Benefits of CLT
Using cross laminated timber for prefabricated wall and floor panels offers many advantages: the cross-laminating process provides improved dimensional stability compared to sawn timber, which allows for prefabrication of long, wide floor slabs, long single-story walls and tall wall panels. Beside that, like other structural wood-based products, it lends itself well to prefabrication, resulting in very rapid construction, reliable on-site programming and ease of dismantling at the end of its service life.
Transport and assembly is fast and easy with cross laminated timber
CLT panels are inherently robust during transport and construction, resulting in fewer defects. Also, CLT structures require fewer onsite mechanical fixings where large prefabricated panel elements are adopted. CLT structures require no wet trades and are assembled with lightweight power tools, although cranes are needed to lift the panels into place. Fixing cladding materials, services and fittings to CLT walls is easier to achieve with wood screws than with, for example, concrete and masonry walls. Items can be fixed directly to the CLT panels.
The relatively low level of noise and disruption on a CLT site may offer advantages on infill sites where the impact on neighbors is an important consideration.
CLT is recyclable, renewable and carbon positive
The added benefit of being made from a renewable resource makes all wood-based systems desirable from a sustainability point of view. CLT buildings have a very low carbon footprint because the wood material locks away the carbon absorbed during growth. This can result in carbon-negative construction.
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