Cross-Laminated Timber

Cross-Laminated Timber

Written by Resolute Timbers

August 28, 2024

Elevating Sustainability with Cross-Laminated Timber

The era of relying solely on concrete and steel for skyscrapers is fading. Today, innovative techniques and timeless materials are enabling the construction of high-rise buildings that are not only striking but also environmentally sustainable.

The Rise of Cross-Laminated Timber

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) represents a groundbreaking advancement in sustainable building materials. By gluing layers of solid-sawn timber together in alternating orientations, CLT panels create a robust and lightweight structural component. This engineered wood product, akin to oversized plywood, is transforming how we envision tall structures.

CLT’s strength and lightweight nature make it a viable alternative to traditional materials like concrete and steel. Panels can be pre-cut with precision for door and window openings, simplifying construction and improving logistical efficiency. Since its introduction in the 1990s, CLT has enabled architects and engineers to design and construct tall, aesthetically pleasing buildings while enhancing environmental sustainability. CLT captures and stores carbon from the original tree, effectively offsetting some of the carbon emissions associated with construction.

Global CLT Projects

Around the world, CLT is being used to create impressive structures. Notable examples in the United States include:

  • Brooklyn, New York: An eight-story CLT building showcasing the material’s potential for urban high-rises.
  • Carbon12, Portland, Oregon: A significant example of CLT’s application in sustainable architecture.
  • Rhode Island School of Design, Providence: A six-story dormitory built using CLT.

In other regions, including Canada, Norway, Sweden, the UK, and Australia, even taller wooden buildings are already making an impact.

Accoya Wood: The Ideal Complement to CLT

Accoya wood is often paired with CLT to enhance both the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of timber buildings. Known for its durability, dimensional stability, and resistance to the elements, Accoya is a perfect match for CLT frameworks.

Here are a few standout projects that highlight the synergy between Accoya and CLT:

  • Christies Care Home, UK: This project features a CLT timber structure with Accoya external wall cladding, sequestering 180 tonnes of carbon—demonstrating significant environmental benefits.
  • Wood City, Helsinki, Finland: A two-phase development including residential buildings, a hotel, and office spaces, all constructed from CLT with Accoya used for exterior cladding, emphasizing sustainability.
  • Wilkinson Eyre Modular Village, UK: This village, designed by WilkinsonEyre, features high-quality, energy-efficient living pods made from CLT and Accoya, providing a rapid and sustainable solution for student accommodation.

Building a Sustainable Future

The construction industry has the opportunity to redefine high-rise buildings as models of sustainability. By utilizing CLT and Accoya, we can turn our tallest structures into carbon storage giants rather than high-embodied-carbon monoliths. This approach offers a path to creating sustainable, visually stunning, and environmentally responsible skyscrapers.

As we reach for the skies, let’s embrace materials that align with our commitment to sustainability and build a future where our architectural achievements also contribute positively to the environment.

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