Overview

CLT (Cross Laminated Timber) is an innovative technology for the construction industry in the United States. The system consists in building structures with heavy timber panels, prefabricated at the factory, custom cut and assembled at the construction site. The large component sizes and strength of the mass timber panels allow these structural components to be an alternative to concrete, steel and masonry in many building applications.

CLT houses and buildings are made of extremely robust materials. They are as resistant as concrete, but with considerably lower weight.

CLT is also highly resistant to earthquakes and fire, and has great acoustic control. Structures can be built rapidly and the costs are 20-30% less than those built with concrete and cement. Design versatility, improved thermal performance, energy efficiency and sustainability (lighter environmental footprint) are other important characteristic of CLT. 

Prefabricated CLT constructions can also offer a number of other benefits, including faster construction time, improved material efficiency and worker safety, enhanced quality assurance and reduced material waste. 

For houses and buildings up to ten floors, the cross-laminated system is far more superior to any other types of construction, both economically and in terms of efficiency. CLT is the best option for “green building” constructions (low CO2 emissions both in construction and in maintenance).

The timber used is from sustainably managed forests.