DfMA series: 3

Zarja Krevelj , Architectural Technician in HLM Architects’ Glasgow studio, has always had an interest in mass timber, embodied carbon and sustainable methods of building. She has previously worked on a hardwood CLT research project, completed the Timber Technology Engineering Design 1 course, and is currently conducting an R&D embodied carbon study on a recently completed project. Here, she introduces us to mass timber and its application in that project – the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland.

As we stride towards a healthier planet and population, innovative uses of natural materials are developing at a rapid pace. In light of this, it comes as no surprise to see that wood, one of the earliest known building materials, is having a resurgence in popularity – albeit with modern methods being applied to its use.

With its ability to sequester large amounts of CO2, utilizing wood in building and landscape is a positive step towards realizing the RIBA’s Sustainable Outcomes for 2030, both in terms of net zero embodied carbon, and subsequently, whole life carbon. There is also evidence to suggest that environments constructed and furnished with natural materials contribute positively to health and wellbeing; reducing stress and improving mental health and cognitive functionality.

What is mass timber?

Mass timber (also known as engineered wood) is the product of binding multiple layers of wood together, creating a durable building material of improved strength and stability. There are several methods of binding the layers (referred to as laminations), all of which provide different properties, and suitability for different applications:

• Glued laminated timber (Glulam) – often used for beams, columns and arches
• Cross-laminated timber (CLT) – can be used for structural walls, floors and roofs
• Dowel-laminated timber (DLT) – typically used for floors and roof decks
• Nail-laminated timber (NLT) – used for floors and walls
• Laminated veneer lumber (LVL) – used for beams and columns
• Parallel-strand lumber (PSL) – useful for weight-bearing long-span beams and columns

The manufacture of mass timber products typically sits within the factory environment, which aids the use in modern methods of construction (MMC) categories. Quality control and production rates are therefore improved due to the precise specifications that machines work with.

The result? Sustainable, strong, lightweight material which improves the speed of construction and provides a pleasing natural aesthetic.

How are we using mass timber?

Acknowledging how mass timber can contribute to a lower environmental impact for the built environment, we have been undertaking research to better understand how we can integrate it into our designs. The recently completed National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) headquarters is a prime example of innovative use of timber which capitalises on its natural characteristics.

Grown from the University of Strathclyde’s Advanced Forming Research Centre, NMIS is an industry-led international centre of manufacturing expertise. Located at the heart of the new Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland, NMIS brings industry, academia and public-sector support bodies together to transform skills, productivity and innovation. The form, materials and layout reflect the facility’s pillars of collaboration, flexibility and innovation, creating a unique identity.

NMIS builds on the Scottish Government Strategy “A Manufacturing Future for Scotland”. One important aspect of the project is sustainability – especially embodied carbon, operational carbon and sourcing of the materials. It features a hybrid structure – a glulam diagrid frame with CLT roof panel and steel structure. CLT wall panels are also incorporated within the interior.

Specification of timber for the diagrid frame was a result of it meeting several aspects of the design brief:

Innovation – NMIS is a centre for innovation, which is reflected in its form, materials and layout. Utilising timber for the frame through offsite construction embeds this from its very core. The structure itself is innovative in shape, while the material drives forward-thinking innovation in construction methods. It creates an innovative structure which is visible both internally and externally, becoming a unique identity for the NMIS facility.

Collaboration – Allows an open space for collaboration through the column bay spacing of 8m, which provides a balance between the structural and functional requirements of the workspace.

Flexibility – Standardisation in the design allows for ease of future expansion for the Innovation Collaboratory and Manufacturing Skills Workshop in future phases. The spacing of the structural grid allows for loading bays to be created between columns, providing flexible space for large equipment to be brought into the workspace without affecting the main structural frame.

Sustainability – in line with the University of Strathclyde’s design guides, the 759.4 m3 of timber captures 566 tonnes of CO2e.  The CLT therefore delivers maximum points at MAT03 of BREEAM. The adhesives used in the structure have been carefully specified to conform to EN301and formaldehyde Class E1. Responsible resourcing adds to the credentials, as B&K Structures use PEFC certified wood from well-managed forests, carrying 100% full chain of custody.

Sustainable innovations, and changing the way we design, are crucial for a more environmentally friendly industry. NMIS illustrates the significant benefits that mass timber has for carbon reduction, and how its unique characteristics contribute to exciting building design – two huge considerations for designers and a massive plus for the environment.

If you’re interested in finding out more about our DfMA projects, download our new and updated brochure on our Resources page , or contact:

Anne Daw , Head of MMC Delivery

James Hughes , Architectural Technologist, Sheffield

Felix Gibson , Architect, Belfast

Hannah Gardner , Architect, London

Zarja Krevelj , Architectural Technologist, Glasgow

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