The players in timber construction need good arguments to convince investors to implement large-scale projects in timber construction with more than 100 residential units. After all, they know from their own experience with projects that have already been implemented that construction costs in timber construction are higher than in mineral construction. Around 86% of the players admit this. In particular, the costs for the ceiling constructions are intensive.

The advantages of timber construction are obvious. It is climate-friendly and conserves resources. This renewable and CO2-binding building material already enables climate-neutral to climate-positive overall concepts. It is a clear point victory over the production of cement and concrete, which involves high energy costs and high CO2 emissions. For 89% of the players, the environmental argument is the most compelling. However, many experts also see further advantages of timber construction in the serial production of components (62%) and in the high degree of prefabrication (around 54%) using BIM. In addition, around 65% mention the topic of healthy living and indoor climate, while around 38% cite the positive optics and haptics as arguments in favor of timber construction.

However, investors are also aware that the implementation of large-scale timber construction projects is not (yet) without difficulties. The first difficulties are apparently emerging in the planning phase. The very high normative requirements for timber construction projects in European comparison are the subject of much criticism. Furthermore, the sector lacks timber construction expertise, i.e. high-quality and experienced specialist planners who also understand and follow the modified planning process compared to conventional construction projects in timber construction. Projects in timber frame construction, in CLT construction (glued laminated timber construction) or in hybrid construction (timber + concrete) require more detailed planning at a much earlier stage of the planning process.

So there is still a lot to be done before timber construction can make a breakthrough, especially since high material and construction costs are currently slowing down the general construction trend anyway. A more consistent and fairer weighting of the CO2 balance in the financing and decision-making processes would bring a breakthrough closer. After all, a cubic meter of concrete sometimes costs well under 40% of a cubic meter of wood, while cement and concrete production top the list of CO2 emissions.