ALHO wood hybrid construction
Synergy of wood and steel
We have developed the timber hybrid construction method against the background of resource-saving serial production in conjunction with the continuous optimisation of construction processes. We focus on the conscious use of resources and therefore not only achieve greater efficiency in production, but also reduce construction costs at the same time. Apart from the economic advantages, our construction method also offers the client ecological and socio-cultural benefits: Our timber hybrid construction method combines the technical and economic advantages of steel as a building material with the sustainability aspects of timber.
As a renewable raw material, wood stores large quantities of CO₂ during its service life, which remain permanently bound in the building material and thus in the building. This makes a significant contribution to CO₂ reduction. Steel, on the other hand, enables filigree yet very strong structures that guarantee high material efficiency and can bridge large spans. In combination, they form an ideal synergy for sustainable construction. The standardised construction system is flexible in terms of floor plan design and offers an economical solution thanks to the optimised production system. Different module dimensions in combination with variable construction forms, e.g. frame, U or L shape, create a wide range of floor plan variants. Up to four storeys can be realised. Whether office building, educational and healthcare property or residential building - the timber hybrid construction method has numerous possible uses.
Targeted use of wood and steel
The interplay of steel frames and timber elements enables extensive prefabrication and thus efficiency gains in procurement and production. Pre-production optimises the production processes, increases the quality of the components and shortens the construction time. Non-load-bearing walls allow flexible utilisation of the buildings, which preserves their value in the long term. The high proportion of wood ensures a pleasant indoor climate and indoor air quality. The use of renewable energies such as photovoltaics or solar thermal energy is also possible with the timber hybrid construction method. Design options such as timber façades, façade or roof greening ideally complement the construction method and emphasise the ecological concept of the construction method.
Just as important as the use of environmentally friendly building materials is their targeted use. We use wood consciously and in a way that conserves resources, as the per capita demand for wood in Germany can no longer be met entirely from domestic resources. The increasing demand for wood as a substitute for fossil raw materials and the shortage of supplies due to extreme weather conditions, forest fires and pest infestations require careful and sustainable use of wood as a resource. We feel responsible for the use of high-quality wood, which is why we only use FSC or PEFC-certified wood from responsible forestry. The world recycling champion steel complements the raw material wood perfectly: 99% of the construction steel is recycled and a full 88% of this is melted down and processed into new steel. By using green steel, an additional saving of approx. 30% CO₂ can be achieved.
FAQ on the ALHO timber hybrid construction method
Hybrid timber construction is a combination of the ecological advantages of timber and the technical qualities of steel. It combines the advantages of steel and timber to create a sustainable and efficient construction system. Steel provides stability and enables large spans, while wood as a renewable raw material stores CO² and creates a healthy indoor climate.
- CO² storage: Wood stores carbon dioxide during its service life and binds it in the building in the long term.
- Flexibility of use: The construction method is suitable for different building types such as office buildings, educational and healthcare properties as well as residential buildings.
- Healthy indoor climate: Wood ensures pleasant indoor air and a healthy indoor climate.
- Wide range of design options: Façade design and green roofs emphasise the ecological concept of building.
- Utilisation of renewable energies: Renewable energies such as photovoltaics or solar thermal energy can be easily integrated.
The construction method enables extensive prefabrication and thus an increase in production efficiency, a reduction in construction time and an increase in the quality of the components. Wood is used consciously and in a resource-saving manner in order to meet the increasing demand in a sustainable manner. To minimise the environmental impact, only FSC or PEFC-certified timber and recycled structural steel are used. The combination of wood and steel results in buildings with a low carbon footprint.