Engineered Timber
What is Engineered Timber?
1. Glue Laminated Timber – Glulam
Glulam is an engineered wood product manufactured by gluing together pieces of timber, known as laminates. This process produces larger size and longer length members, which can be curved or straight. The possibilities are boundless. If it can be imagined and visualised then we can get it built.
2. Cross Laminated Timber – CLT
Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) is an engineered wood product, similar in construction to an extremely large plywood, used for pre-fabricated structural applications.
This is suited for the flat planar elements of a structure such as floors, walls and roofs. It lends itself to repetition and larger buildings such as apartments and public buildings.
We have worked on large scale apartment buildings with all structural elements above ground being fabricated solely in CLT.
3. Custom Trusses and Frames
We delight in designing custom framing elements and fine construction joints, including traditional carpentry methods and a combination of contemporary machining.
We welcome any challenging design preferences our clients would like to include in their projects.
4. Prefabricated Panels
We use various types of structural insulated panels on our projects to achieve rapid and highly accurate structural envelopes and elements. Some of these incorporate service ducts, finishes, insulation and air tightness provisions.
5. Laminated Veneer Lumber – LVL curves and Barrel Vaults
Laminated Veneer Lumber is a high-strength engineered wood product made from veneers bonded together under heat and pressure. It is used for permanent structural applications including beams and rafters. We have used this method to produce large free spans, curved forms and complex organic shapes.
6. Bespoke Stairs
We love designing unique beautiful staircases for our project using traditional craftsmanship and the latest 3D CNC design and milling methods.
Stairs are really special moments in any project and deserve special consideration and detailed design.
7. Computer Numerated Machine Cutting – CNC
Most of our projects are fully or substantially manufactured off site as prefabricated machined components.
This requires the latest 3D Building Information Modelling Software and a collaborative work process where these models are shared with other consultants including engineers, services designers, manufacturers and construction teams.
This is more labour intensive than tradition construction documentation, but offers better accuracy, airtightness and a higher quality of finish and coordination than typical design and construction methods. The resulting construction methods are typically quicker, lighter and more environmentally sustainable.
Timber Preference:
- Timber, a versatile and renewable material, offers strength, lightness, and timeless beauty.
- Thoughtful detailing ensures timber structures last for centuries, providing joy, comfort, and shelter.
- Timber structures can adapt to changing needs over time, locking away carbon from its growth until return to the earth.
- Timber’s biophilic qualities may contribute to occupants’ calmness and health.
- Its tactile and colourful nature brings joy to building occupants.
Energy Efficiency:
- Timber excels in thermal bridging performance due to its natural insulating properties, reducing heat/cold transfer compared to concrete or metals.
- Low production energy requirements make timber an eco-friendly choice.
- Timber stores approximately 50% of its dry weight as carbon throughout its life.
- We specify timber from managed and certified FSC or PEFC plantation sources, ensuring sustainability.
Benefits of Prefabrication:
- Engineered timber is ideal for offsite prefabrication, enabling rapid assembly and reduced construction time.
- Precise 3D modelling upfront leads to better construction detailing with minimal thermal bridging and air leakage, crucial for passive houses.
- Combining insulation and structural qualities makes timber cost-effective, reducing the need for multiple construction layers.
- Timber often serves as the finished surface, saving costs and minimizing the use of other materials.
- Timber’s lightweight nature reduces footing requirements and material usage.
- Timber can be worked using simple hand and machine tools.
- Woodworking processes are low or non-toxic to workers and occupants.
- Timber reduces the need for specialist trades, heavy machinery, and onsite fire and safety risks, creating safer, quieter workplaces.
- Over a building’s lifecycle, timber structures have lower long-term maintenance and running costs.
Fire Performance:
- While combustible, timber’s insulating qualities lead to slow, predictable, and measurable combustion.
- In larger buildings, we design oversized elements with the understanding that fire forms a sacrificial charred layer on the surface, insulating the core timber from the fire’s heat.
- Special grades and species are used in bushfire-prone areas, incorporating additional cladding, insulation, and ember protection details.
- Strength and stability: Engineered timber can handle heavy loads.
- Efficient and lightweight: Mass timber is strong yet lightweight, enabling spacious buildings with fewer structural elements.
- Environmentally friendly: Made from fast-growing trees, it reduces reliance on non-renewable materials.
- Flexible design: It can be customized into various shapes and sizes, facilitating unique architectural creations.
- Fire-resistant: Some types have good inherent fire-resistant properties, forming a protective char layer in larger members.
- Energy-efficient: Provides natural insulation, reducing heating and cooling needs.
- Sustainable choice: Made from renewable wood resources, it helps sequester carbon dioxide.
- Quick construction: Prefabricated mass timber speeds up the construction process.
- Improved acoustics: Reduces sound transmission, creating more comfortable indoor spaces.
- Natural and appealing: Adds a beautiful, warm, and natural aesthetic to architectural designs.
- Health: Embracing biophilic design with natural tactile materials benefits occupants’ well-being.
