The METAWOOD project is an innovative initiative that aims to revolutionize the wood building industry through the development of new environmentally friendly metamaterials and the training of specialized professionals.
The project involves universities and companies in a collaboration aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and competitiveness of the wood supply chain, while addressing the challenges of climate change and energy efficiency.
The area covered by METAWOOD, funded by Interreg VI-A Italy-Austria 2021-2027, includes the following areas: the Autonomous Province of Bolzano; the Provinces of Belluno, Vicenza and Treviso; Friuli Venezia Giulia; and the Austrian states of Carinthia, Salzburg and Tyrol.
The project lasts 27 months, from November 2023 to January 2026.

Goals
The METAWOOD project aims to reduce spatial disparity in the program area by improving the competitiveness of the wood supply chain and the sustainability of wood construction through a number of specific objectives:
1
Technological innovation of wood materials
The goal is to innovate materials used in construction through the development of new flame-resistant and sound-insulated wood metamaterials for multi-story buildings. This innovation will take place by integrating scientific research and industrial application, with laboratory testing and collaborations with companies in the construction industry to validate the effectiveness of industrial applications.
2
Use of digital tools for environmental impact assessment
The project develops specialized algorithms for wood buildings, improving the life cycle assessment (LCA) software on the market. The goal involves analyzing wood buildings, identifying materials and processing, and developing an information mass for AI algorithms to function. Environmental indicators considered will include global warming, ozone depletion, and photochemical ozone formation.
3
Improving training in the wood construction supply chain
Identify and train professionals needed in the wood building supply chain by evaluating existing training offerings at the high school, vocational training, and university levels and developing educational pathways, going so far as to train highly specialized professionals capable of designing and constructing sustainable and resilient wood buildings.
Expected Results.
The METAWOOD project aims to achieve the following specific tangible results:
1. Collaboration between businesses and research organizations
The project facilitates close cooperation between wood industry companies and research organizations in Italy and Austria. This cooperation makes it possible to share knowledge and develop innovative solutions in the field of metamaterials.
2. Application of new wood metamaterials.
It is planned that a sample of Italian and Austrian woodworking companies will begin using the new metamaterials.
3. Application of life cycle assessment software
Architects and engineers in Italy and Austria are expected to use Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) software to assess the environmental impact of multi-story wooden buildings.
4. Curriculum development for wood construction professionals
The development of a specific training curriculum for wood building professionals in the Italian program area is expected.
5. Cross-border cooperation
The project promotes effective cross-border cooperation by fostering the exchange of knowledge and skills between Italy and Austria. This helps to strengthen relations between partners and create synergies in the wood industry.
Long-term effects expected after the project is completed include:
Continuation of cooperation between partners
Cooperation among partners on research activities in the wood supply chain will continue, facilitating further innovation and development in the sector.
Creation of a network of companies and educational and training institutions
A stable network of companies and education and training institutions focused on the wood building supply chain is expected to be established and will continue to collaborate and share knowledge and resources.
Large-scale application of metamaterials
Enterprises in the program area will adopt metamaterials in multi-story wooden buildings on a large scale, improving the energy efficiency and sustainability of construction.
Bottom line.
The METAWOOD project is expected to achieve tangible and lasting results with significant positive impact in both the short and long term: on the one hand, the adoption of new technologies and practices; on the other hand, sustainable and innovative potential for the future of the wood sector in Italy and Austria.