Wood reclaims the spotlight in the modern construction world

Wood is becoming a symbol of eco-friendly and sustainable transformation in modern architecture. As an alternative to high-carbon-emission materials like concrete and steel; wood, a natural and renewable resource, stands out for its aesthetic appeal, durability, energy efficiency, and earthquake resistance. In an era where green transformation has become a global priority, wood is gaining attention as a construction material that reduces environmental impact and offers innovative solutions. In this issue’s cover feature, we explore wood’s role in reducing carbon footprints, its environmental and economic advantages, its contributions to earthquake safety, and notable architectural projects that highlight its potential.

One of the greatest challenges of the modern world today is the depletion of natural resources and climate change. As a solution to these issues, the green transformation—focused on energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting eco-friendly technologies—has become a top priority on the global agenda. The construction industry is turning to renewable materials such as wood, bamboo, and hemp-based composites as alternatives to high-carbon-emission materials like concrete and steel. In line with the European Green Deal, developed to achieve the EU’s 2050 carbon neutrality goal, innovative materials like cross-laminated timber are being promoted to reduce environmental impact and enhance resilience. Türkiye is also making significant strides in this area with eco-friendly construction projects.

Wood, highlighted by the world-renowned architect Alex De Ruke with his statement “The 21st century will be the century of wood,” is becoming one of the main components of sustainable architecture due to its 30% lower cost compared to steel and its ability to last 60-100 years with the right methods. In this issue’s cover story, we have examined the role of wood in reducing carbon footprints, its environmental and economic advantages, applications in example countries, and implemented projects.

Why should wood be preferred  in the construction industry?

Wood is increasingly becoming an environmentally friendly material in the construction sector due to its sustainability and low carbon emissions. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis and store it, making wood an effective tool in reducing carbon footprints. For example, one cubic meter of wood can trap approximately one ton of carbon dioxide, while a wooden wall can store 52 kilograms of carbon. Compared to materials like concrete and steel, wood consumes less energy during production processes and causes less harm to the environment. Additionally, when it reaches the end of its life, wood can be recycled and is biologically degradable, contributing to the preservation of natural resources. Furthermore, wood products obtained from well-managed forests help maintain ecosystem balance, and with features like low carbon emissions, aesthetics, and durability, wood is considered a strong alternative to steel and concrete in modern building projects.

Wood, with its resistance to earthquakes and fires, offers a reliable option with its low energy consumption during the production process and its ability to adapt to different climatic conditions, making it a long-lasting and economical choice. Its easy assembly, reusability, and low waste rate contribute to the environment, while its compatibility with materials like steel, concrete, and stone makes wood an indispensable building material for sustainable projects.

Mechanization increased the use of wood

Until the mid-19th century, wood had a limited usage area in forested regions, but with the impact of mechanization, it became an important material in industrial production. Technological innovations such as the first steam-powered sawmill (1810) and laminated wood panel production (1870) increased wood consumption, while the development of industrial wood materials such as particleboard and fiberboard in the 20th century diversified its usage areas. During the Industrial Revolution and World War I, due to the steel shortage, wood began to be used more widely in buildings for structural frames and various functions. Technological advancements enhanced the preservation and durability of wood, while enabling the production of new composite products from natural wood, making its use more flexible and sustainable.

Wood as a safe building material against earthquakes

Wooden structures are increasingly being recognized as a safeguard against earthquakes. Thanks to its natural flexibility, wood absorbs and disperses vibrations, significantly reducing the forces acting on buildings during an earthquake due to its lightweight nature. Being five times lighter than reinforced concrete structures, wooden buildings experience less shaking. In Türkiye, significant work is being done on the earthquake resistance of wooden structures. In a TÜBİTAK-supported project at Karadeniz Technical University, the first study testing the earthquake resilience of domestic and national wooden buildings was carried out. In this project, the performance of local wood materials under earthquake loads was analyzed, yielding successful results. Experts emphasize that with proper design and engineering practices, wooden structures can be further strengthened against earthquakes. These features make wood a reliable and preferred building material in earthquake-prone areas.

Global policies reducing carbon footprint through wood usage

The European Union, as part of its goal to become carbon-neutral by 2050, is promoting the use of low-carbon building materials such as wood. Along with the European Green Deal, policies aimed at environmentally friendly construction projects are being implemented. Finland, aiming to be carbon-neutral by 2035, is developing strategies that support wooden building projects. The country seeks to enhance eco-friendly solutions in the construction sector by utilizing its forest resources.

The Netherlands sets an example for sustainable urbanization with its first modern wooden neighborhood project in Amsterdam. China is also supporting the use of natural materials such as bamboo and wood to reduce plastic usage and promote environmentally friendly alternatives. These incentives highlight the potential of natural materials like wood to reduce carbon emissions and are seen as powerful tools in the fight against climate change. These global policies aim to foster sustainable construction, building a more sustainable future worldwide.

Türkiye is the country with the highest increase in forest resources in Europe

Türkiye places great importance on plantation forests in order to increase its forest resources and ensure sustainability in wood production. Plantation forests reduce the pressure on natural forests, providing sustainable resource management and economic benefits. The reforestation of abandoned agricultural lands has played a significant role in increasing these areas. However, in 2023, wildfires damaged 15,000 hectares of forest land. This situation once again highlighted the need for stronger measures to protect existing forests. Through these efforts, Türkiye is the country with the highest increase in forest resources in Europe.

3% of the world’s forests are made up of industrial plantation forests

Globally, the total forest area is approximately 4 billion hectares, of which 3% consists of industrial plantation forests. These plantations provide a sustainable resource by reducing the pressure on natural forests in wood production. South America hosts a large portion of the 131 million hectares of plantation forests worldwide. Plantation forests play a critical role in reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change. Fast-growing tree species provide economic benefits while also contributing to the conservation of biodiversity.

A new regulation on wooden buildings has come into effect in Türkiye

The “Regulation on the Design, Calculation, and Construction Principles of Wooden Buildings,” prepared to ensure that wooden structures are built safely, durably, and in an environmentally friendly manner, came into effect on January 1, 2025. This regulation, prepared by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, defines in detail the standards that must be followed in the design and construction of load-bearing wooden building elements. In line with modern construction techniques, the regulation also covers innovative systems such as cross-laminated timber, aiming to improve the earthquake resistance, fire safety, and longevity of wooden structures. Additionally, this regulation lays the groundwork for the more widespread use of wood as a sustainable building material in the construction sector. Wood’s environmentally friendly and carbon-reducing features make this regulation an important step in terms of environmental sustainability.

In addition to all of this, a “Design Examples Guide” has been published to ensure the technical details in the regulation are easily understood and to help practitioners in the sector develop more informed projects. This guide serves as a reference for structural engineers, architects, and construction professionals, making the design, calculation, and implementation processes more efficient. Particularly offering various examples on engineering calculations and structural design, the guide provides comprehensive content that can also be used as educational material.

Sustainability steps for wooden structures in Türkiye

Many projects are being implemented in Türkiye to encourage wooden construction, enhance energy efficiency, and promote sustainable architecture. These initiatives aim to reduce the carbon footprint by increasing the use of environmentally friendly building materials and contributing to local development. Let’s take a look at the projects that have been carried out:

Energy Efficient, Low-Cost Wooden Buildings Promotion Project: The “Energy Efficient, Low-Cost Wooden Buildings Promotion Project,” carried out in cooperation with the General Directorate of Forestry (OGM) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), is one of the most notable efforts in this field. The project aims to create a total of 0.58 million square meters of additional wooden construction area in Türkiye by 2029. Additionally, pilot projects are being implemented to demonstrate the advantages of wooden structures to the public, while training programs and seminars are being organized for the industry. The project aims to reduce 165,715 tons of direct greenhouse gas emissions and prevent 2.4 million tons of indirect emissions. This ongoing initiative plays a key role in promoting energy-efficient and environmentally friendly buildings.

The Wood Promotion Project: Another notable initiative is the “Wood Promotion Project” led by the General Directorate of Forestry. The project aims to increase the use of energy-efficient wooden buildings and promote wooden construction. The project includes addressing regulatory gaps, developing pilot projects, and organizing awareness campaigns to educate the public. This ongoing effort is seen as an important step toward increasing environmentally friendly buildings and promoting the widespread use of wood.

The Wooden Structures, Earthquake, and Sustainability Project: The “Wooden Structures, Earthquake, and Sustainability” project, organized by the Faculty of Forestry of Kastamonu University with TÜBİTAK 2237-A support, was successfully held in November 2023. During the event, master’s and doctoral students from various universities across Türkiye were provided with comprehensive training on the earthquake resilience and environmentally friendly characteristics of wooden structures. The program, conducted by experts in the field, covered the earthquake performance of wood material, design criteria, and its role in sustainable construction through both theoretical and practical sessions.

Wood species that can be processed in the construction industry and their areas of use

• Mulberry: Used in making the musical instrument saz.
• Walnut: Used in solid and veneer furniture making.
• Cherry: Used in furniture, decorative carpentry, and musical instrument making.
• Pear: Used in carving and musical instrument.
• Oak: Used in barrel making and solid furniture.
• Linden: Used in carving.
• Fir: Used in interior work, sawing, and carpentry.
• Maple: Used in veneer and solid furniture in the furniture industry.
• Alder: Used in plywood production.
• Beech: Used in furniture making.
• Chestnut: Used in outdoor furniture as it is water-resistant.
• Poplar: Used in match production.
• Elm: Used in furniture and parquet making.
• Okoume: Used in plywood production.
• Iroko: Used in interior and exterior applications.
• Wenge: Used in furniture making.
• Sapele: Used in veneering.
• Sipo: Used in veneering and plywood production.
• Mahogany: Used in veneering, parquet, and furniture making.
• Ebony: Used in decorative work and musical instrument making.
• Teak: Used in interior and exterior applications on ships.

Türkiye’s forest policies in wood production

Türkiye continues to achieve significant success in line with its goals of increasing forest resources. According to the 2023 data from the General Directorate of Forestry (OGM), Türkiye’s total forest area has reached 23.2 million hectares, making up 29.8% of the country’s total land area. This increase has been made possible through the reforestation of abandoned agricultural lands and large-scale afforestation projects. Millions of saplings have been planted under projects like “81 Forests in 81 Provinces,” and the goal is to increase the country’s forest resources to over 30% by 2030.

Wood-based materials prominent in structural uses

• Plywood: Plywood, which has a more homogeneous structure compared to solid wood, is a material resistant to breaking, bending, and abrasion. Plywood is used in construction formworks, roof and floor coverings, partition walls, scaffolding, and platforms.
• LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber): LVL is a durable type of engineered wood made by gluing thin wood veneers with their fiber directions aligned. With higher strength and a homogeneous structure compared to natural wood, LVL is more resistant to deformation such as cracking, bending, or warping. Due to its ability to support large spans, it is commonly used in the construction and building sector as beams, columns, and floor elements.
• GLULAM (Glued Laminated Timber): Glulam, a type of high-strength engineered wood, is more durable and flexible than traditional wood, and due to its ability to support large spans, it has a wide range of applications, from bridges to roof beams. With its aesthetic and structural advantages, Glulam is frequently preferred in modern architecture, and it stands out for being a sustainable material.
• CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber): CLT, a high-strength engineered wood type produced by cross-gluing thin layers of wood with fibers oriented perpendicular to each other, offers excellent stability and high load-bearing capacity due to its cross-laminated structure. It is resistant to bending and deflection. Despite its light weight, CLT is strong enough to be used as an alternative to concrete and steel. Especially in modern timber construction systems, it is preferred for multi-story buildings, wall, floor, and roof panels due to its sustainability and fast construction solutions.
• NLT (Nail Laminated Timber): NLT, a structural wood type that is joined using mechanical connections without the need for adhesives or presses, is simple to produce and can be easily applied using traditional woodworking methods. Due to its high strength and natural aesthetic, it is commonly used in ceiling, floor, and wall panels. Especially with its sustainable and durable properties, NLT is a favored material in both modern and historical building projects.
• DLT (Dowel Laminated Timber): It is a completely natural and environmentally friendly material due to the absence of structural adhesives or metal connectors. Its high stability and durability make it suitable for use in ceiling, floor, and wall panels, while the natural wood texture also provides an aesthetic advantage. Due to its sustainability and workability, it is increasingly preferred in modern architecture and green building projects.
• PSL (Parallel Strand Lumber): It is commonly used in beams, columns, and lintels due to its suitability for large sections and long spans. Offering higher strength and rigidity compared to natural wood, it has a high load-bearing capacity. In addition to its structural properties, PSL also stands out for its sustainability, making it a strong and reliable alternative in modern construction projects.
• LSL (Laminated Strand Lumber): Due to its large surface area and high density, it is used in framing, wall panels, beams, and flooring applications. Compared to traditional wood, it is more durable and resistant to deformations such as moisture and bending. Being an economical and sustainable material, it is especially preferred in prefabricated building systems and modern construction projects.
• Wood Sandwich Panel: Sandwich panels were developed in the mid-20th century to provide lightweight, insulating alternatives for construction applications. Despite their lightness, sandwich panels have sufficient resistance properties and are commonly used in a wide range of areas, including panel furniture production, architectural applications, door manufacturing, decoration, ceiling and floor elements, and partition systems
• OSB (Oriented Strand Board): The easy availability and low cost of its raw material, high load-bearing capacity, and the absence of dimensional and shape changes depending on environmental conditions have led OSB to replace plywood in many countries, especially in the construction sector.