Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) is a Mass Timber Construction technique that distinguishes itself from the present-day steel and concrete construction. It is a renewable resource and has a negligible carbon footprint compared to carbon or steel, since carbon is sequestered within the wood it is made from. Cross Laminated Timber consists of lumber that is graded, kiln-dried and trimmed after which it is glued and stacked on one another in layers, such that each layer is placed perpendicular to the other. This perpendicular layering of wood helps the panel achieve structural rigidity in two directions. Since the panels are pre-fabricated, only component assembly is to be done on site, thus reducing the construction time and labor costs which can potentially help in lowering the construction cost. The CLT panels being light weight helps in reduction of the size of the foundations, reducing the carbon footprint, contributed by the use of concrete.
Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) panels can be used for walls, floors and roofs in both load-bearing and non-load-bearing structures. The flexibility of thickness and sizes of CLT Panels, is able to fulfil the requirements of different types of projects. Initially these panels were used for low and mid-rises but in recent years it is also being used in construction of high-rises. It is also considered a good substitute to concrete and steel due to its strength to weight ratio. The prime advantages of these prefabricated panels are speed, efficiency and precision of construction. Participants are expected to propose innovative construction systems that draw on the performance characteristics of Cross Laminated Timber as the main building material.
In Japan, CLT is being promoted as a new material to enhance sustainable forestry development. The sponsors, MEC Industry Co., Ltd. is a company formed by the joint investment of seven companies, including the major Japanese general developer Mitsubishi Estate Co, Ltd., the major general contractor Takenaka Corp., and other companies in various lines of business.