Timber iQ February - March 2020 // Issue: 48 | Page 36

FEATURES
Exploring structural and
exterior applications for
American Hardwoods
By Neil Summers | All images by the American
Hardwood Export Council
CLT consists of planks (or lamellas) of sawn, glued, and layered
wood, where each layer is oriented perpendicular to the previous
one. By joining layers of wood at perpendicular angles, structural
Cross-laminated timber or CLT has
proven to be a game-changer in the
construction sector in recent years.
F
rom small beginnings in the mid-1980s, building in CLT
is now a widely accepted and a hugely popular method
of construction, especially for larger commercial
developments. The versatility of CLT is leading to new and
innovative timber buildings.
CLT DEFINED AND ASSOCIATED BENEFITS
There are many benefits to building in CLT: the speed of build is
much quicker; the build process is less noisy; and timber
construction is much lighter – meaning reduced foundation
requirements and the prospect of extra storeys. The
environmental advantages are considerable too, with the timber
panels acting as long-term carbon stores. The health and
wellbeing offered by timber buildings is also now well-
documented and the insulation and thermal performance of the
building is considerably improved.
The Infinity bench was also made from a thermally modified
hardwood.
34
FEBRUARY / MARCH 2020 //
The MultiPly project is a three storey, three-dimensional maze
structure made from square CLT panels.
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