Barriers, Opportunities and Recommendations to Enhance the Adoption of Timber within Multi-Storey Buildings in Austria

Abstract

Timber construction is considered a main strategy towards a more sustainable built environment. Industrialized manufacturing methods have advanced the realization of multi-storey timber buildings generating enthusiasm about their implementation in urban areas, and the expectation of their further completion. These are still pilot projects, so there is a lack of specific literature and guidelines, including common understanding, standard procedures and holistic considerations. This paper aims to assess the current situation of design and construction processes of timber buildings in Austria, highlighting barriers and opportunities and formulating recommendations for its further adoption. The methodology used is based on an extended literature review and a qualitative analysis from expert interviews. Different disciplines were involved to approach the topic holistically. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and inductive coded within several iterative rounds. Excerpts were organized into codes, sub-codes and categories to identify and classify themes and patterns and build the case. The findings are structured into the categories of Acquisition, Design and Production and Assembly, and further identified as Barriers and Opportunities. Upon the analysis of results, a selective range of recommendations are formulated and summarized in a catalogue, serving as a guide for further research and actions to widespread the adoption of timber.

Insights from Finnish Experts on the Construction Practices and Future Prospects of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT)

“…In this context, producers of CLT products face the dual imperative of not only improving their understanding of CLT but also dynamically engaging in advocating its global ecological benefits to enhance consumer awareness. These insights aligned with broader studies [98][99][100] that emphasized the interconnected roles of standards, regulations, and consumer awareness in shaping the trajectory of CLT adoption within the construction landscape. Standardization and regulatory clarity provide a foundation for the consistent and safe use of CLT, while consumer awareness creates a demand pull, influencing construction practices and material choices.…”

Status Quo of Austrian Timber Construction Sector

“…This explorative study was developed based on two previous projects, a series of round tables organised by MAGK Architekten and ecoplus Bau.Energie.Umwelt Cluster NÖ named Holz.System.Bau [18], and a multicase qualitative analysis based on experts' interviews [14], where the main barriers against timber use in largevolume constructions were analysed and strategies were discussed. This specific workshop called Holzbau 4.0 was developed and run by the Vienna University of Applied Sciences in cooperation with ecoplus Bau.Energie.…”

“…Due to its multi-layered character and own value and supply chain, planning and building with timber involves different actors, approaches and expertise [11,12], and yet there exists no common understanding about interdependences what leads to inefficient collaboration and large conflicts meaning higher costs, time overruns, tension and dissatisfaction [13]. Previous studies have shown higher concerns in the production and assembly phase of a industrialized timber construction than in the acquisition and design phase [14]. Timber construction companies in Austria are small and scattered, and the structure of the industry is very fragmented and locally organized [15].…”

High-Rise Residential Timber Buildings: Emerging Architectural and Structural Design Trends

“…Santana-Sosa and Kovacic [58] evaluated the current procedures and practices for designing and carrying out timber constructions in Austria through a series of 15 detailed interviews with industry experts. These interviews provided insights into the obstacles and prospects, presenting suggestions designed to encourage the use of wood in multi-story buildings.…”