The sustainable tourism or eco-responsible tourism is booming, with an informed consumer seeking stays in harmony with nature. Tundras, valleys, and mountains. Steppe, jungle, beaches, and countryside. In this sense, CADAMDA – The Chamber of Wood – highlights the growing worldwide trend of building domes, tipis, cabins, and wooden bungalows as a sustainable alternative, which respects the environment, carbon capture, and with a much lower environmental impact, promoting responsible and ecological tourism in every corner of the world.
Benefits of Wooden Constructions:
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- Lower environmental impact
- Carbon capture
- High durability
Wooden Constructions: an Ecological Alternative for Sustainable Tourism
Undoubtedly, sustainable tourism has gained prominence in recent years, and with it, wooden constructions have taken on a central role in the search for immersive experiences in natural environments. Wooden structures, such as geodesic domes, tipis, cabins, and bungalows, offer a perfect combination of comfort, design, and low environmental impact.
The panorama presents, then, the same paradigm as in cities: choosing to build with wood, as is customary in northern hemisphere countries. Wood is one of the most ecological materials available in the construction market.
Unlike materials such as concrete or steel, its production requires less energy and generates fewer greenhouse gases. Using certified wood from sustainably managed forests also guarantees the preservation of forest ecosystems.
“Furthermore, wood has a unique ability to capture and store carbon, thus reducing the carbon footprint of its installations. That is why – both in these new types of lodging and in countries, cities, buildings, and skyscrapers – wood has the inherent virtue of naturally integrating into a green environment, reinforcing the image of a place for relaxation, close to nature, calm, and serenity,” explains Daniel Lassalle, CADAMDA’s manager.
Types of Wooden Structures for Sustainable Tourism
Geodesic Domes: Semi-spherical structures of great strength and thermal efficiency. Thanks to their design, they optimize heat and light distribution, reducing energy consumption.
They are ideal for ecotourism and boutique accommodations in natural environments. They are also stable and resistant structures to weather conditions. They have good thermal and acoustic insulation. They can be customized in size, color, and finishes. Their intelligent design facilitates assembly and disassembly. It is of fundamental importance to highlight that wooden domes are very durable and fire-resistant. Their spherical shape and weight distribution make them resistant to natural phenomena.
They are commonly used for experiences that value introspection and spirituality (greenhouses, yoga rooms, spiritual centers, viewpoints, etc.)
Tipis: Inspired by the traditional dwellings of North American indigenous peoples, these conical wooden and canvas shelters are highly weather-resistant and easy to assemble. Their simplicity and direct contact with nature have made them a popular choice in sustainable camping. Being built with industrial wood for the exterior, they have high resistance to harsh weather conditions, which is attractive in sustainable tourism.

The flexible poles withstand strong winds and other severe weather conditions. They are easy to assemble and disassemble. They are ideal for nomadic lifestyles. They have a very noticeable playful profile, making them ideal for promoting play spaces and adventures for children. Wooden tipis can help foster imagination and break conventions to develop the brain. Some woods that can be used to make tipis are: trembling aspen, aspen, river birch, pine.
Wooden Cabins: A rural tourism classic, cabins offer warmth and versatility. Their natural insulation and adaptability to different climates make them an efficient option in terms of energy. Wood is an excellent natural insulator.
They are highly fire-resistant, as they burn slowly and emit few hazardous gases. They offer multiple designs, from traditional to avant-garde, with high levels of customization and renovations. The aesthetic advantage of wood always provides a natural and welcoming look. And, with proper treatment, a wooden house can last around 100 years.
Bungalows: Small wooden houses designed to provide comfort without losing the connection with the environment. They are an increasingly used option in ecological tourist resorts and beach or mountain areas.
Wooden bungalows are usually small houses or accommodations, simple and on one level. They share the general characteristics of cabins, but their smaller dimensions invite multiple works on the same land. Wooden bungalows are ideal for use as country houses, vacation homes, and in tourist resorts.
Types of Wood and their Importance in Sustainable Construction
To ensure durability and minimal environmental impact, certified woods from responsible sources are used, such as pine, fir, cedar, and eucalyptus. These species stand out for their weather resistance and constructive versatility. “We always promote responsible wood use in construction, encouraging practices that favor forest conservation and the development of truly sustainable tourism,” adds the executive.
Why have these constructions proliferated? Because wood:
IS RENEWABLE →
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The wood used comes from planted forests, ensuring a constant supply of renewable and sustainable material. |
STORES CARBON → |
Using wood for construction provides the market with wood material from cultivated forests, preserving native forests. Additionally, every time we industrialize wood, we generate raw material for making pellets as a source of renewable Related news |