Wooden houses build debate on fire safety: "Risk of experimental workshop"

It is in a debate article in Aftonbladet that Plåt & ventföretagens CEO Johan Lindström writes, among other things, that there are major shortcomings when it comes to fire safety in tall wooden houses and that the solutions consist mainly of sprinklers and fire protected wood.

- There are rarely any drawbacks to wood construction, but there are positive noises from all sides. It risks becoming an experimental workshop that will not see the results until a fire occurs, says Johan Lindström, who thinks that one should have the "Right material in the right place" approach.

The debate should be seen in the light of the fact that more and more wood is being built. In Umeå, for example, before the turn of the year, politicians in the municipal council adopted a motion to build more wood. Other examples of timber construction being on the rise are Skellefteå's new cultural center, which is built entirely of wood.

At Martinsons, which is part of the cultural house building, it is also noticed that the demand for wood construction is increasing. According to them, the development of wooden frames has also led to serious competition with other materials.

According to the forest owners' association Norra's CEO, Pär Lärkeryd, the argument about fire safety is not a concern, he also thinks it is necessary for the climate to switch to wood.

- Today's building techniques in concrete and steel have been developed for 100 years, the wood technology has only been developed in recent decades. For a long time, it was not allowed to build tall houses in Sweden in Sweden, and therefore this building technology needs time to develop. We will need to review vigorous continued development over the next 10-20 years. But we have to do it because if we do not, we will not solve the climate issue, ”he says.