ARCWOOD: Pushing the boundaries of timber construction

By Malin Norman | Photos: Tõnu Tunnel

ARCWOOD is one of the leading manufacturers of timber structures in the Baltics, with over 20 years of experience. Its vision is to create sustainable and innovative solutions while inspiring the construction sector to discover timber’s potential as a versatile and strong material. Today, ARCWOOD stands as one of the trendsetters in the Estonian timber industry.

The story of ARCWOOD began in 2002 when founder and CEO Peeter Peedomaa, with nearly 18 years of experience in the timber industry, decided to establish a company to provide the construction sector with durable and high-quality structural timber solutions. “We started with the production of smaller-scale timber building materials but quickly found our place in the market,” says Peedomaa.

Already in the first year, a significant share of the output was exported to Germany, laying the foundation for steady growth. In 2014, ARCWOOD became the first company in the Baltics and Scandinavia to produce cross-laminated timber (CLT) – a sustainable and innovative material that streamlines construction and provides architects with excellent opportunities to bring their ideas to life.

“Our core products – CLT and glulam – combine strength, precision, and versatility to provide tailored solutions for projects of all types and scales,” says the founder. “The materials enable both technically complex and visually striking construction solutions, meeting the challenges of the construction industry.”

ARCWOOD: Pushing the boundaries of timber construction

Pelgulinna State Gymnasium in Tallinn.

Nature House and other bespoke projects

ARCWOOD’s products have been used in many notable projects in Estonia and abroad, including projects in South Korea, the Maldives, and Bangladesh. An example of an inspiring and sustainable learning environment is Pelgulinna State Gymnasium in Tallinn, Estonia, where 85 per cent of the building’s load-bearing structures are made of CLT and glulam. Comprising three seamlessly connected building volumes, the school demonstrates how timber can be used as both an aesthetic and practical material, creating distinctive and future-oriented educational spaces.

Nature House, currently under construction by the Tallinn seafront, is one of the company’s largest and most technically challenging projects, commissioned by the Estonian state. In this ambitious development, ARCWOOD shows how timber can push boundaries and create solutions that combine technical precision with unique design. When completed, Nature House will stand as a landmark for Estonian timber construction and the largest public-use timber building.

“We see challenges as an opportunity to demonstrate the full potential of timber – from complex structures and technical solutions to ambitious architectural projects,” says Peedomaa. “At ARCWOOD, we are committed to delivering efficiency, precision, and sustainable solutions that push the boundaries of timber construction.”