Exploring the Global Renaissance of Mass Timber and Insights for India

Spokesperson: Vivekabhilash Sharma

Over the past decade, mass timber has evolved from an experimental curiosity to a credible, mainstream construction strategy. Markets across Europe and North America are leading this transformation, backed by global manufacturers, progressive policies, and a surge of landmark projects. Valued at around USD 3.2 billion in 2024, the sector is set for robust growth in the coming years — driven by its environmental, technical, and economic advantages.

Mass timber’s greatest strength lies in its climate credentials. Studies show that timber structures can reduce embodied carbon by 20–50% compared to equivalent concrete buildings. These savings are significant but not automatic — they depend on responsible sourcing, efficient transport, and thoughtful end-of-life strategies. When these factors align, timber becomes a powerful tool for decarbonising the built environment.

Beyond carbon, speed is another decisive advantage. Prefabricated timber elements enable rapid on-site assembly, cutting structural timelines by 15–30% compared to conventional systems. This accelerated pace not only reduces weather-related risks but also lowers financing and labour costs, creating a tangible business case for developers and public agencies alike. Time savings translate directly into reduced exposure and stronger project economics.

Iconic projects such as Norway’s Mjøstårnet and Sweden’s Sara Cultural Centre have redefined what’s possible — proving that tall, complex, and mixed-use buildings can thrive with mass timber. These and other global examples have boosted confidence in timber’s structural performance, fire safety, and architectural potential, offering valuable lessons for emerging markets like India.

What India Can Build On

1. Build the ecosystem, not just the showcase. Timber’s carbon story loses credibility if it travels halfway across the world. India must focus on localising production, promoting FSC®/PEFC®-certified forestry, and developing domestic fabrication capacity. Sustainable scale will come from regional ecosystems, not imported novelty.

2. Pair policy with practice. Leading timber nations didn’t just update codes — they funded pilot projects and knowledge hubs to build trust and technical know-how. India’s early glulam prototypes are encouraging, but lasting change will come from a steady pipeline of public and institutional projects that make timber a standard choice rather than an exception.

3. Invest in prefabrication and skills. The promise of mass timber — its efficiency, precision, and low-carbon impact — depends on collaboration. This means training, digital design integration, and modern construction practices that bring architects, engineers, and manufacturers onto the same platform from the start.

4. Stay pragmatic about limits. Timber isn’t the answer to everything. Regional forestry constraints, biodiversity pressures, and transport emissions must be factored in. A credible national strategy should treat timber as part of a broader low-carbon toolkit — with clear rules for sourcing, reuse, and circularity.

In India, Artius has been at the forefront of this shift, pioneering timber and glulam construction through collaborations with architects, engineers, and developers. By combining design precision with pre-engineered efficiency, Artius demonstrates how wood can be built faster, cleaner, and brighter without compromising quality.

The global timber movement proves what’s possible when innovation, craft, and climate responsibility align. For India, this is a moment to learn from global precedents, build local strengths, and scale responsibly.

At Artius, we’re already shaping that future — come build it with us.