How common are wooden frames?
A new study provides a clearer picture of the materials used in the structural frames of newly constructed buildings in Sweden. The study shows that wood is most prevalent in public buildings, while concrete remains the overwhelmingly dominant material in apartment buildings.
The survey was conducted by the trade association Svenskt Trä, which aims to increase awareness of how different structural materials are used in various types of construction projects. The results show that wood is used most frequently in schools, healthcare facilities, and other public buildings. In this category, wood accounts for 26 percent of the structural materials, compared to 57 percent for concrete and 15 percent for steel.
In buildings such as offices, shops, hotels, and restaurants, the proportion of wood is lower. There, wood accounts for 17 percent of the structural frames, while concrete accounts for 53 percent and steel for 28 percent.
Wood is used the least in apartment buildings. In these buildings, only 10 percent of the structural frames are made of wood. Concrete dominates, accounting for a full 85 percent, while steel accounts for the remaining 4 percent.
New method provides a clearer overall picture
The data for the study was collected through interviews with construction contractors. The data was then weighted based on project size and combined with statistics from the Prognoscentret on residential and commercial construction. The result is an estimate of the proportion of a building’s gross floor area—the total area of all floors—that is supported by various structural materials.
According to Svenskt Trä, this method provides a more accurate picture than previous surveys, which were primarily based on the number of projects rather than the built area. By using gross floor area as a basis, one gains a better understanding of the materials’ actual impact on construction.
A key piece of the climate puzzle
The construction and real estate sector faces major challenges when it comes to reducing its environmental impact. The choice of structural materials is particularly important, as this is the single building component that has the greatest impact on emissions.
Despite this, there has been no comprehensive overview of how structural materials are actually used. This study fills a clear gap in our knowledge. According to Svenskt Trä, the study is intended to serve as a basis for both the industry and policymakers in their efforts toward more climate-smart construction.