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Timber construction

The topic area "Timber construction" is dedicated to the further development of timber construction through efficient adhesive joints, the increased use of hardwood and improvements in safety and production.

High-performance building materials, competitive processes and a high degree of freedom in design ensure that wood will play a role as the building material of the future. The focus is on the further development of load-bearing structures and the transfer of the latest achievements in timber construction from pilot projects into practice. Important drivers for this are digital transformation and the availability of improved materials.

This makes it possible to further increase the performance of wood as a building material and to promote innovation in timber construction. The widespread use of highly developed wood technologies requires close cooperation between architects , engineers and research institutions. Interdisciplinary approaches and a strong research orientation help to further establish timber construction as a sustainable and efficient solution in the construction industry.


© Häring, Eiken/LIGNUM

Strategic goals

High-performance building materials, competitive processes and a high degree of freedom in design ensure that wood will play a role as a building material of the future.

Important drivers for this are digitalization and the availability of improved materials. In particular, the following strategic goals are in the foreground:

  • Wood has an outstanding image in terms of quality, sustainability, emotion and economy. Design, trendsetting and function enable wood

    a pioneering role.

  • Timber construction supports and promotes creative freedom for architects

    and engineers and enables economic implementation for building owners

    and institutional investors.

  • Switzerland is the world's technology leader for timber construction.

  • Timber construction products manufactured in Switzerland and timber construction know-how are

    in demand worldwide.

  • High-performance and marketable products made of hardwood are established in timber construction.

    Highly resilient supporting structures and filigree cross-sections are possible.

  • High training and continuing education standards ensure the availability of excellent skilled workers.

  • Timber construction and wood-based building materials are an essential part of the training and continuing education of architects and civil engineers.

  • In the booming sector of multi-storey buildings, wood achieves a

    Market share of 20% (renovation, densification, extension).

  • Digitalisation and construction processes complement each other symbiotically in timber construction and are a

    inseparable connection. Timber construction plays a pioneering role in the entire

    construction process.

  • Research and development supports the development of high-performance building materials.

  • Prefabrication and standardized solutions in production and processes

    also position timber construction as the most economical construction method.

  • Customers appreciate the high living and working comfort with the natural

    building material wood.

  • Switzerland maintains its liberal building regulations, in which the legal framework allows wood to be given equal status in the construction industry.

Measures and proposed actions

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Alle Massnahmen
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Jahr der Bewilligung
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Completed measures and the latest findings from the S-WIN network

The latest findings from the S-WIN network are published here every six months.

International projects and funding programmes

 Horizon Europe

  • Description: Supports research and innovation in various fields, including sustainable forestry and wood technology.

  • Homepage: Horizon Europe

LIFE Programme for the Environment and Climate Action

  • Description: Funds projects on environmental conservation and biodiversity, including sustainable forest management.

  • Homepage: LIFE Programme [ungültige URL entfernt]

European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD)

  • Description: Provides support for rural development, agriculture and forestry.

InvestEU

  • Description: Mobilizes private investment to promote sustainable projects, including timber construction.

  • Homepage: InvestEU

Just Transition Fund

  • Description: Supports regions in the transition to a climate-neutral economy, including sustainable forestry.

  • Homepage: Just Transition Fund [ungültige URL entfernt]

Interreg Programmes

  • Description: Promotes cross-border cooperation in Europe, including in the field of forestry.

  • Homepage: Interreg

Current events

  • Thu, May 15
    BFH Biel, Auditorium A0.01
    May 15, 2025, 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM
    BFH Biel, Auditorium A0.01, Solothurnstrasse 102, 2500 Biel, Switzerland or alternatively online
    New findings for the design and development of timber construction
  • Tue, Oct 28
    Thurgauerhof Congress Center, Weinfelden
    Oct 28, 2025, 9:00 AM – Oct 29, 2025, 5:00 PM
    Thurgauerhof Congress Center, Weinfelden, Felsenstrasse 6, 8570 Weinfelden, Switzerland
    Reserve this informative date for the timber construction industry now!

Do you have a project

idea?

Niemz, ETH2.JPG
491-010[1].JPG

© CFPF, Le Mont-sur-Lausanne

© Niemz, ETH

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