The regulatory framework for timber housing construction has been established: the market is ready for growth.
The wooden housing construction segment in Russia is poised for expansion thanks to the development of a comprehensive set of regulatory documents. This topic was discussed on the sidelines of the Siberian Construction Forum.
Sergey Muzychenko, Deputy Minister of Construction, Housing and Utilities of the Russian Federation: "Considering the lack of regulatory documents previously, mass construction was hampered. Now design has become simpler, the risks for investors are minimal, and we see potential for expanding construction throughout the country."
The development of codes and standards for wooden housing construction has been underway since 2021. The latest document—a set of fire safety regulations—is scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2026. Initially, it was envisaged that buildings up to five stories tall could be built, but tests by the Ministry of Emergency Situations showed that the optimal height for meeting fire safety requirements is Four floors.
Among the advantages of timber construction, Muzychenko highlighted the possibility of year-round work, the absence of wet processes, and its environmental friendliness.