Wood creates peace – and better school environments
In schools made of wood, both students and staff experience a more pleasant sound environment, a calmer atmosphere, and lower stress levels. According to Jessica Gottmarsson, project engineer at ByggDialog, the material has a calming effect and is considered good for focus and learning:
“We know that wood absorbs sound and that acoustics are important for learning environments. I feel that everyone who is in some way involved in our wooden school projects says the same thing – the schools feel nice to be in, and I think that comfort and well-being in themselves enhance people´s ability to absorb knowledge.”
Wood in healthcare – now it's being tested for real
A unique pilot project is underway at Skellefteå Hospital to investigate whether wood in healthcare environments affects patients' recovery. Behind the initiative is Bror Sundqvist, Director of the Wood Science and Engineering division at Luleå University of Technology, who, together with colleagues, wants to measure actual health effects – such as blood pressure, stress levels and recovery time – in a room at the orthopaedic clinic with wood-panelled walls.
“The reason we are carrying out this pilot project is the results of a similar study in Trondheim, Norway in 2015-2016. There were indications that patients who were in rooms with wooden panels on the walls had shorter hospital stays than patients in rooms without wooden panels, but further interdisciplinary research is required to verify the significance of the wooden elements”, says Bror Sundqvist.
So far, the number of patients, the statistical basis, is too small to show any clear clinical results. At least 60 patients should be included in the study before any conclusions can be drawn, and Bror hopes to have verified facts by the end of 2025. Personally, he seems certain that this is the case.
Wood designed for body and soul
Architects and designers testify that they consciously choose wood precisely to create environments where people feel good. One of them is Karin Löfgren, Ph.D, architect and sustainability manager at AIX Arkitekter. She believes that wood has an incredible ability to create a pleasant environment and a sense of well-being.
It's all about the natural properties of the material – its scent, texture and ability to regulate humidity. The direct link between wood and the forest also sends positive signals to many of us.
“Wood is not only a sustainable building material that, with the right design, changes and improves over time, but also a material that I believe can improve people's quality of life. If we work thoughtfully with wood in design and construction, I´m convinced that we can create buildings that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also good for both body and soul”, says Karin Löfgren.
Oskar Norelius, director of White Arkitekter, agrees and believes that wooden buildings offer a warm, inviting environment that engages all the senses:
“With its vivid grain and knots, wood creates a natural aesthetic that we humans love. We get the chance to switch off that filter that gets us through a life of noise and just relax. For me, stepping into a large wooden building is like taking a deep breath.”
Welcoming with wood at the construction site
Some who truly testify to the health benefits of wood are those who work with wood on construction sites. Pelle Olsson, installation manager at Martinsons, says that it is about a feeling, the smell of wood and an experience for both body and soul:
“Wood makes a warm and welcoming impression, not only on those who´ll be living, working or learning in the building, but also on all of us working on site during construction.”
With wood as a building material, it is easy to keep the site clean and tidy, and those who work there do not have to worry about silica dust or additives that are also harmful to health. A natural material is more appealing to work with, not least because it´s attractive and pleasant to look at.
“I think there´s a greater sense of calm on wood projects, the environment is less stressful – using screws is impact-free and sawing is nice and quiet. If I had the choice, I´d happily work with wood every day of the week”, says Assembly supervisor Anton Berglin at the construction company Inredning & Konstruktion Berglin & Co AB.
You stay for the feeling – made of wood
Are people and wood actually a feel-good combination? Judging by the stories, the answer points in that direction. At least we know that a great many people feel that way. Professionals who build with wood, tenants who live in wooden houses, teachers who teach in wooden schools, staff who provide care in environments with wood elements and architects and designers who repeatedly choose to create in wood – all testify to the same thing, namely that they feel good in environments where wood has a place.
Oskar Norelius concludes:
“Given a locally available raw material that fits perfectly into a circular approach, many of us can see the potential of expanding wood construction, not least in the context of large-scale projects. I often get people telling me what wonderful buildings we design and how good the results are. I usually describe it as coming for the sustainability, and staying for the feeling. That says it all really.”