Sustainable Timber Construction for Social Housing in Germany

A new residential project in Augsburg, Germany, titled Haus Tür an Tür (Door to Door), showcases the potential of engineered timber in sustainable social housing. Designed for low-income tenants and people experiencing precarious housing conditions, the sustainable timber construction features 18 prefabricated apartments that prioritise both ecological integrity and material efficiency.

Engineered Timber as a Sustainable Solution

At the heart of the project is Kerto LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) from Metsä Wood, chosen for its high structural strength, dimensional stability, and ability to be custom-manufactured in large cross-sections. A total of 500 cubic metres of timber were used, replacing traditional building materials like concrete and steel. As a biobased, renewable material that stores CO₂, wood played a central role in reducing the building’s environmental footprint.

According to the architectural firm Streidl, Gilg & Wolff Architekten, timber was selected explicitly for its ecological credentials. The material improves indoor air quality by absorbing pollutants and contributes to a healthier, more natural living environment. These qualities make engineered timber a compelling option for sustainable architectural applications.

Prefabrication for Efficiency and Precision

To streamline construction, exterior wall components were prefabricated offsite by Gumpp & Maier. The panels—up to 10.5 metres long—were pre-fitted with windows, shading elements, and façade cladding. This high level of prefabrication reduced installation time, improved working conditions, and minimised site waste.

The precision of Kerto LVL enhanced manufacturing consistency, enabling tight tolerances and error-free assembly. The result: a cost-effective, rapid, and low-impact construction process, ideal for both residential and commercial projects prioritising speed and sustainability.

Slimmer Wall Design, Greater Material Efficiency

Thanks to its strength-to-weight ratio, Kerto LVL allowed for slimmer wall structures without compromising on insulation or strength. These walls achieved impressive thermal performance, with U-values as low as 0.099 W/m²K for non-load-bearing elements. Slimmer designs also enabled more usable floor space—a critical factor in cost-sensitive housing developments.

The walls incorporated mineral wool and cellulose insulation, gypsum fibreboards, and vapour barriers, optimising both thermal and acoustic performance. Additionally, the building integrates green roofs, solar panels, and rainwater harvesting, extending sustainability into operational phases.

High-Load Thresholds and Longevity

For ground-level structural thresholds, the project used Kerto GLVL, a glued laminated veneer lumber suitable for high-load applications. With cross-sections up to 100 by 360 millimetres, these components enhance building durability and mitigate long-term settlement, particularly in multi-storey designs.

Haus Tür an Tür demonstrates how engineered wood products like Kerto LVL and Kerto GLVL support affordable, sustainable, and scalable housing solutions. With prefabrication, material efficiency, and long-life performance, the project sets a precedent for architects and designers interested in circular construction and carbon-conscious material choices.

Source: Metsä Wood
Photos: Eckhart Matthäus, Gumpp & Maier GmbH, Tür an Tür Miteinander Wohnen und Leben