bnr-TMS-Bayview
  1. We are WSP
  3. Timber

Time For Timber

Timber has been used as a building material for thousands of years. Thanks to its sustainability benefits, the speed of construction through off-site manufacture, and the growing evidence of the benefits to the well-being of occupants, timber is currently experiencing a renaissance in the building industry.

We're sorry, this content is unavailable.

To improve your experience, make sure all cookies are enabled.

 

New types of engineered timber that are stronger and more stable enable us to design and build bigger, higher, and in more varied configurations. Furthermore, digitalisation and computerized prefabrication techniques permit more complicated designs, and factory production means enhanced quality control and assurance.

Driven by ambitious and visionary projects, timber construction is being developed into new and exciting possibilities.
William Johnston senior director and leader of the timber network

Carbon friendly

Timber is renewable, recyclable, biodegradable and waste efficient.

Healthy

Timber buildings support the health and wellbeing of people in homes, offices, schools and in healthcare.

Design

Offsite manufacturing permit more complicated designs and factory production means enhanced quality control and assurance

Timber Engineering Design

Timber is an increasingly popular design material, particularly engineered products such as nail-laminated timber (NLT), glue-laminated timber (GLT), or cross-laminated timber (CLT) with its two-way spanning capability.

The suitability of timber for off-site manufacturing is one of its chief advantages. Where site access is constrained, for example in cities or in remote areas, prefabricated products offer a viable and economic alternative to construction methods that involve more intensive onsite activity. Panels are relatively lightweight and cost-effective to transport, and can be easier to lift, reducing the need for cranage. It also results in faster construction because the use of materials such as concrete, mortar, and plaster is reduced or eliminated.

And since prefabrication happens in a factory, activities on-site are also quieter. This is particularly beneficial in urban areas where development sites are often in densely populated locations and construction noise is unpopular, or possibly even restricted within certain hours.

Lastly, new studies have shown that timber construction supports the health and wellness of people.

 

 

Case studies

Insights

timber thumbnail

The Best Of All Worlds: A Hybrid Approach To Mass Timber

Being smart about the way we incorporate mass timber products into buildings enables us to make the most of all their advantages.

Read more
thu-forte-melbourne-social-media

Tall Timber: How High Can Clt Go?

Timber could be an alternative to concrete when building high. It is lighter, and it also speeds up the construction time.

thu-aperture

Back To Wood In The Cities Of The Future

Incorporating more wood into construction is about building a more sustainable future.

Read more
thu_vertical-timber-extensions-01

Vertical Timber Extensions On Existing Building

In this podcast, Emma Russel from WSP, shares insights on 55 Southbank Boulevard, in Melbourne.

Read more
thn-Llanfoist Footbridge-3

A Sustainable Timber Footbridge For An Historic Environment

Our experts explore the path to create a design solution on a highly sensitive site with numerous conflicting demands.

Read more
thu-clt-wood-alternative-material-for-seismic-zones

Is CLT The Answer For Seismic Zones?

New-generation timber-framed buildings have properties that make them ideal for surviving earthquakes.

Read more
Img-Timber-Experts-Maps

Global expertise in timber

Our global network of timber experts actively shares knowledge and expertise, ensuring that our timber solutions incorporate the latest global innovation and technology to deliver safe, economic, and highly sustainable buildings that maximise the potential of wood construction and respect local building codes.