Innovative construction with Bouwgroep Thys
WDP in Oevel, close to Westerlo, has recently become the owner of a unique building with exceptional ecological qualities. The entire warehouse office, which is now leased to Estée Lauder, was constructed out of an old, traditional building material: wood.
Even the roof girders over the warehouse were built of this go-to material. The main contractor responsible for this project, Bouwgroep Thys, called on CLT-S, among others, for their expertise in solid wood construction. CLT-S uses Cross Laminated Timber for its buildings. In other words, wood that is laminated together in perpendicular layers.
And although this building is composed of wood, the result of this technique is something completely different than the more commonly known timber frame construction. The perpendicular glueing of the wood components in CLT means that the timber does not expand or contract depending on the direction of the force applied to it, so the wood fibres become dimensionally super stable and homogeneous. The height and acoustic constraints of a regular timber frame construction do not apply to CLT. The building in Oevel was the first time CLT-S had applied this technology in an industrial setting.
More precise, more rapid and more sustainable
CLT provides many advantages for the building process: CLT panels are larger than normal, and they are prefab. So the construction process itself is quicker, fewer work site facilities are needed, fewer errors are made, the preparation is improved using the 3D Building Information Model and the installation of CLT is more precise than that of concrete or brick. It also takes less time to finish a CLT construction—the entire structure is less sensitive to weather conditions, and the interior finishing work may be carried out at the same time as the facade work. The structural elements of the project in Oevel were erected in just under three weeks.
Besides all that, the material has many other benefits: CLT is lighter than concrete, which provides a weight advantage for the foundation, for example. There is more thermal inertia than with timber frame constructions. But the biggest advantage? It is much more ecologically responsible than traditional structural building materials. Wood absorbs CO 2 , thereby contributing to the purity of our air. And only wood from lawfully managed forests is used. So where trees are used, new trees are planted. The precision of the material also results in less construction waste.
Crucial role in climate change
Even the smallest CLT particles can be recycled, so they can be reused in any number of other (continuously developing) applications. But it is not only a recyclable product. It is also a renewable product. An important point, when you know that the building industry will only continue its robust expansion due to population growth and additional urbanisation. Consequently, the building industry plays a crucial role in combating climate change. So, it is only logical that sustainable (and renewable) building materials are used, even in the carcass.
CLT itself is still a relatively unknown material, but it is a sustainable and economically responsible choice with an enormous potential for the future, both in the residential building sector as well as in the construction of office, retail, utility and industrial buildings. The fact that Bouwgroep Thys, Estée Lauder and CLT-S already dare to utilize this technique attests to their deep insight and commitment to the environment. WDP also greatly appreciates this form of sustainability and decided to also invest. The innovative result is more than worth the investment!
