Mass timber as a construction material has been used for Millenia, and we are all familiar with timber framed buildings whether new or historic. In many cases exposed timber beams and structure and seen to be a visual enhancement and mark of character in an appealing way.

Inevitably in a risk averse world the use of timber is questioned both in a safety and sustainable way, largely by people who want you to use something else. But it is somewhat trivial to over question the credentials provided local material is available and / or the carbon advantages can be proven, and provenance proved.

When a material smells wonderful, this should surely tell us something, and if you have not experienced the experience of being in a CLT building where most if not all the structure is timber, you really should investigate (in our humble opinion!).

We work with several specialists who grow their sustainably forested timber around Europe and Scandinavia. Some allowing shipping direct into UK ports, some of their plants powered by hydro or by the material produced in processing the CLT. Working with this natural, often forgiving and attractive material allows all the structure to be kept in view and in some of our designs negates any need for ceilings or wall cladding and finishes. Simply because the timber looks wonderful and why would you want to hide it!?

Whilst we have great timber resource here in the UK, we do not have the extent of forest and land to develop CLT plants here, there is support for doing so but these would be scale limited and unlikely to be able to compete with the established supply via mainland Europe and Scandinavia.

Speed of construction on site is a major benefit of using CLT, as you don’t need the wet trades and time consumptive processes of more traditional techniques. Once foundations are in and the site prepared, several lorries deliver the building in sections and provided the crane is ready takes only a few days to erect the whole of the main building structure, walls, floors and roof. Of course, the wind can delay things, but this applies to most cladding and construction installation, as does any weather intervention.

On CLT buildings we tend to adopt exposed (beautifully and honestly detailed) internal services wherever feasible which also speeds the build process and often harness natural ventilation techniques which negate the need for air handling and the related plenums and fit-out. We prove the viability of this in the early design stages and inform the process with proven Building Physics tools. This in our experience delivers substantial cost savings and more than balances any additional cost of adopting a mass timber solution.

You will all be aware of the issues around high-rise timber buildings and whilst extensive structures are being built all over the world, here in the UK restrictions apply and anything over 5 stories is currently a challenge. However, for use in most mixed-use development, public =buildings, schools, some residential and offices we would encourage you to explore the advantages… if of course you like timber!

We would love to chat with you about this and introduce you to our partners and trusted specialists and collaborators. As with all solutions CLT is not the answer for all, but creates buildings with character, beauty, great sustainable credentials, they smell great, and provide a real sense of wellbeing.

Please do not be afraid to ask questions and discuss, whether you agree or disagree!

ep architects 

info@eparchitects.design