Timber frame manufacturers supply mass timber for construction projects, such as frames for residential and commercial buildings, trussed rafters and floor joists. As governments look towards more sustainable and environmentally-friendly ways to shape the future of the built environment, demand for mass timber timber is set to increase.
What is mass timber?
Mass timber refers to engineered wood products such as cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glued laminated timber (glulam). CLT consists of multiple layers of wood bonded together with adhesive, to create a much stronger building material than a single piece of lumber.
The grains of CLT are alternated at 90 degrees to give strength in two directions, which gives it a two-way spanning axis with similar strength characteristics to structural concrete. Gulam timber is made with the grains layered in the same direction, and is used when a single way spanning axis is required, such as beams and trusses.
Both CLT and glulam are strong and durable enough to be used instead of concrete and steel in construction products. They also have the advantage of being a sustainable material that can absorb CO2 both during the growing phase and when used as part of a building. This helps to reduce the overall carbon footprint of the construction sector.
The Measuring Mass Timber Project
Timber Design and Technology reports on a new project led by architecture practice dRMM in collaboration with Edinburgh Napier University and the Quality of Life Foundation. The Measuring Mass Timber project applied analysis methodology to demonstrate the substantial environmental and quality of life benefits that timber in construction can bring.
The project involved five case studies across different sectors: education; infrastructure; places of worship; residential developments; and commercial buildings. Each building underwent a thorough assessment over two years to measure the whole life carbon cycle and its impacts.
All the buildings encompassed a wide range of engineered wood products. The results of the study found that each building stored more than a thousand tonnes of CO2 across its lifecycle, including the growth stage in sustainably managed forests. The authors of the report conclude that mass timber can be used to help decarbonise the environment.
Professor Robert Hairstans of Edinburgh Napier University said: “The built environment is hugely varied and highly complex and this valuable collaborative research effort led by dRMM sets a benchmark to build out from, so as to inform the decision-making process of future projects.”
He added: “Follow on case studies would be welcome because ultimately the more evidence we have of the whole life value of mass timber the more confidence the market will have in its undoubted credentials as a sustainable and modern construction technique.”
Kat Scott, Report Co-Author, said: “The evidence coming from all the case study buildings feels like a powerful beginning in establishing the case for mass timber. We have seen how mass timber supports lower carbon construction today.”
“We have seen how mass timber and biophilia can help people feel more connected to nature, to feel more relaxed and comfortable and to provide healthier internal environments. So let’s accelerate its use responsibly and efficiently, and in so doing support sustainable and ethical forestry practices.”
Quality of life
Meeting net zero emissions targets is crucial to mitigate the effects of global warming and prevent irreversible climate change, but increasing the use of timber in construction has further benefits. Timber buildings can improve the wellbeing of occupants by enhancing air quality, regulating humidity, and providing natural insulation.
This leads to better health outcomes and quality of life. The mental wellbeing of the occupants of timber buildings is also enhanced by the aesthetically pleasing environment: wood has a natural warmth and beauty that can help to create a sense of comfort and lower stress levels.
The government is currently taking steps to boost domestic timber production, so that the UK will be able to have a sustainable, cost effective and environmentally friendly building resource available to meet the significant environmental, economic and social challenges of the coming decades.