FII China Brings Industry Leaders Together to Advance Wood Construction
The momentum behind wood construction in China is growing, fueled by coordinated efforts between government agencies and industry associations. At a recent forum hosted by FII China, key players from across the construction and forestry sectors came together to discuss the future of wood building technologies and how to navigate the challenges posed by a slowing real estate market.
Bringing together 45 senior representatives from national government-affiliated organizations and leading wood structure firms, the event underscored the increasing recognition of wood as a viable, sustainable alternative in modern construction. The presence of five national association presidents, alongside top executives from major firms, highlighted the sector’s commitment to collaboration.
Capturing Momentum: A Shift Towards Collaborative Growth
Unlike in the past, when wood construction development was largely driven by individual firms or research institutions, this forum showcased a new trend—coordinated efforts from multiple stakeholders to advance the industry. This forum was strategically designed to bring key organizations such as the China Real Estate Association (CREA), the China Wood Protection Industry Association (CWPIA), the National Center of Technology Innovation for Green and Low-Carbon Building (NCTI-GB), the China Association of Building Energy Efficiency (CABEE), and the China National Forest Products Industry Association (CNFPIA) together with leading wood construction companies into a unified dialogue, providing insights into policy direction and technical advancements.
By aligning industry development with national sustainability and prefabrication policies, wood construction is now positioned as a strategic response to broader economic and environmental challenges. The emphasis is no longer just on promoting wood for its environmental benefits but also on its practical applications within China’s evolving construction landscape.
Designed as an exclusive, invitation-only gathering, the event provided a rare opportunity for industry leaders to connect and collaborate in a focused setting. The strong interest it attracted reflected its relevance, and while demand exceeded capacity, those in attendance appreciated the privilege of engaging in high-level discussions that are shaping the future of the industry.
Why Wood Matters in a Slowing Real Estate Market
One of the key takeaways from the forum was the strategic importance of wood construction in the context of China’s cooling real estate sector. CREA President Chen Yiming emphasized that, in light of market uncertainties, the industry must focus on new product development and structural innovations rather than relying on traditional construction methods. This approach serves two purposes: it differentiates wood as a preferred building material and aligns with government priorities for greener and more efficient construction solutions.
Ren Qingying, a master in China’s architectural field and the chief designer of the Beijing Olympic Sliding Center, delivered a keynote presentation on hybrid construction with wood. He highlighted the potential of integrating wood with other materials to enhance performance, sustainability, and structural integrity.
As China refines its prefabrication policies, hybrid structures—combining timber with steel or concrete—are emerging as a promising approach. By leveraging the strengths of multiple materials, hybrid construction enhances structural performance, sustainability, and design flexibility, making it a viable option for broader adoption.
Notably, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development recently released the first batch of replicable and scalable prefabricated building technology systems and product catalogs, which include modern wood construction. This policy endorsement signals increasing government recognition and support for the sector’s growth.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Expansion
As part of the forum, the FII China team presented an analysis of wood structure development trends in China from 2010 to 2024, highlighting key market shifts and regulatory developments. Additionally, a briefing on the upcoming WoodRise Conference underscored its role as a platform for furthering industry collaboration. The forum also featured presentations from key industry players, who shared their experiences and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities within the wood construction sector.
This forum marked an important milestone in fostering greater synergy across the wood construction ecosystem. As government agencies, research institutions, and private enterprises continue to collaborate, China’s wood construction sector is poised to evolve toward a more resilient and sustainable market.