New book 'The Timber Truth' addresses persistent myths about timber construction |
|
|
|
|
 |
| 77 sec |
Misconceptions about timber building explained
The new book 'The Timber Truth' by Dr Ir. Pablo van der Lugt summarises many common misconceptions about timber construction. From fire safety to availability and CO₂ storage: the handbook clarifies what is accurate and what is not. According to Van der Lugt, wood as a building material often 'starts at a 3-0 disadvantage' due to incorrect assumptions. In the book, he combines recent studies with examples from European construction practice. Topics such as circularity, sustainable forest management and the lifespan of timber buildings are also extensively discussed.
| Gert-Jan Nabuurs receives the first copy of 'The Timber Truth'. In the background: Queen Máxima receives a copy during the opening of SAWA in Rotterdam |
Van der Lugt argues that responsible use of wood is essential. He points to pressure on forests and the importance of using materials more efficiently. Circular wood, such as high-quality applications from urban mining, therefore features prominently in the book. Professor Gert-Jan Nabuurs notes: 'For sustainable forest management, the entire chain is important, and high-quality use of wood is a prerequisite.'
|
|
The information is intended for policymakers, designers, developers and investors who want to understand how timber construction fits into a sustainable building sector
| |
|
Reference guide for designers and policymakers
'The Timber Truth' is structured around four main themes: building quality, environment and climate, forest management and market developments. The information is intended for policymakers, designers, developers and investors who want to understand how timber construction fits into a sustainable building sector. Professor Alex de Rijke describes the book as a 'clear explanation for clients' and values its factual approach: 'He punctures persistent myths, corrects misinformation and still manages to inspire.'
 | | Cover of 'The Timber Truth', featuring the SAWA residential building in Rotterdam (Image: PEFC Netherlands) |
|
|
SAWA as example on the cover
The cover shows SAWA, the 50-metre-high timber residential building in Rotterdam. The project won this year's National Timber Construction Award and is seen as an example of modern timber architecture. The book is published in five editions, including a public edition. The foreword is written by architect Andrew Waugh, a pioneer in large-scale timber construction.
'The Timber Truth' connects to themes from the 'Tomorrow's Timber Talks' series, an initiative of PEFC. Van der Lugt previously authored 'Tomorrow's Timber' and 'Booming Bamboo' and is active internationally as an advocate for biobased building.
|
|
'The Timber Truth' is structured around four main themes: building quality, environment and climate, forest management and market developments
| |
|
 | | Dr Ir. Pablo van der Lugt |
|
|
This article was first published on 4 December 2025 on the website](https://www.stad-en-groen.nl/article/52196/nieuw-boek-the-timber-truth-pakt-hardnekkige-mythes-over-houtbouw-aan]website) of Stad + Groen.
| LOG IN
with your email address to respond.
|
|
|
| There are no comments yet. |
|
