In construction, we often tend to oppose wood and concrete, whether new or renovating.

But more and more projects are betting on their complementarity by choosing to combine the two.

This unexpected marriage has aesthetic qualities, but also energy.

Because the combination of wood and concrete makes it possible to obtain interesting thermal performance while optimizing the living space.

Concrete framework and wood envelope

In general, a main concrete structure is combined with a wooden frame.

The first material serves as a solid base (posts, beams, stairs, slabs, etc.) while the second is used as a thermal envelope, generally presented in the form of panels which cover the walls.

Concrete imposes its robustness and wood offers lightness and an aesthetic rendering.

Good thermal insulation

The first strong point of this alliance is its thermal performance. The wood panels act as insulation from the outside, which eliminates thermal bridges and obtains airtightness. In this configuration, the concrete prevents the heat from spreading too much in the habitat in summer. But to obtain such insulation and an interesting energy performance, the concrete blocks used must be between 36.5 and 50 cm thick. In this case, it will not be necessary to carry out an added insulation, that is to say to apply an insulating layer inside and outside the walls. However, you should know that the wooden frame, because it allows for thin but solid walls, is ideal for inserting insulation into the structure between the uprights.

Finally, the wood and concrete mix is ​​synonymous with surface optimization.

As timber frame walls are hollow, they save between 10 and 15 cm on the thickness of the walls, which is equivalent to approximately 5% of the interior surface of the house.

A "detail" to take into account when building your home.

An aesthetic rendering

In addition to its insulating qualities, this combination of wood and concrete impresses with its architectural aestheticism.

Both of these materials work very well to add extra flair to a building.

Between tradition and modernity, this mix makes many combinations possible.

Depending on the type of wood chosen, you can opt for a facade with a rustic appearance or, on the contrary, very contemporary.

Pine and fir will offer a golden shade, oak will bring more light and clarity, while elm will seduce with its very dark side.

Concrete can take on different shades depending on its constitution: gray or white cement, addition of pigments or sand.

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