Market Trends of Global Prefab Wood Building Industry
Canada Leads the Charge in Prefab Wood Building Market
The prefab wood building market in Canada is on the rise, driven predominantly by the growing adoption of advanced panel systems. Leading this charge are materials such as Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), Nail-Laminated Timber (NLT), Dowel-Laminated Timber (DLT), and Glue-Laminated Timber (GLT) columns and beams. Renowned for their sustainability and structural integrity, these materials have swiftly become the preferred choice for builders and architects across the country.
Consider the Red Deer Polytechnic Student Residence in Red Deer, Alberta, spotlighted by Construction Business in October 2024. This Canadian residential endeavor, executed via an integrated project delivery (IPD) model, utilized a collaborative 'Choosing by Advantages' (CBA) approach. The team evaluated concrete, steel, wood, and composite systems to determine the best structural fit. The outcome was a five-storey midrise hybrid building, featuring glue-laminated timber (GLT) posts and beams as its structural backbone, GLT panels for the floor and roof, and dimensional lumber for load-bearing walls, shearwalls, and interior partitions. This deliberate selection underscored the growing significance of prefab wood solutions in Canadian construction, delivering maximum benefits at minimal costs.
In Vancouver, British Columbia, another hybrid project, Vienna House, is underscoring the prominence of prefab wood systems in the Canadian market. As reported by Construction Business in October 2024, this project is set to be a near zero-emissions rental apartment community. By choosing Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) over GLT, Vienna House is integrating CLT floor and ceiling panels with prefabricated light frame wall construction. The design not only champions eco-friendliness but also incorporates seismic reinforcing tension rods in the shearwall system, acknowledging its high seismic zone location. Once finalized, Vienna House will offer 123 units, including 56 family units, catering to a diverse range from shelter and low-income to average market rentals. This initiative underscores the versatility and efficiency of prefab wood systems in meeting varied construction demands within Canada.
In conclusion, the prefab wood building market in Canada is evolving rapidly, with advanced panel systems like CLT and GLT playing a pivotal role. These materials not only bolster structural efficiency but also align with Canada's sustainability objectives, making them integral to modern construction practices. Projects such as the Red Deer Polytechnic Student Residence and Vienna House highlight the adaptability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental consciousness of prefab wood systems, driving the market's growth across Canada in 2024 and beyond.
Panel Systems Feuling the Market
With over 1,600 organizations and a workforce exceeding 231,600, the global prefab wood building market is witnessing a slight annual growth rate dip of 1.28%. Yet, in the last five years, the market has welcomed over 300 new companies, each averaging an employment of 18 individuals as reported by Industry Associations.
Prefab wood panel systems, including those used in data centers, are increasingly utilizing materials like cross-laminated timber (CLT), a fire-resistant, prefabricated wood material. For instance, as reported by DCD, October 2024, Microsoft has adopted a combination of wood, steel, and concrete in its data centers, a move projected to reduce the facilities' embodied carbon footprint by 35% compared to traditional steel construction and by 65% compared to standard precast concrete.
While CLT is widely used as a building material globally, its application in the data center sector remains limited. In Sweden, EcoDataCenter and Boden Type are pioneering the use of CLT in their data centers, a trend echoed by several facilities in Iceland. Additionally, Vertiv has introduced its own prefabricated wooden data center module. While EcoDataCenter's construction leans heavily on wood, CLT's offsite prefabrication allows for swifter and safer installation than the corrugated steel prevalent in large commercial structures. Though CLT may elevate material costs by 5-10% over traditional timber, the savings from a shortened construction timeline can offset this premium.
In conclusion, the global prefab wood building market, particularly in the panel systems segment, is evolving with innovative materials like CLT. Despite challenges such as higher material costs, the benefits of reduced construction time, sustainability, and safety are driving its adoption across various sectors, including data centers. This trend highlights the market's potential for growth and its role in advancing eco-friendly construction practices.
