Offsite manufacturing brings numerous benefits with one of the most important being cost and programme certainty. Build systems, manufactured in factory controlled conditions, are not vulnerable to adverse weather – frost, snow and rain can have a major impact on traditional building sites, with associated budget implications.
Cross laminated timber (CLT), as a prefabricated solution, is factory manufactured to exceptional levels of accuracy and delivers accelerated build programmes. Openings can be pre-cut or routed in the factory for windows, doors or services with square corners for the quick and easy installation.
The reduced density of the timber means that there is a decrease in the requirement for foundations, as CLT is approximately 20% of the weight of an equivalent precast concrete construction.
CLT can be installed with ease with the use of mechanical handling and lifting equipment, reducing onsite labour – important at this current time when the industry is experiencing skill shortages which can further disrupt build programmes. The ease and predictability of the build extends to the follow on trades, who are able to access the new building structure when required and without delay.
Cross laminated timber offers little shrinkage or movement post construction and makes a significant contribution to acoustic and thermal properties of a building structure as panel connections are generally lapped, screwed or tapped which in turn provides excellent properties for overall airtightness. Another huge benefit that comes with the use of cross laminated timber is that it reduces working at height and the associated risk – improving onsite Health & Safety.
CLT offers a sustainable and adaptable solution for designers, as higher quality ‘visible grade’ finishes can be used where an exposed timber finish is desirable, while lower quality finishes can be specified where panels are hidden. A sanded or brushed finish can be also applied to the visible panels.
Compared with traditional methods of construction, where delays and subsequent contingency plans may have to be considered – the speed of build and accuracy that cross laminated timber construction delivers is an attractive building proposition to any developer, where programme and cost certainty can effectively deliver a rapid return on investment.
Learnings and Understanding
The X-LAM Alliance can assist at every stage of your construction journey – from pre-tender design through to onsite delivery and everything in between. As industry specialists, the X-LAM Alliance offer one hour CPD seminars. These development sessions are tailored to meet the requirements of architects, engineers, specifiers and cover the technical and performance benefits, including an introduction to the CLT Construction Specifier, which will open the gates to value engineering and associated cost savings at a much earlier stage in the design process/procurement process.
For more information please visit: www.xlam-alliance.com
