| Description |
Today, more than ever, the construction industry, the architecture industry, and our environment is in dire need of renewable materials. Out of the multitude of standardized materials within the building industry, wood is the most sustainable. This research focuses on the evaluation of cross-laminated timber technology in architectural construction. Throughout a series of case studies, CLT processes and materials will be compared to traditional onsite stick built construction. These findings will contribute to an industry standard best practices guide currently being developed by the University of Utah's Integrated Technology in Architecture Center. The research process will begin by examining significant case studies and continue by revealing the inherent potential which they have to offer to the architecture and construction industries. Specifically, this study is meant to be accessible to the general public and owners in particular. To achieve this level of accessibility, this study will introduce the history of wood construction, the emergence of CLT, and the manufacturing process behind CLT. Following this pre-requisite information an environmental and aesthetic analysis will be conducted along with a cost comparison throughout several international case studies. Ultimately, this research and requisite information will compare CLT construction to traditional stick frame construction and be used to develop a theoretical studio design project. This project will focus on providing mixed use single room occupancy space and market rate housing within Salt Lake City's Gateway district on 400 West and 200 South. The use of CLT will be efficiently maximized within the structural design of the project. This complimentary architectural exercise will serve as a senior capstone project which will integrate appropriate building technologies while also promoting the use of sustainable and renewable wood products. |
