A beginner’s guide to ALTERNATIVE METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION
The world of housebuilding tends to work along well-established lines. In England and Wales, masonry construction, otherwise known as brick and block, predominates. In Scotland and much of Ireland, timber framing is to the fore. Self-builders use both methods and, in addition, they have also adopted three others: structural insulated panels (SIPs), which is a specialised form of timber frame; modern-day oak frame, which is a hybrid system (the structural frame is wrapped in an encapsulation system); and insulating concrete formwork (ICF), which involves pouring ready-mixed concrete into polystyrene moulds. But there is no requirement to stick to tried-and-tested techniques. Here we take a look at some of the alternatives.
Cross laminated timber
Cross laminated timber (CLT) is a relatively new development in the field of timber building. It grew out of our ability to glue thin strips of timber together to make strong beams, known as glue-laminated or glulam beams, and uses the same method to engineer whole-wall panels that are both strong and beautiful.
CLT is formed from timber strips laid on top
