What is CLT?
Cross laminated timber (CLT or X-LAM) is a structural, prefabricated timber panel used as a environmentally sustainable alternative to concrete, masonry and steel. The timber is glued in both longitudinal and transverse layers, which creates a very strong and stable structural material.
How is it made?
We manufacture our CLT locally, using sustainably grown SA Pine and Eucalyptus. Panels are made up of layers of timber, known as lamellas, at 90° to the layer below. The lamellas are glued together using a structurally certified glue to create panels of thicknesses between 45mm – 210mm and up to 8.5m x 2.8m. Thickness of the panels is normally dictated by span required.
The manufacturing process produces minimal waste and uses negligible amounts of water. We are also proud to be using glues which are formaldehyde free and pass European environmental and health standards.
Once the panels are manufactured we machine openings for doors, windows and services, reducing the amount of follow up trade work that needs to be done onsite once the panels are installed.
How is it used?
CLT is used as the structural competent of a building and can be used in conjunction with other building materials or as the sole building material. It is particularly well suited to mid-rise buildings from 4-12 stories where the benefits of lower weight and faster construction have the greatest economic benefits.
The panels are manufactured off-site with all the openings and services already included and are delivered to site on open bed trucks. Once on site it is lifted into place by means of a crane and mechanically fixed in place.This system of construction is very efficient and in case studies has been shown to reduced building times by up to 40%.
Is it sustainable?
CLT is an excellent alternative to traditional building materials offering a faster, safer and more sustainable building option.
The use of sustainably sourced timber is the key to CLT’s environmental credentials. Our timber comes from local sustainably managed forests, meaning the trees that are felled are replaced and our raw materials do not need to be transported over long distances. The carbon that is stored by the trees is built into the project, capturing carbon in the building structure. A CLT can be the basis for a carbon neutral building. This is in contrast to concrete and steel which requires the burning of limestone and smelting of ore, which produces large amounts of carbon.
What about fire?
A common question about CLT is related to fire safety. CLT can be manufactured to meet fire safety requirements for 30, 60, 90 and even 120 minutes. During a fire the outer layers of the timber burn, forming a layer of char which continues to provide heat resistance to the internal layers. Unlike steel, CLT maintains its structural integrity when exposed to high levels of heat, maintaining it’s structural integrity.
What are the benefits?
The speed and precision offer by off site manufacturing, combined with the inherent insulation properties of timber and environmental credentials make it a very attractive material. By using CLT and mass timber in your project you will be able to build faster, cheaper and more sustainably.
- Safety: High risk site activities are eliminated through offsite manufacturing.
- Reduce Labour Costs: Less labour is required to construct the CLT system.
- Lightweight Material: 20% the weight of concrete. Reduces foundation loads and distribution requirements.
- Faster Construction: 30% faster than traditional construction methods.
- High Quality: Durable building material that is equivalent to concrete. High precision manufacturing results in quality finishing.
- Easily Modified: CLT can be easily modified both during and after construction.
- Environmentally Sustainable: Reduced carbon omissions, reduced carbon footprint through production, and high thermal performance.