Construction with Glulam

Glulam structures – when does glulam make sense in construction?

Glulam is a well-proven structural material used in modern construction where there is a need for large spans, lightweight structures, and exposed load-bearing elements. However, it is not a solution that adds value in every project.
At Woodconstruction, we work with load-bearing timber structures every day, and our experience with glulam construction is that it truly makes sense only when it is considered correctly from the outset.
Here, we outline when glulam structures make sense – and where extra attention is required.

When do glulam structures make sense?

Glulam typically adds the most value in structures:

with larger spans and open layouts
where exposed load-bearing structures are desired
in halls, office buildings, and large spaces
where weight and installation are important factors
where timber is an active architectural choice

In these situations, glulam performs best because the structure utilises the material’s strengths rather than working against them.

When does building with glulam make less sense?

Glulam is not always the right solution. This is typically the case when:

spans are small, where other solutions are simpler
glulam is chosen without structural logic
the material is introduced too late in the project
standard solutions in other materials are more suitable

In these cases, glulam often becomes an adaptation rather than a true solution, and the value is lost.

Design for Disassembly

Glulam elements are assembled using screws and brackets, allowing them to be dismantled and reused after their initial use. We follow the "Design for Disassembly" principle—entire structures can be taken apart and repurposed for other timber buildings or wood-based products, ensuring that resources remain in circulation.

How do glulam structures impact project economics?

Glulam is often assessed based on material cost alone.
However, the overall economics depend largely on how the solution performs in practice.

The real cost is influenced by factors such as:

spans and structural principles
installation and lifting time
connection details
logistics and delivery
total construction time

In many projects, we see that glulam:

reduces the need for columns
creates open and flexible spaces
enables efficient installation for larger spans

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

Our approach to building with glulam

At Woodconstruction, we work with glulam structures across the entire value chain.
We typically use glulam as part of an overall timber structure, where the interaction between CLT and glulam is essential.

Shall we take a look at your project?

If you have a project where glulam might be relevant, we are happy to offer a quick assessment. We provide an honest evaluation of whether it is the right solution – even if the answer is no.