A German city is building an eco-friendly public housing scheme using an innovative modular timber construction method. The project in the southwestern city of Tübingen uses special wooden building blocks developed by local startup TriqBriq. These timber blocks fit together using wooden dowels, eliminating the need for mortar or glue. With concrete foundations and interior walls for stability, the result is a hybrid construction that's sturdy and durable.

Green architecture uses sustainable, local materials

TriqBriq's sustainable wooden blocks are primarily made from coniferous trees harvested in the nearby Black Forest, using timber from a variety of sources including heat-stressed and overcrowded forests. The fact that the blocks themselves are made up of smaller pieces of wood fitted together with dowels makes it possible to use thinner or damaged wood planks, or even recycled wood. The untreated timber is also recyclable.

Since launching in 2021, TriqBriq has built 15 sustainable structures — including Germany's first supermarket made entirely from wood blocks. As demand grows, the company is transitioning to full automation and seeking investors to scale up production from its Tübingen plant.

Eco-friendly, recyclable construction has long-term value

While wooden construction materials cost roughly 10% more than traditional concrete, their environmental benefits are significant. Wood absorbs and stores carbon dioxide during growth, making it a low-carbon alternative to concrete with its high CO2 emissions. The approach has been praised for its smart use of small timber pieces and recyclable design. TriqBriq has won a German sustainability award for its circular and resource-saving construction.