Comparative assessment of the economic feasibility of mass timber buildings

Abstract

A comparative analysis of the costs of mass timber and engineered wood buildings relative to concrete and steel structures was conducted. Using a systematic literature review and a lifecycle cost analysis framework, the study examined 30 studies focused on cost comparisons of buildings. The findings indicate that mass timber buildings incur higher costs during the product and construction phases. However, the results were mixed for the operational, end-oflife, and total lifecycle costs. There is a need for standardised cost assessments to quantify the monetary value of mass timber’s benefits to fully capture its financial advantages. Comprehensive data is also required to improve the accuracy of cost evaluations. The study contributes to a broader understanding of the economic viability of mass timber buildings and lays a groundwork for future research.