Driven by sustainable building trends over recent years, timber frame construction has surged across the globe and is projected to continue growing. In this article, we will explore the countries that are leading the way with timber frame construction to see the direction it’s heading towards in different regions.

//What Countries Are Using Timber Frame Construction?

  1. Japan
  2. Canada
  3. Sweden
  4. Australia
  5. France
  6. New Zealand
  7. Germany
  8. UK

1. Japan

Japan have been using timber as their main building structure since ancient times – and it is still the number one choice for construction today, accounting for more than 90% of detached houses. It’s even been used to construct temples and shrines.

Highlighting this trend, timber was used to build venues for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021, plus Japan’s National Stadium uses timber from all over the country for its front exterior.

2. Canada

In 2021, Canada published its ‘State of Mass Timber’ Report which provides the most up-to-date information about the timber construction industry in the country. The report affirms that “Canada is a world leader in building with wood”, with nearly 500 timber structures built.

In fact, it has set a record for the highest wooden structure with the Brock Commons Tallwood House in Vancouver at 54m and 18-storeys. Wood frame construction is also widespread across low- and mid-rise buildings, as well as bridges, and they are currently making revisions to the National Building Code of Canada to allow higher timber structures.

3. Sweden

There is a longstanding tradition in Sweden of building with wood, one that has been passed down by generations, so there is a lot of experience working with timber.

In 1994, the ban on building wooden homes above 2 storeys was lifted and now around 90% of all low-rise housing is built using a timber frame. More recently, there has been a development towards even taller wooden buildings due to regulatory changes and innovations.

4. Australia

Timber construction is one of the preferred methods of build for Australia and its residential dwellings due to its sustainability. A report by Australian Construction Insights (ACI) revealed that around 73% of detached homes built during 2017-18 were constructed using timber frame.

Of the 33,820 Class 1 building permits, 32,320 were timber and, among all the material types surveyed, timber was the leader in having had “a high degree of innovation”.

5. France

In 2020, the French Government passed a law requiring all new public buildings to be built from at least 50% timber or other natural materials. The implementation of this aligns with President Emmanual Macron’s Climate Action Plan and was to be in full effect by 2022.

Alongside this, as part of the France’s Sustainable City plan launched in 2009, it’s been proposed that 100 urban farms named “green suburbs” and 90 “eco-neighbourhoods” are to be created. All temporary venues part of the Paris Olympics 2024 complex were deployed using reused or low-carbon materials, such as timber, too.

6. New Zealand

BRANZ surveyed builders and designers between 2010 – 2019 to collect information about materials used in new housing in New Zealand. Timber frame is the most used material in new housing, with a historical market share of around 90%.

Timber structures actually offer greater resilience against seismic activity during the aftermath of earthquakes which is why this material is commonly chosen.

7. Germany

The Climate Action Plan 2050 was adopted by Germany in 2016 which included increased usage of more eco-friendly resources in construction – timber in particular. Therefore, the percentage of residential building permits relying on timber as the predominant construction material in Germany rose from 16.1% in 2016 to 20.4% in 2020.

This percentage is quite low compared to other European countries, but with their commitment to the Climate Action Plan, it’s likely there will be more growth in the years to come.

8. UK

The National House Building Council (NHBC) have reported figures that suggest the timber frame market share has developed from 19% in 2015 to 22% in 2021 and is projected to grow to around 27% by 2025.

The recent increase in the house building target from the Labour Government could see timber frame take off in order to achieve this. Increasing to 1.5 million new homes over a 5-year parliamentary term from 1 million previously, the speed and reliability of timber frame construction may play a huge part in reaching this goal.

//Timber Frame Construction with Pinewood Structures

At Pinewood Structures, we are strong advocates for using timber frame in both residential and commercial construction. It is more sustainable, longer lasting, and much quicker than traditional materials and methods.

With our 40 years of industry experience, we have worked with a range of housing developers including alternatively funded housing, the build-to-rent sector and contractors working with housing associations. Get in touch with us today to discuss your next project.