Engineered wood gains space in civil construction and will be featured at CasaPronta Criciúma

Technology expands possibilities in civil construction; fair takes place 14 a 18 of October

A material known for centuries is gaining new possibilities within civil construction. Engineered wood, produced by industrial processes that allow its use in structures of different sizes, has been expanding its space in Brazil and is already appearing in projects in the south of Santa Catarina. The subject will be among the themes presented at the 23rd CasaPronta Criciúma Fair, what happens to 14 a 18 of October, at the José Ijair Conti Pavilion.

The fair brings together companies and professionals from the construction sectors, furniture and decoration and, every edition, opens space for technologies and systems that reflect market transformations. In this year, the public will be able to learn about engineered wood at the Instituto de Arquitetos do Brasil space (IAB), Criciúma nucleus, which will present small showcase pieces and hold a lecture on the use of wood in architecture.

Different from conventionally used solid wood, engineered wood goes through an industrial process. Boards or sheets of wood are glued and pressed to form structural elements, like beams, pillars and slabs. According to the architect Diego Espírito Santo, do Espírito Santo Associated Architects, o processo permite produzir componentes com capacidade estrutural e maior estabilidade dimensional.

The material also has a lower weight compared to traditional concrete and steel systems and can use wood from renewable sources and reforestation.. “Engineered wood is a highly industrialized product. From it we can produce beams, structural pillars and slabs and work with large spans. It is a technology that greatly expands the possibilities of using wood in civil construction”, Explain.

The system can be used in different types and scales, including residences, commercial buildings, bridges and buildings. Constructions can also combine materials: concrete foundations and metallic connection elements, for example, can integrate projects whose main structure uses engineered wood.

Projects already arrive in the South of Santa Catarina

Although Diego assesses that the system is still in the process of being disseminated in Criciúma,, he observes market advancement in Santa Catarina and the rest of the country. Companies close to the region already produce beams and pillars, while some components are still supplied by manufacturers from other states.

The office has been studying the technology for over ten years and has projects that use the system. One of them is the Pio Corrêa Shipyard, in Criciúma, whose wooden structure project received first place in the 6th Saint-Gobain Architecture Award, in the professional category of commercial projects.

The office also has a completed residence on the coast, with approximately 700 square meters and wide use of technology, and now begins a residency of almost 300 square meters in Criciúma designed with engineered wood structure.

For Diego, the presence of the theme at CasaPronta contributes to bringing technology closer to both professionals and those planning a project. “The local market is maturing. When architects, engineers and customers get to know the system and understand how it works, new possibilities begin to emerge”, affirms.

Criciúma prepares for new construction models

Engineered wood is also starting to gain space in public projects in Criciúma. According to Mayor Vagner Espíndola, the municipality already has an approved project for the construction of a school entirely with this system and is preparing the procedures for the future bidding for the work.

The advancement of new technologies in construction also requires that standards and processes keep up with market changes. “Legislation in civil construction cannot be static. It needs to always adapt to realities. We have construction standards that are coming with everything and we need to have regulations for this. Engineered wood is an example: It's a new standard for us, but already consolidated elsewhere”, highlights Espíndola.

For the mayor, the incorporation of these new systems is part of a movement to update civil construction in the municipality, especially in the face of models that bring new possibilities for execution and use of materials.

Madeira can be seen up close at the fair

During CasaPronta, the IAB will take small samples of engineered wood so that the public can have contact with the material. The 23rd CasaPronta Criciúma Fair will be held 14 a 18 October of 2026, at the José Ijair Conti Pavilion, gathering more than 180 exhibitors of the construction sectors, furniture and decoration. Check the fair times:

• 14 a 16 of October, Wednesday to Friday – 4pm to 10pm
• 17 of October, Saturday – 2pm to 10pm
• 18 of October, Sunday – 2pm to 7pm