An introduction to mass timber

Environment
Published: 29 January 2025
by Karl-Heinz Weiss
ISSN: 2651-9828

Read time: 29 minutes

This note supports architects and designers with the specification of low carbon engineered and mass timber products, and considerations in their application and building process.

It provides an overview of the related terminology and the range of structural timber products available encompassing those drawn from sawn, peeled, and stranded timber, and those utilising adhesive and mechanical connection between the layers to achieve structural integrity.

Boola Katitjin by Lyons
Boola Katitjin by Lyons with Silver Thomas Hanley, Aspect Studios, Officer Woods, and The Fulcrum Agency. Boola Katitjin has been built using approximately 30% concrete for foundations and ground floor slab and 70% timber for the structure above ground. (Image: John Gollings)
 Note Summary
  1. Abstract
  2. Introduction
  3. Key terminology
  4. Engineered/mass timber products overview
  5. Mass timber summary
  6. Design considerations for mass timber
  7. Building physics
  8. Construction methodology and connectors
  9. Case studies
  10. Conclusion
  11. Further information
  12. References
  13. Acknoweldgements
  14. About the author