If you are planning to build a new home and want something that’s sustainable, strong, and future-ready, chances are cross laminated timber (CLT) has already crossed your mind.
Homeowners across Australia are increasingly choosing CLT for its faster build, thermal performance, and eco-friendly nature. But while CLT homes look simple and minimalist once complete, what happens before construction starts is critical to success.
If you are considering building a CLT house in Australia then this guide by The Rubix is a must read. It breaks down the details you should understand before building with CLT and will help you make informed decisions and ask the right questions at every stage of your project.
While building a CLT house, getting the details right means improved strength, streamlined construction timeframes, and a home that is not only energy efficient, but looks good too.
It is important to understand that CLT construction is fundamentally different from concrete or steel and requires a CLT expert like The Rubix to be on board. As the CLT panels act as both the structure and the finish of a house, precise drawings and documentation is required to ensure:
CLT panels vary in thickness, typically from around 60 mm to over 300 mm, depending on the structural needs. This thickness is one of the earliest and most influential decisions in cross laminated timber construction.
It directly affects the load-bearing capacity, vibration control, fire resistance, and even the acoustic performance of your CLT house.
A building designer experienced with CLT will ensure the panels are thick enough to support the length and load requirements.
In CLT buildings, connections do more than just simply hold the panels together. They are responsible for transferring loads between panels, enabling lateral stability, and controlling movement across the structure.
This is especially crucial in cross laminated timber modular construction, where precision is critical. Here are some of the common connection systems used in CLT construction:
Your building designer will coordinate with CLT panel manufacturers and structural engineers to ensure everything will be connected and structurally sound.
Floor-to-wall junctions are among the most critical interfaces in any CLT building. These joints manage load transfer between the vertical and horizontal elements while also acting as potential pathways for sound, air leakage, and moisture.
Well-detailed joints in CLT construction help to:
Moisture management is a definite challenge in timber construction, and CLT is no exception to this. While the CLT panels are engineered for durability, prolonged exposure to moisture at panel edges and joints can lead to swelling, surface damage, or reduced performance over time.
Effective edge sealing and moisture barrier strategies are essential to protect the panels during transport, installation, and throughout the building’s life. Working with a building designer, supplier, manufacturer and builder that are experienced with CLT construction will ensure your CLT structure is protected and durable.
Homes constructed with CL can achieve high thermal performance, when designed and detailed with attention to the presence of gaps at joints, penetrations, or connections which can reduce the energy efficiency and occupant’s comfort, regardless of how great the panel quality is.
The panel joins and penetrations must be sealed and air-tight and thermally continuous to avoid thermal bridging and energy loss.
Check out our blog to see if CLT is worth making all these construction adjustments through our guide on whether CLT is a smart investment or a budget breaker.
Unlike traditional timber stud walls, CLT panels do not have cavities for service installation. This makes early MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) coordination one of the most critical planning steps in CLT projects.
A carefully planned, thorough and future proofed MEP plan is essential to avoid on site or post construction modifications and ensure:
One of CLT’s most appealing qualities is the natural warmth and architectural presence of the large timber panels. However, the decision to leave the panels exposed or cover them is more than just an aesthetic choice.
An experienced designer will help you make an informed decision that meets your performance and maintenance requirements, while ensuring the final look you desire.
Getting these construction details right is the difference between a building that just looks good and one that performs as well as it looks.
Cross-laminated timber construction delivers strength, sustainability, and architectural warmth, but only when supported by resolved detailing and disciplined coordination.
From panel thickness and structural connections to moisture protection, performance is determined at the design stage, not during construction.
With the CLT experts at The Rubix on your side, you get a beautiful CLT home that’s an architectural marvel while still delivering strength and durability for decades to come. Contact us to get started on your CLT project today!