A Built Experience

Glulam

- Gluelam is composed of several layers of timber, stuck together with water proof adhesive, the composition of several small layers means curved forms can be articulated and reproduced may times. As a result they are very lightweight

Its more sustainable and effective when compared to solid sawn timber. Solid sawn timber has a large amount of waste in its attempt to get the best sectional cut. Glulam takes advantage of smaller sections stuck and arranged in the beams advantage.To get the same effect as Glulam solid sawn timber needs much larger trees that have a longer growth time. the overall effect of harvesting trees is much smaller for glulam as the process is faster.

Glulam is 2/3 the weight of steel and 1/6 the weight of concrete. This makes transportation costs less

The only limitation is perhaps access to the site and size of the beams. However they are usually used only to articulate certain elements.

I spoke to Pasquill (www.pasquill.co.uk). They provide glulam timber solutions for projects which do not want to use steal or concrete. I recorded a conversation with a representative for the company at their stand Ateco build, in the audio I asked how the product compares to both concrete and steal and if transport is factored into its embodied energy. I apologise, at some point the back ground noise blurs the conversation. but the audio elborates on the pros of the product.

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In reply to a question about sourcing timber from the UK they replied that the timber from Scandinavia is stronger and they can get higher yields.Rather than depleting the UK' wood supplies, they can rely on forestry rotation in Scandinavia. Although this effects transportation costs this would be far more if you where transporting steel or concrete.

Benefits of Glulam –(from the company’s brochure)

- suitable for large spans

- high strength to weight ration

- malleable

- the appearance of timber over concrete and steal – in reference to my studio project I would prefer timber, concrete and steal would contradict the organic elements in the site

- good fire resistance

- good chemical resistance

- can be worked using ordinary tools

- surfaces can be treated

- sourced from well managed forests, chain of custody certified

- recyclable

- generates less co2 than many other building products

- thermally efficient compared to many other building material

- dimensionally stable

the company has a good green stratergy

the technical info illustrates there parameters, but in general they are suitable for many facilities and uses

I’m considering using gluelam beams in my current studio project, they span maximum 22m, im constructing a relatively small building- similar to a market space, the beams would hold a tent fabric that would be adjusted seasonally. The rest of the structure world be cladded by recycled or reclaimed timber.

Sketch-up model