Metsä Wood, a Finland-based manufacturer of engineered wood products, says its sustainable, material-efficient products can store carbon for decades, helping to combat climate change.
To build its new concrete plant of 17,000 square meters, German construction specialist Brüninghoff, which makes prefabricated wooden materials, such as laminated veneer lumber, wanted to use materials that fit its sustainability strategy. So the company chose Kerto LVL—prefabricated panels and studs made by Metsä Wood—for the plant’s exterior non-load-bearing walls. The panels were attached to load-bearing concrete frames.
Metsä Wood’s Kerto LVL, a structural laminated veneer lumber, takes up less volume than other wood materials and also has an excellent strength-to-weight ratio. In addition to supporting the sustainability strategy, Kerto LVL led to optimized assembly times.
The Brüninghoff plant has a total of 239 wall elements with an area of around 5,000 square meters. It used a total of 242 cubic meters of Kerto LVL. The team used a carbon storage calculator to determine that the Kerto LVL stores 165.8 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (a unit based on global warming potential)—meaning that, compared to other construction materials, the wood in Metsä Wood’s product is “highly sustainable,” the company says.
“Through this construction, we are forcing structural change towards construction that supports circular economy. Change is needed as the construction sector is responsible for consuming huge quantities of resources. It is a question of optimizing construction methods, developing low-emission concepts, and increasingly backing recycling solutions,” Frank Steffens, managing director, Brüninghoff, said in a statement.
The building has already received pre-certification per the ecological, economic, and social criteria of the German Society for Sustainable Construction (DGNB).
Related Stories
University Buildings | Jul 11, 2022
Student life design impacts campus wellness
As interior designers, we have the opportunity and responsibility to help students achieve deeper levels of engagement in their learning, social involvement, and personal growth on college campuses.
Museums | Jul 11, 2022
Denmark opens a museum that tells the stories of refugees worldwide
Located on the site of Denmark’s largest World War II refugee camp, the new Refugee Museum of Denmark, FLUGT, tells the stories of refugees from the camp as well as refugees worldwide.
Codes and Standards | Jul 8, 2022
Inefficient supply chains, outdated project delivery systems hamper construction investment
Constructing and justifying the cost of physical assets such as a manufacturing plant is much more difficult than it was decades ago, according to a report by Steffen Fuchs, senior partner with McKinsey & Company.
Airports | Jul 8, 2022
Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport’s new terminal prioritizes passenger experience and sustainability
McCarthy Building Companies recently completed construction of the final concourse in Terminal 4 at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
Architects | Jul 7, 2022
Page acquires AE giant EYP to form 1,300-person international design firm
The combined firm will “be able to invest in research and thought leadership to co-create with our clients,” stated Page CEO Thomas McCarthy.
Building Team | Jul 7, 2022
Report explores improving architect/contractor relationship
A new study by the American Institute of Architects and the Associated General Contractors of America focuses on improving the relationship between architects and contractors.
Airports | Jul 7, 2022
Love at first flight: The power of first impressions in airports
As architects, how we design a terminal and choreograph the passenger experience can stir up strong feelings.
Building Team | Jul 7, 2022
Amenity-rich rental property in Chicago includes seven-story atrium with vertical landscaping
The recently opened 198-unit Optima Lakeview luxury rental apartment building in Chicago is bursting with amenities such as the region’s first year-round rooftop pool, contact-free in-home package delivery, housekeeping services, on-site room service, fitness programming, and a virtual personal assistant.
Multifamily Housing | Jul 6, 2022
The power of contextual housing development
Creating urban villages and vibrant communities starts with a better understanding of place, writes LPA's Matthew Porreca.
Building Team | Jul 6, 2022
Buro Happold selects Jennifer Price for top role, US Managing Director
Buro Happold, a world-class practice of 2,200 engineers and consultants, has announced the appointment of Seattle-based Jennifer Price as US Managing Director and Partner.
