The strong, light alternative to concrete and steel beams.

Glu lam beams

Glulam is another form of laminated timber. Unlike CLT panels, it is used in lengths and is an alternative to concrete and steel beams. Although it is broadly considered a modern building material, its origins date back to the late 19th century.

A Swiss patent in 1901 heralded the true beginning of glulam which consists of layers of timber glued together with a moisture-resistant adhesive. The timber is manufactured in a factory where the laminated layers, usually made from sof twood such as spruce, larch or fir, form a larger, single element which can be used for a range of applications, from beams for large spans, to lintels and posts. Glulam can be made to virtually any shape, and its light weight makes it practical to handle.

Because of its natural good looks, glulam is of ten lef t exposed and can frequently be spotted in sports hall roof structures and in numerous commercial buildings such as supermarkets, serving as both a decorative and structural component. Glulam is of ten used in place of concrete and as an alternative to RSJs or a steel frame. Surprisingly, it can outperform steel in a fire where the latter distorts in high temperatures. The timber surface of glulam may become damaged, but the integrity of the shape remains intact.

Glulam is considered a greener alternative to concrete as it has a 60 per cent lower carbon footprint. In house construction it is of ten used to span large open-plan spaces, creating a striking contemporary feature in the process.