The architectural decision to build in engineered mass timber seems obvious. Timber is carbon neutral and generally has very good environmental credentials. I read the other day that replacing one cubic metre of concrete with timber, saves 1 tonne of carbon. Once the design and ethical leap into engineered mass timber is taken, there’s the realisation that there's much more to it.

Engineered timber gives the architect design flexibility, cost effectiveness and better long-term building performance. But there is no one solution to fit all. Sometimes we use smaller CLT and composite systems, especially in the small residential sector, where exposed panels are permitted.

In our recent 5 storey multi-residential building in Thornbury (Vic), we worked with mainly solid panels of floors and walls from XLam Australia. This suited the non-regular design of apartments and benefitted from XLam's capacity and delivery abilities. This video shows the XLam factory in action putting together these panels.

The whole CLT build went up in 6-7 weeks, far quicker than steel and concrete. On a building of this scale (13 apartments, roof terrace and retail at ground level), the deemed to satisfy regulations in the BCA meant that all the CLT is covered with fire rated plaster. Although XLam can provide a good face grade exposed panel, this building was just about building with a different methodology.

How often do you see the steel and concrete exposed anyway? This is just a better way to build.