What is CLT?
Cross laminated timber (CLT) is a type of engineered wood product made from layers of timber boards, which are stacked and glued together at right angles to each other. This cross-lamination technique gives the resulting panel strength and rigidity in both directions, making it an ideal material for construction.
CLT panels are typically made from softwood species such as spruce, pine, or fir, and can be produced in a variety of sizes and thicknesses to suit different construction needs. The panels are manufactured in a factory and then transported to the construction site for assembly.
CLT is known for its sustainability, as it is made from renewable materials and requires less energy to produce than traditional building materials like concrete or steel. It is also lighter than many other building materials, making it easier to transport and install. Timber is an excellent CO2 sink and is a net absorber of CO2 over the life of the product.
CLT has become increasingly popular in recent years for use in a variety of building types, including residential, commercial, and institutional structures. Its strength and durability make it suitable for use in high-rise buildings, and it is also often used in prefabricated construction projects.
What is 3-Ply?
3-Ply isa type of engineered wood product that is very similar to CLT in its design and construction. Like CLT, it is made from timber boards stacked and glued at right angles to each other using a variety of timber species. There are 3 key differences between LAROS 3-Ply and CLT:
At 27 mm, 3-Ply is thinner than CLT which starts at 60 mm and can be 100s of mm thick. For residential structures, 27 mm is ample to provide the structural strength and rigidity for residential structures and still provides a ‘solid feel’ like CLT. Using less timber means less land needs to be given over to forestry and saves you money.
LAROS 3-Ply is certified airtight so we can eliminate one layer of plastic membrane that would otherwise be needed for building airtightness. CLT is not airtight. Once installed on site, CLT must be treated with an airtight membrane in order to achieve Passive House efficiency standards.
LAROS 3-Ply is furniture grade finish which means the boards are visually graded for the least defects and then it is sanded and filled for a smooth, beautiful finish that looks and feels great. CLT is a structural grade finish.
Why is 3-Ply better than cross laminated timber for inside your home?
3-Ply takes all the advantages of cross laminated timber (CLT) as an engineered wood product, and optimises the product for the best environmental and economic outcome for low-rise residential structures.
While the thicker sizes of CLT lend it to the construction of high rise towers, the thinner 27 mm 3-Ply is much better economic and environmental choice for houses.
In general, timber is a great choice for your home because:
It absorbs and releases moisture from the air making it a natural humidity buffer for your home.
Studies have demonstrated the positive psychological benefits of using natural materials in living, working and educational spaces. Refer to this link for more information http://www.timberqueensland.com.au/Docs/Benefits%20of%20Timber/Fact%20Sheets/Factsheet_02_NEw.pdf
It is a thermal insulator and so avoids energy leakage through thermal bridging and ‘feels’ warm to the touch. Just compare how it feels to touch a steel, glass, concrete or gyprock surface and how it feels to touch a timber surface. There’s a noticeable difference.
If you’d like to learn more about the materials that LAROS use in our builds, get in touch with us here.