Cross Laminated Timber

Cross laminated timber (CLT) is a structural product suitable for load-bearing construction including multi-storey buildings.

CLT is currently not available in New Zealand but will be in the near future.

It is made of layers of solid timber, alternating grain direction at 90 degrees (where Glue-laminated timber is layered with the grain). The exterior layers' grains run lengthways giving optimum strength.

It can be produced with 3, 5, or 7 layers and the layers can be of different thicknesses (though symetrical from the centre, ie 35mm, 27mm, 35mm).

This gives a number of different overall thickness, suitable for a large variety of end uses, given different strengths and physical characteristics.

There are many benefits of constructing with CLT:

Prefabricated to your specifications including pre-cut openings for windows and doors, therefore assembly is quick and easy
No toxic elements, therefore assembly is environmentally and health friendly.
Dry building system with a minimum of swelling and shrinkage of the elements.
Easily combined with other structural elements.
There is no break in the insulation layer and no need for a moisture barrier in walls.
Air tight.
Fire resistant.
Thermal insulation.
Acoustic insulation.
Linings such as other panel products are easily installed using surface bonding.

This video provides thoughts and commentary from technical experts, manufacturers, architects and leaders in the building community regarding their experience with CLT.