The European success story of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) started more than one decade ago in many small capacity simple workshops in the Alps of Europe. Currently, Europe has over one dozen CLT manufacturers (>350,000m3/y) which are extremely specialized, starting with eco-type (glue-free) to full glue applications, narrow (<1.25m) to large (< 3m) free size panels, short (<5m) to long (16.5m), handmade-to- fully automated lines able to produce engineered elements for walls, roofs, and floors. Traditionally CLT was delivered to the carpenters able to prepare cut-to-size elements for building construction which included the insulation layers, preparation of connectors, windows, doors etc. New CLT mills use CNC portal equipment working with their own architectural design departments that are able to shape the raw panels to the final construction element at the production site which also includes insulation, fire protection, finishing layers, windows, and doors. The final CLT delivery is a sophisticated ready-to-install product. Simplified working steps at the construction site allows for building erection that are much faster than traditional construction methods. However, this requires unique logistics, construction equipment, and trained workers in CLT construction. In Scandinavia and Central Europe the national building codes were forced to accept the new generation of multiple story buildings made from CLT, which now exceed 10 stories with a target of 20 stories. New challenges for earth quake, noise, fire, and summer heat protection were requested by owners and authorities. The European Norm (prEN 16351) drafted in 2011 is specialized for CLT. Intelligent solutions for the implementation of self-contained heat storage and generation; and indoor air conditioning are in development for the next generation of CLT based passive-energy houses. North America is the next logical market for pilot CLT construction projects and production facilities which will be based on the European experiences.
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