Eternal Homes: Conserving the Planet’s Resources
A fundamental requirement for the development and prosperity of nations is ensuring good housing conditions, public health, and overall well-being—both in physical and spiritual aspects.
Residential buildings and living spaces form the foundation of human society. A significant portion of the planet’s resources is primarily spent on housing construction. The lifespan of modern buildings ranges from 30 to 150 years, depending on the materials and construction technologies used—whether panels, reinforced concrete, ceramic, or silicate bricks.
Key factors in choosing materials and construction methods include the ecological safety of housing, construction speed, energy efficiency, operating costs, durability, and the environmental impact of disposal. Notably, the more technologically complex building materials are, the more harmful they tend to be to human health.
One of the most eco-friendly, simple, and health-beneficial building methods has always been wooden construction. Since ancient times, wood has been used as a building material alongside natural stone, straw, and clay. Properly constructed wooden homes rank among the most durable and healthiest housing options.
In recent years, industrial wooden construction has gained new momentum, offering fast assembly of single-story and multi-story buildings using prefabricated panels made of glulam. While this approach solves many challenges, including rapid construction, it raises concerns regarding the ecological safety and fire resistance of such housing. The use of chemical adhesives, varnishes, fire-retardant, and antifungal treatments results in the release of harmful substances into the environment, which can negatively affect the human immune system.
However, history provides numerous examples of wooden architecture that have stood the test of time, preserving their excellent condition for centuries. These buildings were constructed without nails and, of course, without chemical treatments—simply because such substances did not exist at the time.
One such example is the Kizhi Architectural Ensemble, which has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and included in the State Register of Particularly Valuable Cultural Heritage Sites of Russia. This wooden complex, built without a single nail, is 160 years old.
In Switzerland and Germany, there are many wooden houses still in use today that date back around 600 years. (https://www.geo.de/reisen/top-ten/die-zehn-schoensten-fachwerkstaedte-deutschlands-30166620.html)
In Japan, the ancient Horyu-ji Temple, a 1,500-year-old wooden structure, remains operational to this day and is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
These magnificent structures serve as proof that, under specific important conditions, wood is an exceptionally strong and durable material.
The secrets of building practically eternal wooden structures had almost been forgotten with the rise of the technological era. However, they were revived and given new life by Erwin Thoma—an Austrian forester, engineer, PhD in technical sciences, researcher, and founder of modern ecological wooden construction. He is also the author of world-renowned books about plant life and ancient, miraculously preserved construction techniques using natural wood.
Erwin shares an astonishing story of his life, which led him to a groundbreaking discoveryone that is crucial for all of humanity. In his fascinating lecture “The Secret Language of Trees” (🔗 Watch the video), he discusses the similarities between humans and trees, the interconnectedness of all living things in nature, and the insights he gained during his work as a forester.
He became a forester at the age of 20, at a time when Austrian authorities were struggling to find someone for a remote and secluded forestry position. Around the same time, the woman he loved had just confessed her feelings and promised to follow him anywhere. That promise was immediately fulfilled, and together, they left to live and work deep in the forest.
One day, Erwin was asked to find a tree with unique acoustic properties for violin makers. He successfully located such a tree, and a year later, the same craftsmen returned. In gratitude for the exceptional wood, they held an impromptu violin concert in the forest for Erwin and his family.
That extraordinary experience made Erwin rethink trees as living parts of an ecosystem—about the conditions that shape wood’s properties and how these qualities can be used for humanity’s benefit.
Erwin Thoma’s story bears some resemblance to the famous apple falling on Newton’s head—a moment of revelation sparked by an unexpected event.
His grandfather played a key role in unraveling the mystery of trees. He shared with Erwin the secret of lunar trees, a method based on deep understanding and observation of nature’s cycles. His grandfather insisted that timber should only be harvested in winter, during a specific phase of the Moon, and that felling must immediately stop once the lunar phase changes.
In the spring, a stunning discovery was made: timber harvested by conventional means was infested with bark beetles, whereas logs cut according to the “lunar tree” method, at the right time, remained untouched by the insects.
His grandfather explained that wood harvested during a specific winter lunar phase would be naturally resistant to mold, rot, and insects, making structures and objects crafted from it practically eternal.
The secret lies in the fact that sap movement ceases in trees during winter. As a result, timber harvested at the right time lacks the nutrients that bark beetles and other insects feed on. This makes the wood naturally denser, more resilient, and free from the need for chemical treatments.
As we can see, nature’s laws are simple in their brilliance—all we need to do is understand them and follow them.
Inspired by this knowledge, Erwin founded a research laboratory dedicated to studying forests as an integral part of nature’s interconnected system. He explored the effects of time and other natural factors on wood properties, leading him to profound insights into the secrets of life—insights he now shares in his numerous seminars and books.
Building upon this scientific foundation, Erwin Thoma established an engineering and woodworking construction company. His business is structured around the principles of deep synergy and harmony between humans and nature.
Over the past 36 years, his company has built thousands of highly acclaimed buildings worldwide, including private homes, multi-story residential buildings, hotels, and office complexes.
Houses built from “lunar wood” are resistant to fire, earthquakes, mold, insects, and rot.
Following the massive 2011 earthquake in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, it was discovered that the homes constructed by Erwin Thoma’s company suffered virtually no damage and withstood the disaster better than any other structures. This makes these houses not only environmentally friendly but also highly earthquake-resistant.
Erwin Thoma’s company is called “Wood 100”, symbolizing the fact that these houses are made entirely from wood—without a single nail or screw.
The core principles behind the production of wall panels and the construction process are based on the absolute exclusion of chemical treatments. No fireproof coatings, insect repellents, preservatives, or decorative chemical varnishes are used. As a result, the houses are made from healthy, eco-friendly materials, and their walls actively breathe, allowing air and moisture to escape naturally, partially addressing the need for ventilation.
For individual homes, this “breathing” effect completely eliminates the need for artificial ventilation.
Just as the human body feels most comfortable in natural fabrics, people feel more at ease living in a pure wooden house—without exposure to chemical treatments.
These homes are also highly energy-efficient: they stay cool in summer and warm in winter, significantly reducing the consumption of non-renewable resources. Thanks to their self-sufficiency, they are ideal for remote locations.
Wooden architecture offers a wide range of styles, from traditional to ultra-modern.
Regions that were previously sparsely populated due to a lack of infrastructure—electricity, gas, or central utilities—can now be settled quickly thanks to these autonomous houses. A four-story building can be made fully livable in just one month, while a one-story house can be built from scratch and move-in ready in just three days.
Modern wooden panel construction allows for the building of high-rise structures. In cities around the world, 10- and 12-story buildings made entirely of wood have already been built.
In urban areas, where population density is high, people experience significant psychological, emotional, and environmental stress. To counterbalance this burden, the use of healthier building materials is essential.
A recent study conducted by the MSU Sleep Medicine Center and the Rosizol Association found that more than 50% of Russians who moved into newly built apartment complexes reported worsening health. This highlights the importance of constructing urban buildings from natural, non-toxic materials.
To support population well-being, it is crucial to prioritize eco-friendly architecture, including the materials used in both construction and interior finishing.
Wooden buildings not only promote better health but also ease the strain on urban infrastructure. Their energy-efficient design reduces dependency on city utilities—they cool themselves naturally in hot weather and retain heat effectively during winter. Solar panels installed on rooftops can partially cover electricity needs.
This is exemplified by a wooden-panel office center equipped with solar panels on its roof.
At Erwin Thoma’s company, wood preparation follows the “lunar technology” method. The timber is 100% sustainable, completely renewable, and stored at the factory for future use.
The wall panels, often referred to as a “wall cake”, consist of multiple layers, enhancing their durability. The middle layer is arranged at an angled pattern, making the wall panels as strong as concrete.
These layers are bonded using high-pressure pressed beech dowels—without glue, only natural wood. This guarantees that the wooden panels and the homes built from them are 100% environmentally friendly.
This approach also reduces manufacturing costs, lowers the final product price, and ultimately saves money for consumers.
A key difference between this method and common glued-laminated timber construction is that the “lunar wood” technology completely eliminates glue and chemical treatments in the production of wall panels. Instead, the layers are joined using beechwood dowels, and the panels are precisely cut to millimeter accuracy using robotic automated lines.
The flooring blocks are substantial in mass, with their strength parameters carefully calculated at the plant’s engineering center.
The floor design incorporates a large air cushion that enhances thermal and sound insulation while also allowing for utility installation. The height of this air gap is 40-50 cm.
The wall panels are fire-safety certified under class F180, meaning they can withstand intense fire exposure for three hours—sufficient time to ensure safe evacuation.
Wood processed using the lunar technology exhibits natural fire-resistant properties, enough to meet the three-hour fire resistance certification.
This might seem surprising, as we traditionally consider wood a highly flammable material.
Thus, this construction technology is not only highly effective but also meets strict fire safety standards, without requiring additional chemical treatments that often contain toxic components capable of evaporating into the environment.
The wood is left untreated both inside and outside. Over time, it naturally changes color due to exposure to environmental factors. Beechwood can last for 400–500 years.
Interior finishing is optional. Once the frame is assembled, the space is move-in ready. Of course, homeowners can customize their interiors to their liking, but natural wood is inherently beautiful.
Here’s what the interiors of wooden homes look like:
At “Derevo 100”, the commitment to eco-friendly production extends beyond the products themselves—the factory itself is built using lunar wood technology. The machinery operates entirely on electricity generated by solar panels installed on the roof.
In today’s world, sustainable, fast-assembly wooden housing made from 100% renewable resources is an absolute necessity.
Prefabricated modular wooden construction offers a significant advantage:
- Homes can be built extremely quickly—within 3 to 5 days for individual residences (which can be expanded by adding modules as needed) and within 7 to 20 days for multi-story buildings.
- The modular approach allows homeowners to start with a small house, as little as 20 m², and gradually expand the living space by adding more blocks.
This flexibility is financially practical for families—as the family grows, so does the house. It’s also highly convenient for businesses and commercial projects.
Implementing this type of construction could enable the rapid rebuilding of homes in disaster-stricken areas and crisis zones where entire settlements have been destroyed by natural catastrophes.
However, the chemical industry aggressively lobbies for the use of its products across all sectors. It is likely that marketing teams and industry executives will oppose and launch information campaigns against chemical-free construction technologies.
It is important to remember how devastating the industrialization of agriculture has been. Uncontrolled chemical use has already led to such severe soil degradation that both the United Nations Assembly and BRICS nations have been forced to sound the alarm, declaring a decade-long initiative to restore the planet’s ecosystems.
(For reference, see the article: “Humanity is rapidly losing fertile land” – https://возрождениеземли.рф/chelovechestvo-stremitelno-teryaet-plodorodnye-zemli/).
A balanced approach to industry development is essential—one that prioritizes the real needs of humanity rather than the pursuit of maximum corporate profit at the expense of the planet’s health, leaving behind a scorched Earth as our “legacy” for future generations.
Sustainable, environmentally safe—or rather, environmentally beneficial—economic practices must become a fundamental principle of human society.
Wooden housing is not only eco-friendly to live in but also eco-friendly to dispose of.
Such a house can be easily disassembled and relocated if necessary. If disposal is required, the house fully returns to nature—leaving no waste and no chemical pollution of the soil.
Wood is a fully renewable natural resource—a material that can be regrown repeatedly. However, ensuring the sustainability of forest resources must be the top priority when developing industrial-scale wooden construction.
Manufacturers and their subsidiaries must take responsibility for restoring harvested forests by organizing reforestation efforts. This includes symmetrical planting of saplings, and spacing adjustments to ensure the rapid and healthy growth of specific tree species.
The expansion of Derevo 100’s construction technology requires a serious, long-term strategy, which will also stimulate demand in related industries, including wood-processing machinery manufacturing.
In summary, let’s outline the key benefits of eco-friendly wooden construction.
Advantages of Wooden Construction Without the Use of Glues, Varnishes, or Chemical Treatments
- 100% renewable resource.
- Environmentally friendly material that promotes human health.
- Lower cost per square meter of living space due to the absence of finishing materials, adhesives, chemical treatments, or varnishes.
- Fast assembly and immediate usability.
- Contributes to higher birth rates by creating a healthy living environment and providing sufficient space for large families.
- Durability of structures – an expected lifespan of 300–400 years.
- Easy reconstruction, disassembly, transformation, and expansion by adding modules; homes can be easily reassembled in a new location.
- Low maintenance costs.
- High-speed construction – 3–5 days for an individual home, 7–20 days for a multi-story building.
- No need for highly skilled labor – simple panel assembly, prepared in advance at the manufacturing facility.
- Clean, dry, and compact construction process, minimizing disruption to residents in existing urban areas.
- Immediate livability after frame assembly – no need for additional interior finishing.
- Pre-installed engineering systems within the wall panels, allowing for easy connection during assembly.
- Energy efficiency – warm in winter, cool in summer.
- Reduced consumption of non-renewable heating resources (gas, oil).
- Eco-friendly disposal – no environmental pollution, no harm to soil or air.
The Advantages of Eco-Friendly, Chemical-Free Construction Are Undeniable!
Ideally, all buildings on our planet should be like this: sustainable, practical, long-lasting, health-enhancing, and resource-efficient. This must be our goal and our mission. Such an approach will allow us to restore our planet to a thriving, green paradise.
The places we leave behind should be better than they were before us! We must pass down clean water, fresh air, thriving forests, and fertile lands to our children and future generations.
The goal is clear, which means it is achievable! Today, we are fully capable of making it a reality. God has given us all the knowledge we need. He believes in us!
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