ADVANTAGES OF GLUE LAMINATED TIMBER

Timber Transformed:
Reasons to embrace sustainable strength in construction

Glue Laminated Timber (GLT) has emerged as an innovative construction material, offering lots of benefits that have revolutionised the way we build. From its workability to superior strength, dimensional stability, and biophilic design possibilities, GLT has transformed the way we build while contributing to sustainable practices.

good reason #1

Easy to work with

GLT is easy to work with on site. It offers a range of benefits that enhance its utility in construction. Firstly, its lightweight in comparison to alternative such as steel and concrete, which simplifies transportation and installation processes. GLT can be easily docked, drilled, or screwed on site, allowing for precise adjustments and fittings. Its ability to hold a nail provides the added convenience for carpenters, ensuring secure fastening. These advantages streamline the building process and enable builders to construct solid structures with ease and precision.

good reason #2

Stability

GLT is dimensional stable, holding its shape and resisting warping, bending, and twisting. Where solid timbers may shrink or swell with changes in moisture content, GLT remains straight and stable. Hyne GLT is made with carefully selected timber laminates that are chosen for consistent moisture content and strength grade. When they are glued together the individual laminates hold the next forming a single member that holds its shape straight and true, avoiding distortion.

fact

The Vihantasalmi bridge in Finland is the largest passable timber bridge in the world at 168m in length. It features GLT beams spanning up to 42m in length.

good reason #3

Strength

A true construction powerhouse, GLT surpasses solid timber and many other materials in its ability to span long distances and handle critical loads. Through the lamination process, GLT achieves enhanced structural performance by combining multiple layers of timber with high-strength adhesive resulting in remarkable load-bearing capacity and resistance to bending and twisting forces. Compared to solid timber, GLT provides superior strength and stability, enabling the construction of larger and more robust structures and helps to create those large open spaces.

fact

GLT has been used for over 120 years. In the early 20th century it gained popularity in Europe as an alternative to steel and concrete.

good reason #4

It looks great

GLT uses the natural beauty of timber to create beautiful spaces. When visually expressed in the design it creates a stunning feature that’s natural and warm. As design trends come and go, timber remains a timeless staple. With the emergence of engineered timber products and a focus on sustainability in construction, timber is enjoying a renaissance. GLT’s ability to effortlessly complement other materials like steel, stone and concrete has made it a go-to material for those with an eye for design, not to mention, the future of Planet Earth.

good reason #5

Health and Wellbeing

Along with providing timeless aesthetic and endless design possibilities, timber has been shown to have multiple positive effects on an individual’s health and wellbeing. In fact, research has found that incorporating timber into the design of a space can actually reduce stress, support cognitive function, physical health, and psychological wellbeing. Ultimately, timber allows us to create healthier, happier and greener spaces.

a living room in a house made of timber with a couch a table and a book shelf

Maryborough Fire Station Glulam and CLT project.

good reason #6

Fire Performance

Contrary to common assumptions, GLT is a tough customer in the face of flames. Its secret weapon? Its natural insulating properties that allow it to burn in a slow and predictable way. Even when exposed to intense heat, it chars slowly and forms a protective layer that shields the inner core – and in many cases charring helps the member to self-extinguish. This means it can hold up longer, keeping structures strong and safe even when things heat up!

fact

Even fire stations are choosing GLT for building like the recently re-developed Maryborough Fire Station (pictured).

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Natural & Renewable

Benefits of using Timber

Natural & Renewable

Responsibly sourced timber is a natural and renewable resource. Certified plantations operate on a continuous cycle of growth to provide a wide range of other benefits such as further carbon storage, oxygen generation and environmental management. Every time a tree is harvested up to ten trees are re-established in its place.

our commitment to sustainability

Planting Radiata Pine sapling in the plantation.

Energy Efficient

Benefits of using Timber

Energy Efficient

The process of manufacturing timber uses substantially less fossil fuel energy per unit volume than steel, concrete, or aluminium; meaning that timber has a very low carbon footprint. As it happens, using timber in building construction can maximise Green Star energy ratings and carbon credits.
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But timber’s energy efficiency doesn’t end here– it can also help save on energy bills. Timber is a natural insulator because it contains tiny air pockets within its cellular structure that act as a barrier for heat and cold, which results in improved thermal performance.

Durability & Longevity

Benefits of using Timber

Durability & Longevity

Timber is a durable building material for both residential and commercial buildings. When properly manufactured and maintained timber structures have been known to last hundreds of years; with modern preservative treatments only serving to enhance natural durability. In fact, the oldest timber building in the world, the Horyuji Temple in Japan, is more than more than 1,300 years old!

Horyuji Temple worlds oldest timber building.

Health & Wellbeing

Benefits of using Timber

Health & Wellbeing

The term ‘biophilia’ describes how humans possess an innate tendency to seek connections with nature. A report commissioned by Planet Ark has found that exposure to wood products and interiors created similar health benefits to those created by spending time in nature¹.

Some of the reported health benefits include:

Improved emotional state, and self-expression
Improved air quality by moderating humidity, encouraging easier breathing
Feelings of warmth and comfort
Lower blood pressure, heart rate, and stress levels
Fire Performance

¹Wood is Good for Health and Wellbeing, Plant Ark: Make it Wood, 2022,

Fire Predictability

Benefits of using Timber

Fire Predictability

It’s a bit ironic, but timber actually burns in a slow, predictable, and measurable way. These factors mean that timber performs strongly in fire events, when compared to other materials. During the event of a fire, a charcoal layer forms on the surface of the timber, contributing to the fire resistance of the material. This charcoal layer reduces the rate of burning by insulating the inner core of the timber. This insulation slows down the heat penetration, keeping the temperate in the core low and enabling the timber to carry its load much longer than steel. This natural self-defence mechanism increases the possibility for a timber structure to survive a fire while maintaining its strength and stability.