In view of the forthcoming draft legislation for Building Type E, the Timber Construction Coalition has outlined its expectations and assessments. Sun Jensch, Managing Director of the Timber Construction Coalition, described the draft as an important signal for the construction industry. However, she stressed that its actual impact in construction practice remains to be seen.
Jensch explained that legal clarifications in construction contract law alone would not suffice to fundamentally transform planning and construction processes. A key prerequisite, she stated, is the actual enablement of simpler construction methods. In this context, she referred to established standards such as the “Hamburg Standard”, which has already demonstrated how faster and more economical construction can be achieved through simplified requirements, pragmatic approval procedures, and clear standards.
Potential and Synergies for Residential Construction
Such approaches generate the momentum that current residential construction urgently needs. For the Timber Construction Coalition, Building Type E, serial and modular construction methods, and modern timber and timber-hybrid construction are conceptually closely linked. The organisation underlines that the advantages in terms of speed, cost, and sustainability for residential construction will only be fully realised if simplified standards, industrial prefabrication, and innovative building materials are considered as a coherent system.
The integration of these elements is crucial to achieve the targeted efficiency gains and environmental benefits. The Timber Construction Coalition therefore advocates for a holistic approach that goes beyond singular adjustments in construction contract law and fully exploits the potential of modern construction.
Requirements for Construction Practice
- —Legal clarifications must be accompanied by practical implementation.
- —Simplified construction methods and approval procedures are crucial.
- —Serial and modular methods in timber and timber-hybrid construction are an integral part.
- —Industrial prefabrication and innovative materials must be conceptually linked.
The position of the Timber Construction Coalition clarifies the necessity for a comprehensive consideration of construction processes. It is not solely about the legal definition of a new building type, but about creating an environment that broadly enables innovative and resource-efficient construction. The combination of legislation with practical applicability and technological advancements in timber construction is regarded as crucial for the success of Building Type E.
