Despite the growing global demand for eco-friendly homes, the share of wooden houses in the Czech Republic appears to have remained relatively stable over the past two decades. This stagnation is occurring at a time when there is increasing awareness of the environmental benefits of timber buildings and their ability to reduce the carbon footprint. This article focuses on the reasons for this stagnation and the challenges that need to be overcome to increase the share of wood buildings in the coming years.
According to statistical data, wood buildings accounted for more than 15% of new single-family homes only twice in the entire period under review, revealing the limited growth potential of existing infrastructure and processes. For apartment buildings, the share is even lower. Only units of wood-frame buildings are built annually, indicating that their integration into urban housing is still minimal.
The highest level of construction was recorded in 2018, when 2,945 wooden buildings were built. However, this peak has not been sustainable and since then we have seen a decline, which is particularly evident in 2023, when only 2,595 wooden buildings were built. Continued constraints in production capacity, higher upfront costs and lack of support from the construction industry appear to be key barriers.
One of the main reasons for the slow growth is probably the lack of professionals and companies specialised in this technology. The construction of timber buildings requires specific knowledge and skills that are not always available on the local labour market. Traditional preferences for masonry houses may also play a role in builders' decisions.
The Czech Republic aims to increase the share of wood buildings in the next decade. A working group of the Czech Green Building Council (CZGBC) is taking active steps to promote the green building industry, while at the same time trying to raise awareness of wood buildings among the public and builders.
In order to ensure that the share of wooden buildings grows, several key aspects need to be improved. Firstly, the process of education and mindset change among both end customers and construction professionals. Awareness of the benefits of timber buildings, such as speed of construction, longevity with proper maintenance, and reduced ecological footprint, can play a significant role in increasing demand.
There is still a need for simplification of relevant laws and regulations that could allow timber buildings to be more easily incorporated into planning and approval processes. Potential government initiatives and financial incentives could also help to popularise this form of construction. Finally, it is essential that the construction industry increases its capacity to handle timber buildings, which can lead to innovation in the supply chain and greater competitiveness in the marketplace.
The increase in the use of timber buildings will not only promote sustainable development, but may also change the landscape of the Czech construction industry for a long time. It will be key for all stakeholders, from government to construction companies and consumers, to work in an integrated manner to promote awareness of the environmental benefits that wood buildings bring.
