Here you will find additional materials, including reports and links, where you can learn more about the research project and similar studies.
Wood for Health – A Guide to Using More Wood in Healthcare Buildings
Wood has many properties that contribute to well-being in indoor environments, yet its use in healthcare is still more limited than both possible and desirable, due in part to hygiene requirements and fire safety concerns. The international research project Wood for Health has developed new surface treatments as well as knowledge on the use of wood in hospitals and other environments with high hygiene demands. The guide Wood for Health showcases outstanding healthcare architecture from seven European countries, combined with insights on research, regulations, and design strategies to inspire more sustainable and human-centred care facilities.
Project Period
January 2022
June 2025
The Wood for Health project has been carried out by seven partners from five countries: one university, three research institutes, two coating manufacturers and one architectural practice. Together, the consortium has brought together expertise in architecture, timber construction, surface treatment, chemistry, microbiology, hygiene and health, as well as technical, environmental and economic sustainability assessment.
Partners: University of Oulu (lead partner), White Arkitekter, Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research, Norwegian Institute of Wood Technology, Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, Auro Pflanzenchemie AG, Iecavnieks & Co, Ltd.
Contributors from White Arkitekter: Jens Axelsson, Anna-Johanna Klasander and Matilda Leffler.
The Swedish part of the project has been funded by Vinnova and ARQ.
