Panattoni has become the first company in the Czech industrial development market to receive approval for using wooden trusses and purlins in the construction of large-scale industrial halls for manufacturing and logistics. This groundbreaking decision, granted by the Fire Rescue Service of the Pilsen Region, enables the seamless integration of modern construction methods with sustainability, setting a new standard in industrial architecture.
The inaugural project in the Czech Republic to feature this innovation is Panattoni Park Pilsen West III in Úherce, located 14 kilometers west of Pilsen. This modern industrial park will offer over 40,000 m² of rentable space and serve as a trailblazer in sustainable design for large industrial buildings.
Wood, as the primary material for the roof structures, brings numerous environmental benefits. As a renewable resource with a low carbon footprint, it significantly reduces emissions during production and processing. Additionally, using wooden trusses allows for more efficient material utilization and reduced energy demand during construction.
“We received approval from the Fire Rescue Service of the Pilsen Region for the use of wooden trusses and purlins in large industrial halls for manufacturing and logistics. Until now, wooden roofs were only permissible in residential, office, and smaller industrial properties in the Czech Republic. This precedent-setting decision represents a major milestone not only for our company but also for the entire Czech construction industry. I am thrilled that we continue to affirm our leadership in sustainable development. For us, our investors, and our clients, it is crucial that the approved fire safety solution does not limit the functionality of the halls compared to concrete structures,” said Pavel Sovička, Managing Director of Panattoni for the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
The approval was the result of an intensive review process involving key contributions from ARCHaPLAN and A2 Timber. Together with Panattoni's team, led by Regional Sustainability Manager Pavel Fojtík, they provided technical documentation, studies, and necessary materials. A2 Timber prepared the complete project documentation, while ARCHaPLAN developed a fire safety concept for the wooden roof structure using modern materials and safety features to ensure compliance with applicable legislation.
Panattoni’s expertise in wooden structures stems from successful projects in Germany and Austria, such as Panattoni Park Graz South in Styria, Austria, which features over 55,000 m² of multifunctional space. The use of wooden trusses has played a significant role in reducing the carbon footprint and advancing circular economy principles in these projects.
Insights from these international projects have been instrumental in the Czech pilot project in Úherce. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) report prepared by Grinity for Panattoni Park Pilsen West III revealed that the wooden roof trusses will reduce the building's carbon footprint by 290 tons compared to reinforced concrete trusses.
This milestone establishes a new standard for sustainability in the Czech construction industry, demonstrating that ecological responsibility and innovative technologies can go hand in hand. Panattoni’s achievement reinforces its leadership in sustainable development and opens new possibilities for greener industrial construction.