In an era where speed, sustainability, and occupant wellbeing are increasingly critical, Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) is transforming the construction landscape. CLT is more than a structural material: it’s a smarter, cleaner, and faster way to build
Traditional construction methods, especially steel and concrete, are labour-intensive, energy-hungry, and slow. In contrast, CLT is revolutionising delivery timelines. At Arbour Vale School, Lamella installed 208m³ of precision-engineered CLT panels in under two weeks, completing the entire project (including four fully operational SEND classrooms) in less than 12 weeks. This achievement included a 25% reduction in procurement time and an 80% reduction in construction traffic, significantly limiting on-site disruption and accelerating occupation.
The speed comes from CLT’s modular precision. Designed off-site using digital 3D models, panels are manufactured to exact specifications and arrive ready to assemble. Lamella’s streamlined Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) approach ensures every stage, from procurement to installation, is tightly coordinated and error-resistant.
Built-in sustainability and energy intelligence
CLT is not just efficient in time; it’s energy-efficient by design. Unlike concrete and steel, which require high-temperature processing and emit large volumes of carbon, timber is nature’s battery. Every tree stores solar energy and carbon, making CLT a renewable material that embodies energy rather than consuming it.
Each Lamella CLT building locks away carbon for generations, supports biophilic design, and delivers exceptional thermal and acoustic comfort. The Arbour Vale School project alone avoided 238 tonnes of CO₂ emissions, achieved an A+ EPC rating, and delivered a building emission rate of –2.9 kg CO₂/m²/year, exceeding RIBA 2030 and LETI carbon benchmarks.
Healthier, happier spaces
The biophilic and breathable nature of timber supports occupant wellbeing, which is a particularly vital factor in education and healthcare. Students at Arbour Vale now learn in spaces that are quieter, warmer, and more conducive to focus and calm – an essential benefit for SEND environments. As Lamella puts it, this is not just carbon reduction; it’s human-centred design, powered by the sun.
Collaboration: The key to success
Behind every successful CLT project lies a strong partnership. Lamella’s delivery model thrives on transparency, communication, and trust across the supply chain. By engaging early with architects, clients, and installation teams, they avoid costly delays and ensure precise coordination from design to delivery.
Lamella’s partners aren’t just suppliers or contractors, they are co-creators of outcomes. This culture of integrity fosters mutual accountability, enabling teams to respond dynamically to site conditions, meet aggressive timelines, and consistently deliver above expectations.
The future is CLT, and it’s already here
CLT is no longer a fringe solution; it is the future of construction. Lamella is proving that we don’t need to compromise on quality, cost, or sustainability. By combining natural intelligence with cutting-edge engineering and by embracing a collaborative mindset, we’re not just constructing buildings; we’re building a better way forward.
As we face rising demand for energy-efficient spaces, reduced emissions, and accelerated project delivery, CLT stands as the clearest path forward.
Build smarter. Build faster. Build with CLT.
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