Important provenance note: The projects and photographs in this historical article are examples from the United Kingdom; they are not projects, completed work or references of Savo Kusić. Claims about their design, schedules, effects and performance have been carried over from the old content and must be verified with the original authors and project owners.
This text is not an offer of CLT design or execution. The current offer of Savo Kusić is focused on windows, doors and associated solutions.
Historical context of CLT construction
Wood is a building material that can last for centuries. It does not rust, does not corrode, and complies with all expected building codes and construction requirements. Wood design can add dimensional stability, high strength and low carbon emissions. It’s also beautiful, competitively priced, strong, versatile and offers endless opportunities to shape and build structures that leave a legacy.
The historical text states that innovations such as CLT inspire leading building designers. It describes the United Kingdom as a global pioneer in CLT construction, with more than 500 completed projects at that time. It refers to the book 100 Projects UK CLT, based on research by the Softwood Lumber Board (SLB) and Forestry Innovation Investment (FII), as a presentation of innovations and possibilities.
100 Projects UK CLT is described as a practical guide for people interested in mass-timber construction, with insights and lessons from real buildings. It contains 100 case studies of CLT buildings in the United Kingdom, including project facts and details. It also presents CLT construction examples, stated advantages, technical approaches, design and construction. Several examples from the old article follow.
Examples of foreign projects
Hilden Grange Prep School: CLT was chosen for this project to speed up construction as the school was to be built within one academic year. Wood was also chosen for the interior as it has been shown to have a beneficial effect on the stress level and behavior of children in schools.
GSK Centre for Sustainable Chemistry: The stated goal was to create a laboratory that would make no contribution to greenhouse gases over its entire life cycle.
Sky Health and Fitness Centre: The text describes it as the first purpose-designed timber gym in the United Kingdom. Its spaces are linked by a complex timber staircase connecting three floors, while the voids provide visual connections and admit daylight.
Dyson Centre for Neonatal Care: The first use of solid laminated timber in a tertiary healthcare setting, this extension is designed to provide space and privacy for parents while they spend time with their babies. Since the wood is resistant to the absorption of electricity, dust is prevented, allergens are reduced, increasing the quality of life of people with respiratory problems.