Cross-laminated timber

CLT has been in use for about 10 years in the UK. It’s most popular in high-rise developments, but can make sense for self builders, too. It’s made up of glued and pressed wood – usually spruce – with each layer set at a 90o angle to the one below. This forms a super-strong panel that can be used for walls, roofs and floor structures.

The benefits

CLT panels can be made in vast sizes and are extremely dimensionally stable – enabling creative designs

The panels are engineered in a factory, ensuring high levels of accuracy and airtightness

The pre-cut panels can be fixed together quickly on site for a speedy build time

Timber is sustainably sourced from responsibly managed forests in Europe

The limitations

Unsuitable for basements and below-ground work Panels have to be craned into position on site, which can be difficult if there is restricted access

You’ll need to plan service ducts, power points etc before manufacture – with limited scope for changes More expensive than standard timber frame

Left: CLT panels from Construktclt arrive on site with pre-cut openings for the windows and doors. Above right: This CLT home was designed by Feneley Studio to fit into a compact plot. It has been clad in brick to blend in with the traditional street scene