Massive versus lightweight construction in residential building / Massivbau versus Leichtbau im Wohnungsbau

Masonry as the primary form of construction is currently the most economic option for the building of multi-storey apartment blocks in Germany in order to provide affordable housing. It can however also be stated that there is definitely further rationalisation potential in masonry construction, in contrast to lightweight construction.
In comparison to masonry construction, lightweight building methods show no apparent economic advantages, the ecological balance is objectively equivalent and the fire protection and sound insulation properties have to be provided technically and constructively at high cost in order to comply with the same requirements.
Under consideration of a realistic and objective assessment, there is therefore no reason to promote the use of lightweight building methods, such as timber-frame, from their current status as niche products, especially for residential building.