
Estonia and Germany’s collaboration could serve as a model for Europe. Photo: Märten Vaher
The need for modernisation in Germany is growing due to a backlog of renovations, rising energy costs, and the climate crisis. Timber frame construction offers fast and sustainable solutions. Estonia and Germany have emerged as pioneers in serial renovation using timber, with Estonia’s digital innovations playing a key role.
Through the use of 3D scans, existing buildings can be measured with millimetre precision. This data feeds directly into digital planning software to develop bespoke timber frame modules. These modules are pre-fabricated with precision in Estonian workshops, ensuring efficiency and minimal material waste. On-site construction times are significantly reduced, making renovation economically viable.
Estonia: a pioneer in serial renovation
Timber is a lightweight, renewable material whose low weight enables the central pre-fabrication of complete frame modules and their easy transport and assembly. This makes serial renovation economically feasible.
At the same time, timber impresses with its excellent environmental credentials: it stores CO₂ and reduces the need for energy-intensive materials such as concrete. Its outstanding insulating properties and ability to regulate indoor climates make timber an ideal choice for energy-efficient renovations.
Learn more about Estonia’s leading companies and sustainable construction approaches.
Estonian companies were quick to recognise the potential of digital timber construction and have developed innovative technologies that are gaining attention across Europe.
The company KMT Prefab, already active in the German market, brings over 20 years of experience and can install precisely manufactured wall modules without scaffolding, making it approximately 50% faster than traditional renovation methods.
Matek, specialising in multi-family housing renovations, installed around 10,000 m² of façade elements in Germany in 2023 and 2024. Their high level of pre-fabrication significantly reduced on-site assembly time and effort.
Synergies between Germany and Estonia
Germany’s high demand for energy-efficient renovations meets Estonia’s expertise and technological solutions. This collaboration could serve as a model for Europe. EU funding programmes support cross-border projects.
With the campaign Redesign the Future, Estonia showcases how iconic German buildings can be reimagined with timber and AI – a glimpse into the future of sustainable construction.
GOOD TO KNOW
Advantages of serial renovation in three dimensions: economic, technical, ecological
- Economic: Digitalisation shortens planning and construction times, while industrial production processes create economies of scale. This means predictable costs and minimal downtime for properties.
- Technical: Millimetre-precise pre-fabrication and stringent quality assurance ensure timber frame modules meet the highest standards, making them particularly suitable for energy-efficient renovations.
- Ecological: Timber actively contributes to CO₂ reduction. Moreover, pre-fabrication generates minimal waste, and old timber components can be reused.
This content is funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU.
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