[udkl]

I don't know why we don't build with concrete like the rest of the world ... that should give us a higher noise isolation than wood

[tpm]

A bit higher possibly, but from firsthand experience let me tell you it's not enough by far. Effective noise isolation does not magically arise from used materials, it has to be planned and included in the building project. And it makes the building more expensive.

[toast0]

Majority construction anywhere is whatever can be built with the least cost.

In the US and Canada timber framing for buildings under about 6 feet is least cost. Other places without a lot of timber availability tend to build with other things.

[mayoff]

I'm pretty sure you meant something other than "buildings under about 6 feet".

[pwg]

Concrete is more expensive to build with than wood, and many "apartment buildings" are built with a target towards "minimum possible build cost".