Malgorzata TOMCZAK
Timber in architecture
Steel, glass and concrete were synonymous with modernity. At most, cottages by the lake or in the mountains were built of wood. Everything changed when we realized that construction was responsible for 40 percent of carbon dioxide emissions and the costs, especially environmental, far outweighed the benefits. Today, timber is one of the most promising materials in architecture. In many cases, it can be an alternative to higher-emitting materials, covering not only structures, but also thermal insulation, finishing and facade materials.
So will CLT—Cross-Laminated Timber—become a leading technology in the future? Everything points to it. For the time being, its mass use is hampered by the law and, above all, fire regulations. Meanwhile, the advantages are numerous. The most commonly emphasized are that it is a natural, renewable material with a low carbon footprint. It is also cozy, warm and soothes the senses in an overstimulated world. We write a lot about it in this issue and, as the architect from the APA Wojciechowski studio, co-author of the office building in Many, emphasized, "It smells like Christmas."
Wood is also the leading theme of this year's ARCHI-STRADA held at BUDMA in Poznań. A&B is a partner of the event. We invite you to read more! And see you in February at the Poznan International Fair!