Multi-storey buildings
Multi-story residential buildings constructed with CLT (cross-laminated timber) – also known as X-lam or BSP – are establishing themselves as a sustainable and highly efficient alternative to concrete and steel structures.
Solid wood buildings offer a renewable and industrialised solution that meets the growing demand for new urban residential buildings and more efficient, environmentally friendly construction.
Engineered wood structures enable fast execution, high quality, and a significant reduction in carbon footprint throughout the building's life cycle.
Advantages of multi-story residential buildings made of wood - 7 key reasons to choose CLT construction:
1. High-precision manufacturing off-site
The engineered wood products TimberTech works with—CLT, LVL, and BSH/GLT—enable an industrialized construction method. The elements are manufactured in a factory with high precision, which reduces risks on the construction site, improves quality, and ensures better control over deadlines and budget.
2. Shorter construction time and faster return on investment
Assembling the structure from pre-manufactured elements significantly reduces construction time. Faster completion of the building leads to earlier commissioning, lower construction costs, and a faster return on investment.
3. Environmental sustainability throughout the entire life cycle
The building materials used by TimberTech are based on renewable wood from sustainably managed forests. High-tech engineered wood products minimize material waste and are designed for a long service life. One cubic meter of CLT stores approximately one ton of CO₂. Its production requires significantly less energy compared to concrete or steel, making CLT an effective carbon dioxide sink.
4. Lower dead weight
CLT structures are significantly lighter than reinforced concrete structures, while offering comparable load-bearing capacity. This reduces the load on foundations, optimizes construction costs, and facilitates the superstructure or extension of existing buildings.
5. More usable living space
Thanks to the high load-bearing capacity of solid wood, load-bearing walls can be thinner – often in the range of 80–100 mm in interior spaces. This increases the actual usable living space and improves the economic efficiency of the project.
6. Visible wood surfaces and a comfortable environment
CLT panels can be manufactured with a visible finish, eliminating the need for additional cladding. The visible wood creates a warm atmosphere, improves the indoor climate, and contributes to a higher quality of living.
7. Fire protection and structural safety
In the event of a fire, wood burns in a predictable and controlled manner. The charred outer layer protects the load-bearing core and preserves the structural integrity for an extended period of time. Wooden structures also perform excellently in seismically active areas thanks to their low weight and elastic behavior.
What is the CLT construction system?
CLT consists of at least three layers of solid wood panels, most often spruce, glued crosswise at a 90° angle. Cross-lamination minimizes swelling and shrinkage of the wood and provides exceptional dimensional stability and high load-bearing capacity.
Large-format CLT elements, up to 3.50 m wide and 16 m long, are used for load-bearing walls, floor slabs, and roof structures. This allows the construction of high-rise residential buildings with more than ten floors, depending on the project and applicable regulations.
Multi-story residential buildings made of solid wood combine fast construction, high quality of life, structural safety, and a low carbon footprint.
They are a sustainable and cost-effective solution for modern urban development and a key element of the future of sustainable cities.