CROSS LAMINATED TIMBER (CLT) + MASS TIMBER

CROSS LAMINATED TIMBER (CLT) + MASS TIMBER

CLT AND MASS TIMBER – BUILD SMARTER AND MORE SUSTAINABLY.

CLT AND MASS TIMBER – BUILD SMARTER AND MORE SUSTAINABLY.

Vistek specialises in providing engineering design and advisory services to Mass Timber projects of all sizes.

Using Mass Timber, such as CLT or Glulam, the core building structure can be made from a sustainably harvested material, sequestering carbon from the atmosphere.

Our experience and knowledge of this model of construction makes Vistek the ideal partner for developers, builders, and architects looking to enter this new field with confidence.

INTRODUCING V-SET (SERVICES FOR ENGINEERED TIMBER)

V-SET is Vistek’s specialist mass timber unit delivering a range of services to help organisations adopt low embodied carbon construction technologies. We support this journey from strategic planning through to project execution.

Learn more about V-SET here.

DOWNLOAD OUR MASS TIMBER capability statement

// PROJECT SEED – MASS TIMBER WEBINARS //

At Vistek, we believe that Mass Timber has an important role to play in the future of construction – and the best time to get started is now. That’s why we are offering personalised, live, one hour technical session webinars on designing and building with Mass Timber and CLT. Our webinars will give you the specific and personalised guidance you need to get started.

Go to the Project Seed Webinars page to find out more and register.

CLT & MASS TIMBER PROJECTS

BENEFITS OF CLT AND MASS TIMBER IN KEY SECTORS

CLT may not always compare well cost-wise for single residential buildings when considered solely on a material “like-for-like” basis. However, CLT will often be the best option when build speed, finish quality, sustainability and energy efficiency are also taken into account.

Key features of CLT for residential developments are:

  • Firstly, the rapid erection schedule means that projects are much faster to get to ‘lock-up’, and therefore to move in. This will reduce costs if the homeowner needs to rent other accommodation during works.
  • For sites with poor access, structural elements can be craned into position, simplifying the erection process.
  • For sites with little on-site storage, CLT offers a just-in-time materials delivery advantage.
  • Significantly, two storey CLT buildings have many fewer working at height issues and therefore reduced costs and risks.
  • CLT sequesters carbon.
  • The thermal performance and tightly sealed building envelope CLT delivers provides a good basis for a highly energy efficient home. CLT has been used successfully for “Passive House” buildings.
  • CLT’s mould resistance and natural humidity regulation makes for a healthier internal environment.
  • Exposed CLT can reduce the need for plastering, leading to additional time and cost savings.
  • Finally, the high accuracy and forward planning of CLT design allows for much easier installation of finishes including joinery, flooring and tiling.

As well as the benefits noted in the “Residential” sector, there are additional advantages for Rural and Coastal sites.

Key features of CLT for Rural and Coastal builds:

  • To start with, by using CLT the need for separate trades and highly skilled labourers is reduced. This is a particular advantage in more remote areas, where coordination of labour can be difficult.
  • Pairing CLT with concrete-less footing solutions can rapidly reduce installation time. Moreover, it can also eliminate the need to get concrete to a remote site.
  • Finally, getting to lock-up quickly can reduce the risk of delays due to weather, materials delivery, labour coordination and other scheduling disruptions.

Key features of CLT for multi-residential builds:

A multi-residential mid-rise project carefully designed for CLT from the outset can provide a high quality building with lower costs than a conventional build (one using RC/PC concrete or steel frame, for example).

Projects overseas such as the Stadhouse (UK) and Brock Commons (Canada) have already shown the proof of concept. Likewise, current projects such as our own 55 Southbank are proving this potential in the local market.

Key features of CLT for Education and Health projects:

  • CLT has a rapid erection process and relatively little disruption to areas around the site. The loudest noise on site will mostly be a power drill. This means that schools, hospitals and care providers can continue their usual operations with minimal interruption from the building process. Remarkably, some projects may achieve lock-up in a period shorter than a term break.
  • Last but not least, Mass Timber structures provide healthy internal environments that are suited to both scholastic and care giving environs.

Key features of CLT for Hotels and Accommodation:

The regular and repeating ‘honeycomb’ arrangement of large accommodation complexes, such as hotels, hostels and resorts, lend themselves perfectly to CLT construction.

The fast erection speed means that the building can be generating revenue as quickly as possible. Mass Timber can achieve a highly energy efficient build, reducing the running costs of buildings. In addition to the advantages discussed above in regards to Multi-residential buildings, this further helps the commercial case for choosing a CLT build for these structures.

Key features of CLT for Vertical Extensions:

CLT’s prefabricated and lightweight credentials make it the ideal material for Vertical Extensions atop existing buildings.

CLT’s advantages are particularly helpful in inner-city sites, where access may be difficult. For example, it has a quick erection speed, which is especially useful when work is restricted to certain periods of the day.

PROJECT QUERIES

If you have a project for which you would like to explore the potential of Mass Timber or CLT, please get in touch.

Please forward the details of the project to projects@vistek.com.au. When you do email, please include the following where possible:

  • The site address
  • Any relevant site conditions e.g. sloping site, prone to flooding
  • A geotechnical report
  • Architectural or concept drawings for the project

The more information you are able to provide, the more we will be able to assist.