Slovenian construction has once again demonstrated its commitment to sustainability and innovation. This year, the Quality Mark in Construction (ZKG) was awarded to iQwood and Mizarstvo in profiliranje lesa Domen Ovsenik, two companies that significantly contribute to sustainable building practices and the preservation of cultural heritage.
As part of the Dom Fair opening, the Quality Mark in Construction (ZKG) – Slovenia’s highest certification for advanced and sustainable construction solutions – was officially awarded. Granted by the Building and Civil Engineering Institute ZRMK, this recognition confirms excellence and the exceeding of industry standards in high-quality construction.
iQwood: Wooden Structures Without Adhesives or Chemicals
iQwood has introduced a groundbreaking innovation in load-bearing wooden structures free from adhesives and metal fasteners, marking a major step toward eco-friendly construction. Their wall and ceiling elements, crafted from spruce wood and hardwoods, are joined using only beech dowels and wooden screws, ensuring a carbon-neutral building approach while maintaining high stability, fire resistance, and thermal insulation.
The iQwood system is also recognized at the European level, holding a European Technical Assessment (ETA-14/0334), a registered patent, and multiple international awards, including the German Innovation Award and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia’s (GZS) Innovation Award. By using Slovenian FSC-certified wood and designing components for reuse at the end of their lifecycle, iQwood is paving the way for a sustainable future in construction.
Domen Ovsenik: A Master of Cultural Heritage Restoration
The company of Domen Ovsenik specializes in the restoration and replacement of architectural woodwork on cultural heritage buildings. With expert craftsmanship, they restore and refurbish windows, doors, shutters, and furniture, employing centuries-old woodworking techniques.
Their work is defined by a deep respect for original architectural details, the adaptation of traditional techniques to modern requirements, and close collaboration with heritage conservation authorities. Notably, they use natural preservation methods, such as the Japanese Shou Sugi Ban technique, which extends wood durability through surface charring, and pine resin-based coatings, which protect against moisture while maintaining wood elasticity.
Domen Ovsenik and his team have contributed to the restoration of significant historical sites, including Center Rog in Ljubljana, Sokolski dom in Bled, the Benedictine Monastery of St. Nikola in Trogir, and even Highgrove in England, the residence of King Charles III.
ZKG: A Guarantee of Quality and Sustainability
For nearly three decades, the Quality Mark in Construction (ZKG) has distinguished top-tier products and services in construction and renovation, awarded to only the top 10% of providers. This year, special recognition was given to categories promoting green technology and heritage preservation, reflecting the industry’s clear movement towards sustainable development.
The 2024 awards confirm that innovation and tradition can go hand in hand. Whether constructing a new building or restoring heritage, quality and sustainability must take center stage—and that is precisely the message conveyed by the Quality Mark in Construction.