Field Visits, FERM 2025 | Vasile CHIRUȚĂ, Founder of “Dorna Eco House”, Vatra Dornei: “Wooden Houses Between Tradition and Innovation”

REGIONAL ECONOMIC FORUM MOLDOVA 2025

19th Edition – Vatra Dornei, July 9–13, 2025

Section:

Field Visits – Lessons from the Practical Experiences of Small Producers

Participant:

Vasile Chiruță – wooden houses; founder of “Dorna Eco House”

Presentation Objective:
“Wooden Houses Between Tradition and Innovation: Visit to the Dorna Eco House Factory”

At this year’s Regional Economic Forum Moldova (FERM), held from July 9–13, 2025 in Vatra Dornei, one of the most appreciated experiences by participants was the visit to the “Dorna Eco House” factory, led by entrepreneur Vasile Chiruță.

This visit, organized within the “Field Visits” section, offered a unique perspective on how wood, a traditional material, is now processed using cutting-edge technologies to build modern, durable, and safe homes.

From Log Houses to Modern Industrial Processes

At the beginning of the visit, Vasile Chiruță highlighted the fundamental difference between traditional log constructions and those produced in his factory.

“Log houses are the result of a manual process, based on a long-standing tradition. In contrast, we build houses through an industrial process: we purchase the material, dry it in automated kilns, bring it to a moisture content of 10–12%, and then proceed with the manufacturing process. Everything takes place in an industrial hall, with workshops dedicated to stairs, balconies, and other finishing elements.”

This industrial approach allows not only better quality control but also increased efficiency in completing complex projects tailored to clients’ architectural and technical requirements.

Laminated Wood – Revolutionizing Modern Construction

One of the demonstrations that captivated visitors was the comparison between a raw beam and a laminated beam, made by gluing several layers of wood together.

“Laminated wood has revolutionized construction. It is more fire-resistant than a metal beam of the same load-bearing capacity. It is used for roofs, ceilings, or additional floors on existing buildings, being a lightweight yet extremely durable material.”

The strength of this material is not limited to mechanical load: due to its manufacturing method, the core of the beam remains intact even after hours of fire exposure, providing added safety for wooden constructions.

Innovation and German Technology

During the tour, participants could observe how state-of-the-art technology optimizes construction. One of the machines presented, manufactured in Germany and exported worldwide, can automatically calculate the number of beams required for a project based on dimensions and specifications.

“If you say a roof needs 30 beams, the machine calculates and tells you that you actually need 32. This way, we can complete, from A to Z, either a roof or the entire house.”

This level of precision and efficiency makes it possible to carry out complex projects adapted to European standards and clients looking for sustainable, resilient homes.

“A Wooden House” Means Much More Than It Seems

Beyond the technical aspect, Vasile Chiruță emphasized the oversimplified perceptions related to wooden constructions.

“When someone calls me and says ‘I want a wooden house,’ I tell them that they haven’t said anything concrete. They need to know exactly what type of house, what structure, what finishes. Wood offers an extraordinary variety of possibilities, which is why clarity in requirements is essential.”

Conclusions: Tradition Reinvented

The visit to the “Dorna Eco House” factory clearly demonstrated how the tradition of wooden construction is reinvented through innovation, technology, and entrepreneurial vision. In a modern industrial setting, wood is no longer just a building material but becomes a symbol of sustainability, resilience, and intelligent design.

By participating in the Regional Economic Forum Moldova 2025, Vasile Chiruță and his team showed that the region’s economic development can be supported through local businesses that integrate tradition and technology, opening new perspectives for sustainable construction in Romania and the entire region.