Important of cross-laminated timber (CLT)

A sustainable future

Timber has other properties that make it attractive to engineers and architects. CLT lends itself to prefabrication, explains Lawrence, because it can be cut precisely in a factory and is easily assembled on site.
"A building of CLT is like a giant piece of flat-pack furniture. That's why the construction industry has fallen in love with it, because it's so easy to transport, crane and assemble," Lawrence says.
Though CLT made from softwood such as spruce has been in use for some time, the full potential of hardwood has not been explored until now.

             
Photos: timber and bamboo.

David Venables, European director of the American Hardwood Export Council, believes hardwood CLT could also help buildings be more sustainable.
"Over one billion cubic meters of this tulipwood material is standing in American forests right now," he says. "If we want to be sustainable we have to use all the material that nature provides."
"Timber construction is absolutely the future," he adds. "'The Smile' is the beginning of something. This isn't the end of the journey."
"The Smile" will be on display through October 12 at Rootstein Hopkins Parade Ground, Chelsea College of Art and Design in London.