ITS™ system, referenced at the WCTE in Brisbane

The World Conference on Timber Engineering (WCTE), held in June 2025 in Brisbane, Australia, is one of the most relevant international forums dedicated to engineering and innovation in timber construction. The event brought together researchers, professionals, and decision-makers from around the world to discuss the strategic role of wood in the transition towards a more sustainable, efficient, and low-carbon construction sector. In this context, the paper “Trends in the development of innovative timber products on the construction market in Europe” was presented, analysing the recent evolution of innovative timber products and systems in the European market, with specific reference to timber building kits, including the ITS™ (Insulated Timber System), developed and produced by rusticasa^®.

The presentation positioned industrialised construction kits as one of the main drivers of innovation in the timber construction sector, highlighting their contribution to standardisation, speed of execution, energy efficiency, and the reduction of the carbon footprint. Systems such as ITS™ illustrate the European trend towards certified construction solutions with high thermal and structural performance, aligned with the requirements of the European Union Construction Products Regulation (CPR).

The study analyses trends in the development of mature and innovative timber products, distinguishing those regulated by harmonised European standards (CEN) from innovative products certified through European Technical Assessments (ETA) issued by EOTA. Based on a statistical analysis of public databases, the results show a growing diversification of wood species, including both softwoods and hardwoods, for structural applications, as well as a consistent increase in the production of sawnwood and wood-based panels, mainly from softwoods.

There has also been a significant increase, since 2015, in the number of innovative products certified by ETA, with particular emphasis on structural connectors, timber building kits, advanced structural wood products, and thermal insulation materials. Germany, Austria, Italy, Finland, and Poland lead the development and certification of these solutions. The study concludes that technological innovation and standardisation are key factors for the expansion of timber construction in Europe, enabling the sector to respond to growing challenges related to construction complexity, resource efficiency, and sustainability.

Source: World Conference on Timber Engineering 2025

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