Last Wednesday, March 11, a group of members of AUS – Association of Architects for Sustainability took part in a technical visit to Berguedà/Bages focused on timber construction, industrialization, and the development of the local forest-based bioeconomy.
The visit is part of AUS’s technical visits program, aimed at engaging with real-world experiences, understanding production and construction processes, and fostering spaces for exchange among professionals committed to more sustainable architecture.
The day began at Grupo Boix’s new CLT (Cross Laminated Timber) panel factory, where we were able to learn first-hand about the company’s evolution and its strategic commitment to structural timber.
During the visit, the Grupo Boix team explained the company’s trajectory, deeply rooted in the local territory, and how they have taken the step toward producing CLT panels from locally sourced timber (mainly Scots pine and black pine), thereby contributing to activating the Catalan forest value chain.
This industrial investment —which consolidates the Group as a key player in the development of the forest bioeconomy— highlights the potential of timber as a structural material, not only for its capacity to reduce emissions, but also for its contribution to sustainable forest management and local economic development.
The visit to the factory allowed us to understand the CLT production process, from the selection and treatment of the timber to the manufacturing of the panels, as well as its applications in construction.
The second stop of the day was at Tallfusta, a company specialized in timber construction, where we learned about its trajectory, evolution, and positioning within the sector.
At Tallfusta, they explained their commitment to supporting developers and technical teams in the development of timber projects, optimizing designs and construction systems based on the different engineered wood products available on the market.
Their approach places special emphasis on the industrialization of construction processes, with the aim of improving efficiency, reducing timelines, and ensuring higher quality in execution, always with a clear focus on sustainability.
During the visit to their facilities, we were able to see various construction elements in the manufacturing process, among which the prefabricated façades of a cooperative housing building promoted by Sostre Cívic and designed by Lacol arquitectura cooperativa stood out.
The day was an opportunity to connect different scales of the sector —from forest management and industrial production to architectural design and on-site execution— and to better understand the potential of timber as a key material in the transition toward a more sustainable construction model.
At AUS, we believe that this type of visit is essential for bringing professional practice closer to the reality of the sector, understanding production processes, and building community among professionals.
We would especially like to thank Grupo Boix and Tallfusta for their availability and generosity in sharing their knowledge and processes with our members.
If you are interested in becoming part of this network of professionals committed to sustainability and taking part in debates, visits, and other activities, we encourage you to join AUS.
For more information, you can contact us at auscatalunya@coac.cat.