Prefabrication: Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) design & construction - Jae Warrander, Makers

House prefabrication using flat pack panels delivers multiple environmental and cost benefits and is the way of the future.

In today's episode, we dive into our next sustainable design theme, prefabrication, and we'll explore house design and construction using cross laminated timber. Architect Jae Warrander, director of Makers, shares the story behind his Akaroa Bach: a prefabricated holiday home situated in a mild temperate climate on the east coast of New Zealand's South Island.

Makers, located in Wellington, New Zealand, is a collaboration between Makers of Architecture and Makers Fabrication.

Today we'll explore what CLT is, the process, benefits and costs of using CLT for prefabricated panel construction, and the ideal scenarios for utilising CLT.

Australian Architects can claim formal CPD hours for these podcasts.

MORE INFORMATION

Find everything you need on the Renovation Collaborative website.

www.renovationcollaborative.com.au

• PODCAST Key points summary, timestamps and resource links
• FREE RESOURCES Transcript edited into clear Q&A.
• CPD Australian architects can find more information on CPD, and
• COURSES Eleven easy to read courses demystifying the entire home design and construction process.

KEY POINTS SUMMARY

1. Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) is an engineered wood panel product created by gluing layers of timber together with the grain alternating at 90 degrees for added strength. CLT panels are cut into entire wall, floor and roof sections with precise computer accuracy.

2. CLT buildings must be meticulously designed and this includes all openings and holes cut for doors and windows, services, fittings and even power points. Everything must be accurately located in the computer shop drawings because making changes on site is very challenging.

3. The CLT serves as both the internal wall lining and the structural shell. Externally, it needs thermal insulation, a weather and air tightness building wrap and cladding for weatherproofing. Internally, makers utilise prefabricated stud frame walls in conjunction with CLT to accommodate access to services, particularly in bathrooms.

4. Once prefabricated, the CLT panels are transported to the site and assembled to create the entire building form. The construction timeline is streamlined because site foundations, retaining walls and service connections can occur simultaneously with the off site CLT prefabrication.

5. Prefabrication using CLT offers several advantages:

• It replaces studs, bracing and other structural components.
• It eliminates the need for trims such as skirtings, cornices and architraves.
• It's made from locally sourced New Zealand pine.
• It reduces construction time on site.
• It enables building on remote or difficult to...