Advancing Sustainability through Timber Building Design and Construction

Wood, one of the most widely available and renewable bio-based materials globally, has a longstanding history in construction. In recent years, advancements in engineered wood products have begun to unlock their considerable, yet underutilized, potential to contribute meaningfully to the world’s sustainability goals. Technological innovations are expanding the structural capabilities of timber, making it increasingly feasible for application in mid- and high-rise buildings. This transformation is particularly timely in, for example, Europe, where rapid urbanization and growing environmental awareness are prompting a re-evaluation of conventional building materials. Public perception is also evolving, with timber increasingly recognized as a sustainable and credible alternative for larger-scale construction. This special issue aims to examine the emerging role of timber in building design and construction as a strategic avenue toward a more sustainable global built environment.

The construction sector remains one of the largest contributors to global carbon emissions and resource depletion. Conventional materials such as concrete and steel, while structurally dominant, have significant environmental footprints. To address this challenge, the built environment must undergo a fundamental transformation toward low-carbon, renewable, and circular material strategies. Timber—especially in its engineered forms such as cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glued laminated timber (glulam)—offers a promising solution due to its carbon-sequestering properties, energy efficiency in production, and capacity for prefabrication. However, despite its potential, timber remains underutilized in large-scale applications, particularly in mid- and high-rise urban contexts.

This Research Topic seeks to address the knowledge gaps and practical challenges associated with mainstreaming timber construction. It will explore advancements in timber engineering, architectural innovation, life cycle performance assessment, policy incentives, and public acceptance. By synthesizing interdisciplinary research and case studies, the aim is to identify effective pathways for integrating timber into sustainable building practices worldwide. In doing so, this special issue aspires to support global sustainability targets through the promotion of timber as a viable primary material in future-oriented architectural and structural design.

This Research Topic invites original research, review articles, and case studies that explore the role of timber in advancing sustainable building design and construction. Contributions should address topics such as engineered timber systems (e.g., CLT, glulam, LVL), hybrid structural applications, life cycle assessment (LCA) of timber buildings, carbon footprint analysis, and innovations in prefabrication and modular timber construction. Submissions focusing on regulatory frameworks, technical performance, circularity, bio-based material integration, and digital design and fabrication technologies in timber construction are also encouraged.

We particularly welcome interdisciplinary perspectives that bridge architecture, structural engineering, material science, and sustainability research. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of how timber can serve as a cornerstone in sustainable development strategies for the built environment. Both theoretical explorations and practice-based insights are suitable for this collection.