All-Timber or Mixed Forms of ­Construction?

The application of any form of construction is dependent on the context and purpose. The advantages of all-timber construction, for example, lie primarily in the realm of ecology and sustainability, as well as in the greater degree of prefabrication that is possible. ­Timber construction has its limits, however, when it comes to fire protection and sound insulation. Mixed forms of construction are of advantage in larger projects in allowing several storeys and greater spans to be implemented. In addition, mixed forms tend to be more economical in terms of planning and building costs. The two forms are more or less the same when it comes to complying with low-energy and passive-building standards. All important in that respect is the design of the outer skin. The advantage of all-timber construction lies principally in the scope it allows for recycling and in the CO2 neutrality of the material.