XLam CLT natural, healthy choice for pre-fab firm’s workplace environment

As featured in Master Builder New South Wales magazine

MODULAR building company Fabprefab has decked out its NSW central coast warehouse with XLam’s Responsible Wood-certified Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) product to form the structural material of the floor, walls, and roof – all while using it to provide a mezzanine level for the building.

Fabprefab’s building product choice reflects the value of XLam CLT application and the increased demand to build using sustainably-sourced solutions.

Locally grown and manufactured, the timber meets the Australian standard for Sustainable Forest Management, a prerequisite for Responsible Wood certification.

XLam Australia’s technical sales engineer for NSW Sean Bull explains the advantage of certification: “XLam Australia has implemented Responsible Wood chain-of-custody certification to support responsible and sustainable forest management in Australia. This includes ensuring that all XLam Australia manufacturing sites are chain-of-custody certified, meaning that all certified products from these sites can be traced from renewable pine plantation through to distribution.”

Fabprefab assembles modules and fitout at its Somersby warehouse using XLam CLT as the structural material for floors, walls and roofs.

“To create a comfortable and sustainable office that reflects the materials and values we use in our prefabrication business we wanted a sustainable product that creates a healthy environment so CLT was the natural choice,” Fabprefab construction manager Ed Callanan said.

Sean Bull talks with Fabprefab about the project.

XLam: Why did you choose XLam CLT to build the office areas?

Fabprefab: To create a comfortable and sustainable office that reflects the materials and values we use in our prefabrication business. CLT is a very sustainable product that creates a healthy workplace environment. The speed in which CLT can be assembled provides increased efficiencies of production, ensuring we meet client demand in an improved timeframe compared to conventional construction methods.

XLam: Utilising XLam CLT, how fast was the office construction and fitout?

Fabprefab: With the ability of XLam to provide large format, full-height CTL panels in ground and first-floor CLT installation along with associated structural steel, three people to finish the job in one day day. The flat and consistent CLT surface allowed for a very simple fitout, which was completed within two weeks.

XLam: What is the feedback from the workers in the space?

Fabprefab: Everyone loves the new healthy environment saying they enjoy the space, the look, the smell and the feel of CLT.

XLam: What other advantages has the use of XLam CLT provided?

Fabprefab: Our clients are able to experience a ‘mass timber space’ – a ‘first’ for many of them – who reacted extremely positively. CLT offcuts were repurposed and have been used to make the office furniture, including upholstered couches, coffee hub and boardroom table.