Pieces and Parts

<p>Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) is a contemporary engineered wood product and its use is growing within the construction industry. CLT is a readily available structural timber product and with the development of CNC (Computer Numerical Control), customisable panels can be fabricated off-site.  There is, however, a gap to create both a system, which is all-inclusive of the exterior cladding system with the structural CLT panel. The research fills this gap, with the design of custom joinery between CLT panels and the cladding. The design of the vertical metal joints aim at creating a prefabricated envelope system that responds to any design, due to working with any cladding option. The holistic system also investigated an efficient approach with the connection between CLT wall and floor panels. The horizontal base and top connection between the wall and floor panels aimed at utilising modern techniques, whilst applying a high level of prefabrication. The designed prefabricated vertical and horizontal joints allow for a savings in time within the construction stage as the system is fabricated off-site, delivered to the site, and therefore erected quickly. The ease of on-site assembly is dependent on the off-site production. Fabricating the system off-site within a controlled environment is cost effective and is fabricated regardless of weather. Due to the efficient assembly of parts on-site, this reduces the need for on-site scaffolding. The new design system includes structural CLT panels, insulation, waterproofing, the custom designed joints, and the exterior cladding. This ensures that when it is brought to site, minimum amount of construction is needed.  Developing this all-inclusive system ensures ease of construction, also in locations that are hard or dangerous to reach. This specifically includes infill sites, but is also not limited to this. Construction on sites harder to access (beach fronts, hills) can also be considered due to the system being fabricated off-site, resulting in an easier build, therefore not deterring people away from specific sites.  The holistic system examines off-site production methods and on-site assembly. The development of the off-site fabricated CLT panel that is inclusive of a weather-sealed cladding ensures that the on-site assembly is minimised. Developing the vertical joinery system for the cladding, and the horizontal connection for the panels, ensures that system can be constructed without the use of scaffolding, minimising the need to access the exterior. With the increase of CLT buildings, and prefabrication being an efficient way of building, the development of this system could provide a start to a solution within the construction industry.</p>