Words by Tony Whitehead
In CLT’s favour…
+ 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
… And against
– 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
This article appeared in The Possible issue 02, as part of a longer feature on advances in construction materials
It’s great that you mentioned that one of the benefits of timber structures is they have a smaller carbon footprint than their counterparts, making them eco-friendly. Our small town plans on having a bridge built over one of the rivers in our locality.