Canadian Conference on Building Science and Technology
Research Status
Complete
Summary
On tall wood buildings, mass timber elements including CLT, NLT, glulam, and other engineered
components absolutely need to be protected from excessive wetting during construction. This requirement precludes the use of many conventional cladding systems unless the building is fully hoarded during construction.
The building enclosure and façade of UBC Tallwood House consists of an innovative prefabricated steel stud rainscreen curtain-wall assembly that is pre-insulated, pre-clad, and has factory installed windows. Design of connections and air and water sealing of panel joints and interfaces was carefully considered given the tall wood structure they were designed to protect. While steel studs were utilized in the panelized structure, feasible curtain-wall designs were also developed and prototyped for wood-framing, CLT, and precast concrete as part of the project.
Looking ahead, there will continue to be innovation in design and construction of fast and durable facades for taller wood buildings. New prefabricated panel designs incorporating CLT panels and connection technologies from unitized curtainwall systems are already being developed for the “next tallest” wood buildings in North America.
Cross-laminated timber (CLT) was developed in Europe for the prefabricated construction of wall, roof, and flooring elements. Adaption of CLT for use in the United States requires consideration of the different climates, building codes, and construction methods in this country. ... This Chapter provides guidance on hear, air, and moisture control in wall and roof assemblies that utilize CLT panels in U.S. climate zones. The overarching strategies are to prevent wetting of CLT panels by using drained wall systems, to control airflow using an air barrier on the exterior of the CLT panels, to place rigid insulation to the exterior of the panels, to prevent moisture from accumulating within the panels, and to allow the panels to dry should they get wet. In certain climates, preservative treatment of CLT is recommended to provide additional protection against potential hazards such as decay and termites. ...
