical and horizontal deformations and dynamic properties
• Calculation tools for structural engineers working with tall timber buildings
• Development of existing timber building systems for multi-story construction
• Documented environmental performance of tall timber buildings

The results provide a strong foundation for future projects and contribute to making tall timber buildings a competitive and sustainable alternative in ongoing urban development.