In the early phases of design, when the architectural concept is still evolving, the involvement of structural engineer provides critical input that can fundamentally influence the overall success of a project. This is especially true in timber construction, where the structural system is often exposed and deeply integrated into the architectural expression. In such cases, the synergy between architecture and engineering is not only beneficial but essential to deliver a cohesive, efficient, and buildable solution.
Structural engineer can make a substantial impact from the very beginning by conducting feasibility analyses of proposed spans, cantilevers, and overall building geometry in relation to the characteristics and limitations of available timber systems (such as CLT, glulam, and LVL). They also contribute significantly to early decisions around fire design, acoustics, and vibration control, all of which carry important structural implications in timber buildings. These inputs help ensure that architectural ambitions are not only inspiring but also technically and economically feasible.
By engaging early in the design process, structural engineer help to prevent costly redesigns, reduce coordination conflicts, and allow for a more effective integration of structural elements into the architectural language. This results in a building that performs well both visually and structurally—without compromises.
When architects and structural engineer collaborate from the very beginning, the outcome is a design that truly balances form and function. Structural limitations can be transformed into creative opportunities, and aesthetic goals can be achieved more efficiently through coordinated solutions.
For example:
• Coordinated placement of openings and facade elements can eliminate the need for unnecessary reinforcements in CLT panels.
• Early dialogue helps ensure that complex geometries and expressive features remain within the structural possibilities of timber.
• Fire and stability strategies can be developed in parallel with spatial planning, avoiding later spatial or functional compromises.
But it’s not just architects who benefit from early coordination with structural engineer. Several other engineering disciplines also need to align with structural design decisions from the outset—especially in timber projects where building physics and system integration play a pivotal role.
Fire Safety Engineers: Fire protection is a critical concern in timber construction, both for safety and regulatory compliance. Fire safety engineers and structural engineer must work together early on to:
• Develop viable and cost-effective fire strategies that directly influence element sizing, joint detailing, and material selection.
• Coordinate how timber elements will perform structurally during and after fire exposure, ensuring both safety and structural integrity over time.
Acoustic Consultants: Timber buildings often face challenges related to sound insulation and impact noise, particularly in multi-story or mixed-use applications. Early cooperation between acousticians and structural engineer ensures that:
• Floor and wall assemblies can meet acoustic performance standards without unnecessary layers or retrofitting.
• Vibrations and sound transmission through the timber structure are managed through informed structural detailing and layout decisions.
By involving structural engineer from day one, the project team benefits from:
• Improved structural efficiency and optimized material use
• Fewer design conflicts and late-stage changes
• More reliable cost estimates and clearer construction planning
• Smoother integration with offsite fabrication and on-site assembly processes.
In the end, early and close collaboration across disciplines, especially with strong input from structural engineers, leads to timber buildings that perform better: technically, environmentally, and economically. It leads to projects that are not only architecturally ambitious and beautiful, but also practical, buildable, and sustainable.
