CROSS LAMINATED TIMBER

CONCRETE OF THE FUTURE

 CROSS LAMINATED TIMBER - THE CONCRETE OF THE FUTURE

Architects, builders, and sustainability advocates are all abuzz over a new building material they say could substantially reduce greenhouse gas
(GHG) emissions in the building sector, cut down on waste, pollution, and costs associated with construction, and create a more physically,
psychologically and aesthetically healthy built environment.

That material is, wood.

“Cross Laminated Timber” which is an engineered-wood product that promises to take wood-based construction to a whole new level. The
material has proved efficient for use in various building typologies, ranging from low to high-rises and can be used for walls, floors, and roofs in
both load-bearing and non-load-bearing structures. Furthermore, it has shown competency in the matters of strength, speed, and cost,
compared to both concrete and steel. It has verified itself as a fine substitute for concrete and steel, due to its strength to weight ratio.However,
CLT’s main attraction lies in the fact that it is a sustainable construction material, and that, most of all, gives it an edge above other reliable
construction materials.

Cross-laminated timber first emerged in Europe, and then it gained popularity in the US and other locations. I believe that it is time that India too
realises that this building material is the backbone for future generation high performance, low carbon buildings. Thus, through, my research on
this subject, I aim to introduce & spread awareness about the potential of CLT in the Indian context.

SWOT ANALYSIS :

Strength : CLT’s growing popularity across the world is due to its multiple benefits in terms of structural, combustional, dimensional stability
but especially its ability to create low/almost absent carbon footprint structures. It is therefore crucial that we as budding architects study in
depth about CLT which will clearly be an unmissable material choice in days to come.

Weakness : CLT when compared to materials like concrete/steel can be an expensive option and thus might not be the first choice for cost
effective projects. There is also limited knowledge for optimal acoustic design solutions with CLT.

Opportunity : Introducing a new age building material in India with its numerous benefits outweighing its shortcomings thus having an
opportunity of creating a market for CLT in India which will not only boost employment but also contribute to a sustainable future.

Threat : Creating an awareness about CLT in india will have its own set of challenges as people might have preconceived notions about building
with wood ( acoustical, fire, moisture resistant properties) and thus people might be hesitant in accepting this new material.