He acknowledges that timber won’t entirely replace concrete and steel but predicts their use will become more selective and sustainable. “We’ll still need some concrete and steel, but ideally, we’ll use less and focus on reclaimed or low-carbon alternatives,” he added.
At its core, Hairstans argues, the shift isn’t just about materials, it’s about a cultural change in how we think about construction. “For too long, we’ve approached construction as a consumption-driven industry without considering the long-term impact. We need to be more responsible, more regenerative, and more innovative in building,” he said.
As the Pioneer of the YIf offsite timber construction continues to scale up, it has the potential to solve housing shortages, cut carbon emissions, and reshape the built environment for the better. The question now is not whether timber construction can succeed, but how quickly we can embrace it to meet the challenges of the 21st century.