The success of wooden houses
In a country where stone houses are the norm, the enthusiasm for wooden houses is increasing and becoming a strong component of a larger ecological movement.
Disruption of consumer practices
The market for wooden houses is developing considerably thanks to increasing demand from future owners. This concept of building a single-family wooden house in a suburban area is proving all the more attractive with the current trend of moving away from the big cities to the provinces and the growing concern for the environmental cause. Even if a wooden house is on average 20% more expensive than a conventional house, the demand is exploding.
Wood: a material with multiple advantages
Architecturally, wood is easy to work with and has limited constraints. The modular nature of wood responds to the desire for customization of homes.
Ecologically, it is a natural material. Wood insulates ten times better against heat and cold than concrete. Currently, wooden houses also benefit from favorable legislation, in particular, because of the assets of wood as a building material allowing to answer the new standards of thermal regulation of buildings
In addition to being more comfortable, healthier, better insulated, and warmer than a traditional house, wooden houses provide energy savings of up to 40%. In general terms, single-family houses made of concrete or steel consume more energy for heating than apartments in apartment buildings. Thus, the government, through fiscal measures, is encouraging future owners to choose constructions that consume less energy.
A growing sector
The market for these houses is in rapid expansion and is estimated at 2 billion euros per year. Entrepreneurs in this sector double their turnover every year. Thanks to the industrialization of the construction processes, which has been increased considerably over the past ten years, the offer has been strengthened and makes it possible to respond more quickly to demand. In practical terms, delivery times are 6 to 8 months shorter, house assembly is very rapid with no need for drying time. The process is highly technical in regard to the materials used and the related quality certificates, and the design blends in perfect harmony with the natural environment.
Due to the enthusiasm for wooden houses, a multitude of very small family and local enterprises (VSEs), most often carrying out custom-made constructions, have very often transformed into companies with a capacity of more than 500 units per year.”
Sources : 20 minutes, lci.fr, Ouest France, ladepeche.fr.
Photos Credits: iStock
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