Timber on Top – circular biobased construction

Aim and objectivs

The main goal of the project was to facilitate the process of adding extensions with lightweight bio-based systems. This was achieved by developing, testing, and analyzing process support, business models, and technical solutions that integrate the three sustainability criteria—social, economic, and ecological—for various stakeholders involved in extension projects with bio-based systems.

The project has contributed to:

• Increased knowledge of the extension process among participating stakeholders.
• New and expanded collaboration across the entire value chain.
• Compilation and documentation of Best Practice in a guide, to disseminate results and knowledge to additional stakeholders.

Implementation and Structure

The project was organized into ten work packages covering the entire construction value chain: from planning and programming to design, construction, and management. The aspects of social, ecological, and economic sustainability were integrated into all work packages.

• Social sustainability was particularly addressed in work packages related to planning and programming, focusing on process support for zoning and building permits, cultural values, citizen dialogue, and architecture.
• Ecological (technical) sustainability was mainly addressed in the programming, design, and construction phases, with a focus on developing digital twins (BIM), generic solutions for installation layers, and process support for LCA calculations.
• Economic sustainability permeated the entire process, with particular focus on risk management, business models, and collaborative agreements with circularity in focus.

Results and Impact

The project has led to increased collaboration and understanding among stakeholders such as municipalities, property owners, architects, engineers, contractors, and building system suppliers. Through active participation in several construction projects, the project has created a foundation for a Best Practice guide that now facilitates similar projects in the future.

A central part of the project’s results is summarized in the report "Ten Points for Timber on Top," which presents ten key arguments for timber extensions:

1. Cost savings – by utilizing existing structures and minimizing the need for new infrastructure investments.
2. Minimizing climate impact – timber extensions create carbon sinks and reduce emissions.
3. Challenging the demolition culture – develop and upgrade instead of demolishing.
4. Saving land – preserving green spaces and the city’s social environments.
5. Utilizing existing infrastructure – enhancing urban spaces and improving quality of life.
6. Developing the city – creating more housing and workplaces in central locations.
7. Creating social bridges – enabling generational change and social sustainability.
8. Creating vertical “growth rings” – adding new qualities and identity to the city.
9. Renewing and upgrading post-war housing – modernizing and improving energy efficiency in existing areas.
10. Catalyst for change – contributing to a circular and climate-positive built environment sector.

The project has thus demonstrated that extensions with bio-based systems are a concrete and sustainable way to meet future demands for densification, resource efficiency, and climate neutrality. The results and experiences from the project are compiled in the guide and report, which are now being disseminated to more stakeholders in the built environment sector.

Education

As part of the project, a web-based training course was developed for professionals and others interested in extensions with bio-based systems. The course, available via NEB Academy, provides an introduction to the key aspects of vertical timber extensions—from sustainability issues and technical solutions to business models and stakeholder collaboration.

The course is based on the experiences and results from the project as well as the content of the guide "Ten Points for Timber on Top." Participants gain access to concrete examples, best practices, and guidance for successful extension projects with minimal climate impact.

The training is free and open to all, and a link to the course is available to the right.