The Rise of Mass Timber Construction in Europe

Mass timber construction is experiencing unprecedented growth across Europe, with major implications for the timber industry.

What is Mass Timber?

Mass timber refers to engineered wood products used for structural applications:

• CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber): Large panels of solid wood layers
• Glulam: Laminated timber beams and columns
• LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber): High-strength engineered lumber

Market Growth

The European mass timber market is growing at 15% annually, driven by:

• Carbon reduction targets
• Improved building regulations
• Architectural innovation
• Cost competitiveness with steel and concrete

Notable Projects

• Mjøstårnet, Norway: 85m tall, world's tallest timber building
• Sara Cultural Centre, Sweden: 20 stories of CLT construction
• Dalston Works, London: 10-story CLT residential building

Implications for African Timber

While most CLT uses softwood, opportunities exist for:

• Hardwood CLT for special applications
• Glulam beams with African hardwood laminations
• Decorative veneer finishes on mass timber structures

Our Position

Green Valley Inc. is developing partnerships with European CLT manufacturers to supply certified African hardwoods for hybrid mass timber products.