Wood is a strong and resilient material that can withstand adverse conditions. It offers exceptional resistance to damage caused by moisture, wind, and sunlight. Additionally, wood is the most thermally insulating material with numerous ecological, biological, and economic advantages. It provides optimal indoor temperatures, keeping spaces warm in winter and cool in summer.
Wood is nine times more insulating than reinforced concrete, 700 times more than steel, and 2000 times more than aluminum. Using a wooden frame in combination with insulation materials ensures low heating costs. Compared to other construction materials, wood is the fastest to build with, offering efficiency, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness. Building with wood eliminates construction-related stress and delivers efficient and secure results.
The type of roof, whether flat or sloped, is determined by the architectural design of a house. Necessary measures are taken during the design phase to ensure the roof can bear the required loads.
In the case of a flat roof, wooden structural elements are placed horizontally and covered with sheets of engineered wood (OSB). Insulation is placed between the gaps created by the horizontal wooden elements.”
Due to its lightweight nature, wooden construction is highly suitable for adding a floor to existing buildings, as it minimizes additional load and strain on the structure.
Undoubtedly, wooden construction is one of the most earthquake-resistant choices! Its lightweight frame contributes to the flexibility of the structure during seismic shaking.
Wood is a poor conductor of heat and does not release dangerous gases when burned. This makes it less prone to easy ignition during a fire. Any damage caused by a fire in wooden houses is typically localized and can withstand temperatures up to 500 degrees Celsius. In contrast, concrete starts to deteriorate at temperatures as low as 250 degrees Celsius!
Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is an environmentally friendly wood product formed by placing multiple layers of solid wood with varying orientations, creating a cross-aligned structure. This results in greater structural stability, strength, and stiffness in both dimensions, along with a modern and simplistic design that offers aesthetic appeal.
Replacing concrete per cubic meter with wood can reduce approximately one ton of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere during processing. Wooden houses contribute to a greener environment and help mitigate climate change.
Arki Architecture is a New-York-based studio practice focused on modern design, interiors and landscapes. From our inception in 2007, we have delivered exceptional public. As a full-service firm.
