Wood construction is attracting an ever more varied clientele. Design, longevity, thermal performance, a relevant response to current ecological issues and regulations…, its many advantages are now recognized and the wooden house is now establishing itself in the French landscape, particularly in the South-West.
Wood construction: excellent energy performance
While regulations require buildings to consume little energy on a daily basis for heating and domestic hot water production, the wooden house stands out. This is linked to the intrinsic properties of the material and the construction techniques used.
Wood, a natural thermal insulator
Wood is a thermal insulator natural material that has low thermal conductivity. By itself, the material prevents heat from escaping from inside the house in winter, and conversely from entering the house in summer. A good way to reduce heating or air conditioning needs.
Low thermal inertia in the wooden house
The constructive mode of the wood frame house offers littleinertia. This means that the materials do not take a long time to heat up or cool down. Compared to concrete or brick, the materials of the wooden house are better adapted to temperature variations. In winter, low inertia allows the house to easily maintain a constant temperature in the home regardless of external variations. Similarly, wood being a so-called warm material, one does not feel the sensation of a cold wall.
Excellent airtightness in timber frame construction
Without good airtightness, insulation has less effect on energy consumption. This crucial performance for a high-performance building is easier to obtain in a timber-framed house than in a masonry construction, and it is easily preserved over time. Similarly, thermal bridges are less frequent.
Simple explanations will help you better understand the Benefits of wooden house insulation
Maintain hygrothermal comfort
Similarly, it is easier to manage humidity in a wooden house. The materials used, the construction method and a good ventilation provide very good humidity regulation. The latter is often synonymous with discomfort in a home, increasing the sensation of heat or cold. In addition, water vapor can degrade the materials of houses. This characteristic contributes to the wooden house offering an environment healthy interior and agreeable.
Booster effect of RE2020 on wood construction
The current environmental regulation called RE2020, which governs the construction of new homes, came into force on January 1, 2022. Aiming to reduce thecarbon footprint buildings by 2031, it requires construction methods and materials with a low carbon footprint and a house that consumes little energy. Wood, a renewable material and bio-based, who stores carbon, meets all the requirements of the regulations. It also anticipates its developments since the regulations evolve in stages, with a next stage in 2028 which should be more demanding. Building a wooden house in the South West Today, it is getting ahead of future regulations.
To go further, read the article “ 10 reasons to build a low-carbon wooden house »
Building a wooden house: environmental awareness
Today, many are turning away from the methods commonly used in construction. Concrete is no longer attractive, and individuals are looking for more ecological alternatives. They want to invest in a healthy habitat, comfortable, warm and durable that will consume little energy. In this quest for a greener habitat, many are seduced by the wooden houses which meet all the requirements that one may have in terms of individual house.
A construction method adapted to difficult terrain
Up to 7 times lighter than a concrete house, the timber frame house is indeed easier to install on difficult terrain. It allows you to reduce the cost of foundations to carry out the desired project without difficulty. As land with good soil suitable for construction becomes increasingly rare, wood construction sometimes imposes itself as a relevant and suitable construction method.
This topic is developed in the article “ Wooden house: all-terrain construction »
Timber construction companies are booming
Despite a difficult context, the turnover of wood construction in 2022 increased by 10,6% compared to 2020, explains thenational survey of wood construction. Nearly 22 homes were built in wood in 200 (individual houses and collective housing). This represents:
– 9 individual houses in the diffuse sector,
– 1 individual houses in a grouped sector
In the housing market, the share of wood construction stands at 6,2% for the year 2022, i.e.:
– 8,0% of detached houses in the diffuse sector,
– 5,0% of single-family homes in grouped sectors
– 5,3% of collective housing.
The boom in wooden extensions
It is nevertheless in the field of wooden extensions and elevations that are seeing the greatest popularity. 11 extensions-elevations were built in wood in France in 300 compared to 2022 in 10, an increase of 340%.
86% of extensions-elevations are carried out on individual houses. The West facade (Brittany, New Aquitaine and Pays-de-la-Loire) remains very dynamic with nearly 46% of extensions-elevations built in France in 2022 being carried out there.
Discover advantages of wooden extensions now offered by the manufacturer Maisons Sic.
The strong trend of offsite construction
The construction as a whole is changing. Today, the off-site construction, East acclaimed. As with timber construction, this involves preparing all the elements in the workshop and then assembling them on site. This process has several advantages:
An ecological advantage to the prefabrication of wooden houses
Built in a factory, the wooden house offers better material management. Indeed, all wood waste is recovered and recycled. Transport times are also reduced, which reduces the carbon footprint of manufacturing.
Reduction of construction site nuisances
When we talk about timber construction and off-site construction, we are talking about dry die, which only requires assembly on site. Clean, fast and above all quiet, this type of site is particularly suitable for very dense urban areas, where it is often difficult to park. It is also a good way to start good neighborly relations.
An improvement in quality
While construction disputes are numerous, off-site construction greatly reduces risks. Quality is generally there for the greatest customer satisfaction.
We have developed the subject of the Timber Frame House in the South West and its advantages to help you better understand this construction method.
The wooden house focuses on comfort and design
What mainly promotes the growth of the wooden house is also word of mouth and experience. Many discover the comfort of the wooden house at friends' houses. The wooden house seduces with its charm and its longevity has proven itself. There is no doubt, those who had their houses built in wood yesterday are today the best ambassadors of these extraordinary houses.
