Timber Structures: Does Wood Cut It?

The pros and cons of CLT structures

+ Lighter structures save on foundations

+ Quick and easy to handle on site

+ Suitable for extending existing buildings within minimal modification

+ Smaller carbon footprint than steel or concrete

+ Sequesters carbon

+ Performs well in earthquakes

+ Structural performance is increasingly predictable

+ Locally available in many world regions

+ A popular “eco-aesthetic”

+ Easily prefabricated and well-suited to
modular construction

 It may be necessary to add mass to help with
thermal performance

 … and acoustic performance

 Requires a reliable and sustainable source

 rare outside Europe and North America

 Not as carbon-friendly as might first appear

 Yet to be proven above 18 storeys

 The structure must be kept dry to prevent rot

 Clients are sceptical of performance in fire

 Shortage of design and construction expertise