The project
LIFE Haya · Hardwood For The HomeThe LIFE HAYA project
The LIFE Haya – Hardwood For The Home project aims to improve the capacity of Spain’s beech forests to mitigate climate change through a silvicultural model based on CLOSE TO NATURE FORESTRY. The project will focus on climate change adaptation and biodiversity conservation in 10 demonstration stands across 4 regions of Spain (Castilla y León, La Rioja, Navarra and the Basque Country), producing 250 tonnes of timber for innovative products and the construction of a sustainable pilot building based on the “Hayabitat” building system, with PEFC project certification, Passivhaus certification and a life cycle assessment (LCA) under the Level(s) framework.
Project partners
Specific objectives
Select each objective to read the full details.Improving knowledge of Fagus sylvatica forests
Improve knowledge of Fagus sylvatica forests, particularly changes in their area, silvicultural dynamics, conservation status, associated biodiversity, risks, vulnerabilities and capacity as natural carbon sinks, to provide the technical basis for establishing a close-to-nature forest management model.
Test and validate the application of silvicultural management models.
Test and validate close-to-nature forest management models in demonstration beech stands that will form the basis for developing the fagus labs and extending this approach to other beech forests in the northern third of Spain.
Articulate a new value chain for the cascading use of wood.
Develop a new value chain for the cascading use of beech timber in construction by creating new engineered wood products designed to store carbon for longer, specifically glued laminated timber and pine–beech cross-laminated timber panels.
Integrate and valorize the existing knowledge and technology for beech forests.
Bring together and make effective use of existing knowledge and technology for beech forests and beech timber to improve the competitiveness of the forest-to-industry value chain.
Construct a pilot demonstration building
Construct a pilot demonstration building to promote the new wood products developed by the project and provide inspiration, motivation and learning opportunities for architects and engineers.
Assess the overall climate change mitigation capacity of beech forests under different scenarios.
Assess, under different scenarios, the overall climate change mitigation capacity of beech forests managed using a close-to-nature approach by analysing carbon flows (carbon balances) in forests, wood products and their use in construction.
Training and dissemination of the "Hayabitat" system and the PEFC project certification process.
Training and dissemination of the "Hayabitat" system and the PEFC project certification process.
Areas of operation
10 demonstration stands across 4 regions of Spain.- Castilla y León
- La Rioja
- Navarra
- Basque Country
Project geographic viewer
Screenshot of the viewer with the demonstration stands layer enabled. Open the tool to explore the map. Work packages
Explore the objectives, expected results and tasks of each work package. Progress shown on the website · Checked on 27 October 2026
WP 1
Project coordination and management
September 2023 – August 2028
Progress
61,67 %
Project coordination and management
September 2023 – August 2028
Progress
61,67 %
This work package supports all the project’s specific objectives (SO1–SO6) by ensuring sound project management and keeping the project on track to achieve the following expected results:
– An efficient flow of communication and information with the European Commission, meeting its requirements.
– Proper project planning and monitoring to keep the project on track towards its objectives.
– Effective decision-making and communication among the partners.
– Administrative and financial control of the project.
– Preparation and submission of progress reports.
T.1.1 Overall project management
T.1.2 Monitoring of project tasks
T.1.3 Document management
T.1.4 Quality control, risk management and contingency plan
– An efficient flow of communication and information with the European Commission, meeting its requirements.
– Proper project planning and monitoring to keep the project on track towards its objectives.
– Effective decision-making and communication among the partners.
– Administrative and financial control of the project.
– Preparation and submission of progress reports.
T.1.1 Overall project management
T.1.2 Monitoring of project tasks
T.1.3 Document management
T.1.4 Quality control, risk management and contingency plan
WP 2
Forest assessment of beech stands
September 2023 – December 2024
Progress
100 %
Forest assessment of beech stands
September 2023 – December 2024
Progress
100 %
This work package is related to all the following specific project objectives
T.2.2 Vulnerability and risk assessment of beech forests
T.2.3 Committee of Experts and Synthesis
- SO1: Improve the knowledge of Fagus sylvatica forests and, in particular, the evolution of their surface areas, their silvicultural dynamics, conservation status, associated biodiversity, risks, vulnerabilities and their capacity as natural carbon sinks, to serve as a technical background for the establishment of a management model close to nature.
- Its development will allow the achievement of the following results:
- Define the project's carbon baseline
- To analyze the existing management experiences of beech forests under the criteria of close-to-nature forestry.
- To have a group of experts adhered to the project.
- SWOT (initial version)
T.2.2 Vulnerability and risk assessment of beech forests
T.2.3 Committee of Experts and Synthesis
WP 3
Development and implementation of close-to-nature management models in beech forests
January 2024 – May 2025
Progress
100 %
Development and implementation of close-to-nature management models in beech forests
January 2024 – May 2025
Progress
100 %
This work package is related to all of the following specific project objectives:
▪ SO2: Test and validate close-to-nature forest management models in demonstration beech stands that will form the basis for developing the fagus labs and extending this approach to other beech forests in the northern third of Spain.
Its development will allow the achievement of the following results:
▪ A model of silviculture transferable to the beech forests of the northern Iberian Peninsula.
▪ 10 demonstration stands where close-to-nature forestry is applied.
▪ A permanent monitoring device for each demonstration stand that will also serve for the transfer and dissemination of silviculture through the use of new technologies.
T.3.1 Close-to-nature silviculture model in beech forests
T.3.2 Prosilva's network of forestry demonstration stands
T.3.3 Application of monitoring of prosilva demonstration stands
T.3.4 Demonstration stand action plans
T.3.5 Implementation of the close-to-nature management strategy
▪ SO2: Test and validate close-to-nature forest management models in demonstration beech stands that will form the basis for developing the fagus labs and extending this approach to other beech forests in the northern third of Spain.
Its development will allow the achievement of the following results:
▪ A model of silviculture transferable to the beech forests of the northern Iberian Peninsula.
▪ 10 demonstration stands where close-to-nature forestry is applied.
▪ A permanent monitoring device for each demonstration stand that will also serve for the transfer and dissemination of silviculture through the use of new technologies.
T.3.1 Close-to-nature silviculture model in beech forests
T.3.2 Prosilva's network of forestry demonstration stands
T.3.3 Application of monitoring of prosilva demonstration stands
T.3.4 Demonstration stand action plans
T.3.5 Implementation of the close-to-nature management strategy
WP 4
Development of new long-life beech wood products and a new building system based on their use
September 2023 – September 2026
Progress
100 %
Development of new long-life beech wood products and a new building system based on their use
September 2023 – September 2026
Progress
100 %
This work package is related to all of the following specific project objectives:
▪ SO3: Articulate new value chain for the cascading use of beech wood in construction, through the creation of new technological products, under criteria that imply a longer carbon storage time in wood products.
▪ SO4: To integrate and enhance the value of existing knowledge and innovative technology for beech and beechwood in order to facilitate the improvement of competitiveness of the forest-industry value chain.
Its development will allow the achievement of the following results:
▪ Two new engineered wood products developed and certified with CE Marking and Environmental Product Declarations, that while being competitive in the market (quality/price) optimize carbon fixation and storage in their use in buildings.
▪ A new building system, “Hayabitat”, based on beech glued laminated timber and pine–beech cross-laminated timber, compatible with the cost constraints of public housing.
T.4.1. Development of beech glued laminated timber
T.4.2. Development of combined beech and pine cross laminated timber
T.4.3. Obtaining the CE Marking for both products, necessary to eliminate barriers and reticence in their use.
T.4.4. Obtaining an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) as a tool for comparison and evidence of the low environmental impact of the products developed by CESEFOR
T.4.5 Development of the "Hayabitat" construction system with high resource efficiency
▪ SO3: Articulate new value chain for the cascading use of beech wood in construction, through the creation of new technological products, under criteria that imply a longer carbon storage time in wood products.
▪ SO4: To integrate and enhance the value of existing knowledge and innovative technology for beech and beechwood in order to facilitate the improvement of competitiveness of the forest-industry value chain.
Its development will allow the achievement of the following results:
▪ Two new engineered wood products developed and certified with CE Marking and Environmental Product Declarations, that while being competitive in the market (quality/price) optimize carbon fixation and storage in their use in buildings.
▪ A new building system, “Hayabitat”, based on beech glued laminated timber and pine–beech cross-laminated timber, compatible with the cost constraints of public housing.
T.4.1. Development of beech glued laminated timber
T.4.2. Development of combined beech and pine cross laminated timber
T.4.3. Obtaining the CE Marking for both products, necessary to eliminate barriers and reticence in their use.
T.4.4. Obtaining an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) as a tool for comparison and evidence of the low environmental impact of the products developed by CESEFOR
T.4.5 Development of the "Hayabitat" construction system with high resource efficiency
WP 5
Construction of a pilot building using innovative beech wood products with a 75-year service life, made from timber from the demonstration stands.
September 2024 – March 2028
Progress
58,14 %
Construction of a pilot building using innovative beech wood products with a 75-year service life, made from timber from the demonstration stands.
September 2024 – March 2028
Progress
58,14 %
This work package is related to all of the following specific project objectives:
▪ Articulate a new value chain for the cascading use of beech wood in construction, through the creation of new technological products, under criteria that imply a longer carbon storage time in wood products.
▪ To advance new wood products developed in construction through the development of a pilot building that will serve as a inspirational, motivational and learning mechanism for architects and engineers.
Its development will allow the achievement of the following results:
▪ Implementation of new beech value chain for the development of a pilot building with beech wood structure.
▪ A pilot building based on the “Hayabitat” building system, with PEFC and Passivhaus certification and a life cycle assessment (LCA) under the Level(s) framework, built using the new engineered beech wood products made from timber from the demonstration stands.
▪ A methodology for determining carbon flows according to the management applied in beech forests and the flows of carbon in beech timber along the new value chain.
▪ Strategy for cascading the use of products in beech forests to maximize carbon sequestration time in solid biomass and promote recyclability streams.
T.5.1 Implementation of efficiency processes for the transformation of solid beech biomass in industry
T.5.2. Drafting of pilot building construction project
T.5.3. Production of glulam and cross-laminated timber for the pilot project
T.5.4 Construction of the pilot building: Industrialized production, transport and assembly
T5.5. Environmental certification of the project
T.5.6. Circularity and carbon flow of beechwood products
▪ Articulate a new value chain for the cascading use of beech wood in construction, through the creation of new technological products, under criteria that imply a longer carbon storage time in wood products.
▪ To advance new wood products developed in construction through the development of a pilot building that will serve as a inspirational, motivational and learning mechanism for architects and engineers.
Its development will allow the achievement of the following results:
▪ Implementation of new beech value chain for the development of a pilot building with beech wood structure.
▪ A pilot building based on the “Hayabitat” building system, with PEFC and Passivhaus certification and a life cycle assessment (LCA) under the Level(s) framework, built using the new engineered beech wood products made from timber from the demonstration stands.
▪ A methodology for determining carbon flows according to the management applied in beech forests and the flows of carbon in beech timber along the new value chain.
▪ Strategy for cascading the use of products in beech forests to maximize carbon sequestration time in solid biomass and promote recyclability streams.
T.5.1 Implementation of efficiency processes for the transformation of solid beech biomass in industry
T.5.2. Drafting of pilot building construction project
T.5.3. Production of glulam and cross-laminated timber for the pilot project
T.5.4 Construction of the pilot building: Industrialized production, transport and assembly
T5.5. Environmental certification of the project
T.5.6. Circularity and carbon flow of beechwood products
WP 6
Monitoring the project’s socio-economic and environmental impacts
September 2023 – August 2028
Progress
61,67 %
Monitoring the project’s socio-economic and environmental impacts
September 2023 – August 2028
Progress
61,67 %
This work package is related to the following specific project objectives:
▪ SO1: Improve knowledge of Fagus sylvatica forests, particularly changes in their area, silvicultural dynamics, conservation status, associated biodiversity, risks, vulnerabilities and capacity as natural carbon sinks, to provide the technical basis for establishing a close-to-nature forest management model.
▪ SO2: Test and validate close-to-nature forest management models in demonstration beech stands that will form the basis for developing the fagus labs and extending this approach to other beech forests in the northern third of Spain.
▪ SO3: Develop a new value chain for the cascading use of beech timber in construction by creating new engineered wood products designed to store carbon for longer, specifically glued laminated timber and pine–beech cross-laminated timber panels.
▪ SO6: Assess, under different scenarios, the overall climate change mitigation capacity of beech forests managed using close-to-nature silviculture by analysing carbon flows in forests, wood products and their use in construction.
Its development will allow the achievement of the following results:
▪ Establish the basis for generating two business models based on the use of beech wood by two SMEs.
▪ Quantify the increase in CO2 sequestration compared with the baseline to establish a system for generating carbon credits through improved management.
▪ Quantify the carbon sequestered in carbon products with respect to the baseline, thanks to the development of new products.
▪ Monitoring and control of project indicators (KPIs).
T.6.1 Carbon, biodiversity and climate change adaptation monitoring
T.6.2. Monitoring of the environmental impact of the industrial-construction supply and transformation service.
T.6.3. Monitoring of the socioeconomic impact of project actions and their results
T.6.4. KPI tracking
▪ SO1: Improve knowledge of Fagus sylvatica forests, particularly changes in their area, silvicultural dynamics, conservation status, associated biodiversity, risks, vulnerabilities and capacity as natural carbon sinks, to provide the technical basis for establishing a close-to-nature forest management model.
▪ SO2: Test and validate close-to-nature forest management models in demonstration beech stands that will form the basis for developing the fagus labs and extending this approach to other beech forests in the northern third of Spain.
▪ SO3: Develop a new value chain for the cascading use of beech timber in construction by creating new engineered wood products designed to store carbon for longer, specifically glued laminated timber and pine–beech cross-laminated timber panels.
▪ SO6: Assess, under different scenarios, the overall climate change mitigation capacity of beech forests managed using close-to-nature silviculture by analysing carbon flows in forests, wood products and their use in construction.
Its development will allow the achievement of the following results:
▪ Establish the basis for generating two business models based on the use of beech wood by two SMEs.
▪ Quantify the increase in CO2 sequestration compared with the baseline to establish a system for generating carbon credits through improved management.
▪ Quantify the carbon sequestered in carbon products with respect to the baseline, thanks to the development of new products.
▪ Monitoring and control of project indicators (KPIs).
T.6.1 Carbon, biodiversity and climate change adaptation monitoring
T.6.2. Monitoring of the environmental impact of the industrial-construction supply and transformation service.
T.6.3. Monitoring of the socioeconomic impact of project actions and their results
T.6.4. KPI tracking
WP 7
Sustainability, replicability and exploitation of project results
December 2023 – August 2028
Progress
59,65 %
Sustainability, replicability and exploitation of project results
December 2023 – August 2028
Progress
59,65 %
This work package is related to all the specific objectives of the project.
Its development will allow the achievement of the following results:
– Transfer close-to-nature management models to other areas in the northern third of Spain and southern France by developing 11 FagusLiving-Labs and establishing regional strategies for their future expansion to the beech forests of Castilla y León, the Basque Country, Navarra and La Rioja (68.7% of Spain’s beech forest area), ensuring their future replicability.
– Transfer the methods and technologies developed along the new beech timber value chain to ensure their future replicability.
– Two business plans for the new engineered beech wood products developed by the project, beech glued laminated timber and pine–beech cross-laminated timber, to ensure the continued exploitation of the project’s results after it ends.
T.7.1.Co-creation with multiple stakeholders(FagusLiving-Labs)
T.7.2. Expansion of close-to-nature forestry in beech forests
T.7.3. Methodology for carbon credit registry based on improved forest management
T.7.4 Demonstration stand network
T.7.5 Expansion of methodology for the proper manufacture of beechwood products
T.7.6. Entrepreneurship workshops to develop new business activities focused on manufacturing new beech wood products
T.7.7. Training and dissemination of the Hayabitat system
T.7.8. Training and dissemination of the certification process of construction projects under the PEFC system.
T.7.9. Results exploitation plan
T.7.10. AFTER-LIFE-plan
Its development will allow the achievement of the following results:
– Transfer close-to-nature management models to other areas in the northern third of Spain and southern France by developing 11 FagusLiving-Labs and establishing regional strategies for their future expansion to the beech forests of Castilla y León, the Basque Country, Navarra and La Rioja (68.7% of Spain’s beech forest area), ensuring their future replicability.
– Transfer the methods and technologies developed along the new beech timber value chain to ensure their future replicability.
– Two business plans for the new engineered beech wood products developed by the project, beech glued laminated timber and pine–beech cross-laminated timber, to ensure the continued exploitation of the project’s results after it ends.
T.7.1.Co-creation with multiple stakeholders(FagusLiving-Labs)
T.7.2. Expansion of close-to-nature forestry in beech forests
T.7.3. Methodology for carbon credit registry based on improved forest management
T.7.4 Demonstration stand network
T.7.5 Expansion of methodology for the proper manufacture of beechwood products
T.7.6. Entrepreneurship workshops to develop new business activities focused on manufacturing new beech wood products
T.7.7. Training and dissemination of the Hayabitat system
T.7.8. Training and dissemination of the certification process of construction projects under the PEFC system.
T.7.9. Results exploitation plan
T.7.10. AFTER-LIFE-plan
WP 8
Communication and dissemination
September 2023 – August 2028
Progress
61,67 %
Communication and dissemination
September 2023 – August 2028
Progress
61,67 %
This work package supports all the project’s specific objectives by promoting the dissemination of its results.
It is particularly relevant to specific objective 1, sharing improved knowledge of Fagus sylvatica forests with the widest possible European audience.
The results expected to be obtained in this work package, through the dissemination of all the objectives proposed in the project are:
– Increase the project’s value and impact.
– Deliver targeted, planned communication to each audience.
– Disseminate the project’s results across Europe and promote and facilitate their replication and transfer.
– Contribute to an After-LIFE Plan that ensures the sustainability of the project’s actions and results.
– Promote synergies with similar projects and initiatives to facilitate the exchange of information, know-how and good practices.
T.8.1 Communication Plan
T.8.2 Project website
T.8.3 Notice Boards
T.8.4 Layman Report
T.8.5 Outreach and awareness-raising campaign targeting the public of interest
T.8.6 Technical congresses
T.8.7. Informative videos
T.8.8. Final event
It is particularly relevant to specific objective 1, sharing improved knowledge of Fagus sylvatica forests with the widest possible European audience.
The results expected to be obtained in this work package, through the dissemination of all the objectives proposed in the project are:
– Increase the project’s value and impact.
– Deliver targeted, planned communication to each audience.
– Disseminate the project’s results across Europe and promote and facilitate their replication and transfer.
– Contribute to an After-LIFE Plan that ensures the sustainability of the project’s actions and results.
– Promote synergies with similar projects and initiatives to facilitate the exchange of information, know-how and good practices.
T.8.1 Communication Plan
T.8.2 Project website
T.8.3 Notice Boards
T.8.4 Layman Report
T.8.5 Outreach and awareness-raising campaign targeting the public of interest
T.8.6 Technical congresses
T.8.7. Informative videos
T.8.8. Final event