Optimized Wood
An innovation partnership for a new approach to the design and construction of wooden buildings.
The challenge for a more sustainable wooden construction
The recent emergence of a new construction system based on solid wood panels, Cross Laminated Timber (CLT), has allowed a new approach in the design and construction of wooden buildings. With this system it becomes possible to build buildings to heights that were previously unthinkable or legally prohibited for constructions with a wooden structure, and at the same time offer enormous benefits, both in terms of thermal, acoustic and seismic comfort associated with a significant reduction in construction times.
However, this new construction system using solid wood panels, in addition to all the benefits it presents, also entails some inconveniences, among which stands out the enormous volume of wood required to manufacture this type of panels. Thus arises the need to optimize or present viable alternatives to this type of system.
Another difficulty that exists is the possibility of making this constructive system compatible with existing constructive elements or normal construction infrastructures (eg water networks, electrical networks), whether in new construction or in old construction. This project intends to develop a solution that solves or at least significantly minimizes these difficulties, and that is highly innovative at an international level.
In order to overcome these problems, in partnership with R&D institutions (University of Coimbra (UC), Polytechnic Institute of Leiria (IPL) and the Center for Innovation and Competences of the Forest), we launched the OptimizedWood project for the development and validation, in an industrial environment, of an innovative wooden construction product consisting of a hybrid panel with several innovative features.
Research includes the development of complementary techniques to make the new panel compatible in construction, such as mechanical connections or innovative ways to incorporate other infrastructures. The main focus of the research will be a hybrid panel that can be customized, fully compatible with modern trends in wood construction. It should also present performance levels similar to those of existing solutions. This system will be innovative from several perspectives, namely: greater durability, optimized use of the various wood products, lower price, more effective compatibility with the rest of the construction, easy assembly, expanding the possibilities of combining a structural wood core with other surface materials.
- Project Name: OptimizedWood - Optimização de recursos florestais na construção
- Project: POCI-01-0247-FEDER-017867
- Partners: University of Coimbra, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria and SerQ - Forest Innovation and Competence Center
- Approved Investment Amount: €458 345,30
- Total Support: €328 789,94
- Location: Monte Redondo, Leiria
Promoters:
With this project, Pedrosa & Irmãos aims to continue its policy of innovation and research, contributing to the valorization of national forest products and sustainable construction.
This webpage will be regularly updated to share the most significant advancements of this innovative project.