At the same time, the housing question is already acute: 3.7 million people are displaced within Ukraine, while another 6.8 million of the population are outside the country.
In these types of situations, timber as a material has advantages. Not only is it flexible, but it also enables a rapid building process. This forms the basis for the WoodReconstruct project, funded by Formas and led by Anders Roos, professor at the Department of Forest Economics at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences.
The project’s ambition is broad, but its starting point concrete. First, the situation must be mapped, then a number of representative value chains will be selected for in-depth study.
“We have just started, and have no ready-made solution for exactly which buildings should be built. We must investigate that. We should start from the knowledge and experience that exists in Ukraine, what conditions are present,” says Anders Roos.
Timber’s role in Ukraine’s reconstruction
Timber is not a miracle solution to Ukraine’s enormous reconstruction needs – but it can become an important part of the answer. The project will map how timber can be used functionally, circularly and adapted to circumstances, both now during the ongoing war – and when peace has been concluded.
“We in the forest sector can contribute by understanding how timber is used sensibly, and how it can contribute maximally to the reconstruction,” he says.
Ukraine today has timber construction but not to the same extent as Sweden. Regulations create limitations, and WoodReconstruct will therefore analyse building regulations to see how these can change as Ukraine harmonises with EU regulations.
“There are regulations similar to what we had in Sweden previously. You cannot build too high, up to three storeys,” says Anders Roos.
Challenges: regulations, perception and disrupted supply chains
But it’s not just about legislation. Timber also needs to be accepted by those who will build and live in the houses – particularly in a country where the material is often associated with holiday homes or rural areas rather than urban multi-residential buildings.
“There is probably resistance. We want to investigate acceptance among users, but also among craftsmen and developers,” says Anders Roos.
Currently, Ukraine’s supply chains are disrupted. Timber is needed in defence works and for energy. Particularly during the harsh winter, when Russia targets civilians’ access to electricity, water and heating.
Circularity therefore becomes a central question in the project. Not only for environmental reasons, but also as a necessary strategy.
“The timber material must be used optimally. The value chains should also be sustainable. Today the country’s defence comes first. But there is also an aspiration to move closer to Europe, and there much is moving towards sustainability,” says Anders Roos.
His previous research has focused on timber construction including architects’ and structural engineers’ attitudes to timber construction and people’s motives for wanting to live in multiresidential timber buildings.
In a study conducted in seven European countries, Anders Roos, together with other researchers, has examined how climate, materials and preferences are connected.
The results give a more nuanced picture for those who believe the climate argument is the primary reason people want to live in timber houses.
Long-term potential and lessons for both countries
It’s a conclusion that also becomes relevant in Ukraine, but in a different way. When people are without housing, the choice of material is not prioritised. But when reconstruction goes from acute solution to long-term community building, the question of housing quality and design becomes central.
“If timber construction is to progress in the long term, you must invest in good design and good living environments. That’s where the opportunity lies,” says Anders Roos.
Part of the project involves creating exchanges, such as study trips, networks and knowledge exchange between industrial timber construction in Sweden and corresponding actors in Ukraine.
“Both industrial timber construction and modular construction can be interesting. And the Swedish experience. We have been at it for a long time and learned much,” he says.
Last but not least, WoodReconstruct will also look at what Sweden can learn from Ukraine.
“If Sweden should end up in war, we must have preparedness, also within the timber construction sector. The conclusions we reach in Ukraine will hopefully have significance for Sweden’s preparedness, should we end up in war,” says Anders Roos
Text: Mattias Boström Photo: Julio Gonzalez
