Construction with CLT – Cross Laminated Timber

CLT structures – when does CLT make sense in construction?

CLT (Cross Laminated Timber) is a strong and efficient structural material in modern construction, but it does not make sense in every project.
At Woodconstruction, we work exclusively with load-bearing timber structures. This means we can quickly assess when CLT adds value – and when it does not.
Here is an overview of when CLT is the right choice and what to be aware of.

When does CLT make sense in construction?

CLT structures typically add the most value when:

fast installation and short construction time are required
the weight of the structure is important (e.g. lightweight foundations or building on top of existing structures)
the project focuses on CO₂ reduction
the design involves repetition (residential, office, school, etc.)
high precision in execution is required

In these cases, we often see that CLT provides both time and logistical advantages compared to traditional materials such as concrete.

When does CLT make less sense?

CLT structures are not always the right solution.

for highly complex geometries without repetition
if timber and CLT are introduced late in the project
if the project has been fully optimised for concrete from the outset
for low-rise housing and similar buildings, where the benefits of CLT do not outweigh the additional costs

In these situations, CLT often becomes more of an adaptation than a true optimisation, and the value is lost.

How do CLT structures impact project economics?

CLT is often misjudged because the focus is placed solely on material cost.

In reality, the overall economics depend much more on:

installation speed
site costs
logistics
total construction time

In many projects, we see that CLT structures:

significantly reduce construction time
create a more predictable process
reduce errors during execution

However, this requires that the solution is designed correctly from the outset, rather than adapted later in the process.

How early should CLT be considered in a project?

The earlier CLT is integrated, the greater the value.

The biggest impact is achieved when CLT is part of:

concept design / early-stage engineering
structural principles
grid and spans

When we are involved early, we can influence the solution.
If we are brought in later, it is often more about making it fit.

Design for Disassembly

CLT elements are assembled using screws and brackets, making them easy to dismantle. We build according to the “Design for Disassembly” principle—entire constructions can be taken apart and reused in other timber buildings or repurposed into other wood products. This allows the resource to circulate in a sustainable way.

Typical mistakes in CLT projects

We often see the same challenges:

timber is selected too late in the process
the solution is translated from concrete instead of being designed as timber from the outset
lack of understanding of installation and tolerances
insufficient coordination between disciplines

It is not because CLT does not work. It is because it is not used correctly.

Our approach to CLT in construction

At Woodconstruction, we work with CLT across the entire value chain:

early consultation and optimisation
structural design and engineering
supply of CLT elements and glulam
installation of load-bearing structures

We do not focus only on the material, but on how the solution performs in practice – from the first sketch to completed installation.

Shall we take a look at your project?

If you have a project where timber might be relevant, we are happy to have a non-binding discussion. We quickly provide an honest assessment of whether CLT makes sense for your project – even if the answer is no.