But did you know that these benefits can also be achieved by building and furnishing with wood? Wood in homes and buildings contributes to a pleasant atmosphere, creates a natural indoor climate, and can even reduce energy consumption.
Wood is not only an aesthetically pleasing material, it also has a number of practical and environmental benefits. According to Treindustriens Lille grønne (The Norwegian Wood Industry Federation's 'Little Green Guide'), there are several good reasons to choose wood as a building material:
• Natural and non-toxic: Wood is a pure natural material free from chemical additives, which contributes to a healthier indoor environment for both residents and those who work with the material.
• Renewable and sustainable: Wood is a renewable resource that can be recycled and reused. At a time when environmental considerations are becoming increasingly important, wood represents a construction method that points the way towards a more circular economy.
• Durable and wear-resistant: With proper use and treatment, wood can have a very long lifespan. Many of our oldest and most prized buildings are built of wood, a testament to the material's durability over generations.
• Regulates humidity and temperature: Wood contributes to a stable and comfortable indoor climate by absorbing and releasing moisture. This natural property means that wooden buildings are often perceived as more comfortable than buildings constructed in other materials.
• Energy-saving: Wood has good insulating properties and helps to reduce energy consumption by retaining heat in the winter and coolness in the summer.
A good indoor climate is crucial for well-being and health in all buildings – from homes to workplaces and public spaces. Wood panelling on walls and ceilings can contribute to a healthy indoor climate in several ways:
• Natural humidity regulation: Wood absorbs excess moisture when the air is humid and releases moisture when the air is dry, which contributes to a more stable indoor climate.
• Acoustic properties: Wooden surfaces have natural sound-absorbing properties that dampen noise and create pleasant acoustics in the room.
• Warm and comfortable feel: Wood has lower thermal conductivity than materials such as concrete and metal, which makes it feel warmer and more pleasant to the touch.
Research suggests that using wood indoors can provide similar health benefits to being in nature, because the material positively affects air quality, comfort, and acoustics. This is especially important when we know that most people in the developed world spend up to 90% of their time indoors.
In addition to its functional benefits, wood adds a timeless and natural aesthetic that gives the room a warm and harmonious atmosphere. This is one of the reasons why wood remains a popular choice in everything from private homes and cabins to large public buildings such as schools, libraries and cultural centres.
At Vyrk, we combine traditional craftsmanship with modern production techniques to create wood products of the highest quality. Our goal is to make it easy to choose wood as a building material – both for professional projects and private cabins and homes.
Through careful selection of raw materials and sustainable production methods, we ensure that our products are not only environmentally friendly in use, but also throughout their life cycle. Properly managed forests are one of our most important resources in the fight against climate change, as trees bind CO₂ throughout their lifetime – and continue to store this carbon even after they have become building materials.
By choosing wood products from Vyrk, you contribute to:
• A reduced carbon footprint in construction projects
• Support for sustainable forestry
• Healthy indoor environments with natural materials
• Buildings with a long lifespan and timeless aesthetics
Feel free to get in touch with our advisors to learn more about how wood can enrich your next building project – both aesthetically, functionally and environmentally.