Mass Timber (CLT & GLT)

Royd Clan’s House

Client:

The Royd Clan

Architect:

Level Architekture

Engineer:

Vistek

Head Contractor:

Level Architekture

Location:

Ceres, Victoria, Australia

Building Methodology:

Mass Timber (CLT & GLT)
XLam CLT & GLT (220m3)

The owners of Royd Clan’s House were inspired to build a home that incorporated playful and sustainable architecture, while assimilating the outlying environment. Responding to the owners’ objectives, XLam were engaged by Nadine Samaha of Level Architekture at the early stages to assist the project stakeholders in the design for manufacturing and assembly (DfMA) process of this entirely mass timber construct.

The concept design for the Royd Clan’s House was inspired by the surrounding landscape, emulating the boulders found across the property. Located on one of the highest points in Geelong, the locality of Ceres is susceptible to strong winds, which strengthened the idea of fragmenting the house into a collection of pavilions aimed to reduce wind turbulence while maximising north exposure and reinforcing the boulder aesthetics.

Scattered stones from the remainder of the existing late 1800 farmhouse were incorporated as supporting walls for the internal stairs, which also respond to the owners’ desire for playful architecture.

XLam cross laminated timber, XLam CLT and glue laminated timber, XLam GLT were used for the innovative design to address several environmental and structural factors, while simultaneously addressing sustainability and creating a warm biophilic atmosphere.

XLam CLT was specified for the floor, roof diaphragm and walls of each pavilion, while XLam GLT portal frames were arranged in one of the primary axes of each pavilion.

By completion, the total volume of timber used for the Royd Clan’s House amounted to 180m3 of XLam CLT and 40m3 of XLam GLT, which will be regrown in just 17 minutes in Australian Pine Plantations.

20210810 Samaha Hyne Roydhouse Ceres_DX_4806-sharp- hi res.jpg

20210810 Samaha Hyne Roydhouse Ceres_DX_5096-sharp- hi res.jpg

Structural System

Designed to imitate the existing boulders found on the property, the Royd Clan’s House is made up of a set of pavilions that feature large open spaces and unique geometry. Nevertheless, this bespoke design lends itself to some structural challenges, including lateral stability, vertical load transfer, and connectivity.

To address some of these challenges, a XLam CLT shear wall was incorporated into each pavilion. Running perpendicular to the GLT portal frames, the shear wall aids by transferring lateral forces from the exterior walls, floors, and roof to the ground foundation.

XLam CLT was also used for the upper floors and roof diaphragm, as well as the inclined walls for each pavilion. These angled walls reduced the concrete slab surface, while simultaneously creating an improved connection with the upper mezzanine level.

XLam prefabricated the XLam CLT panels and XLam GLT beams with CNC machines to ensure all elements could be assembled with a high degree of precision on site, which was crucial for a structure with such unique and complex geometry. In total, it took 10 days to erect the XLam CLT panels and 15 days to erect the GLT beams.

In meeting the sustainability goal, over 220m3 of timber was used throughout the property, which converts to a total of 121kg of carbon sequestered from the atmosphere and stored within the timber. What’s more, the thermal performance of XLam CLT also added great value to the property. Due to the thermal mass of XLam CLT the temperature of the home remains stable throughout the day, keeping the home warm in winter and cool in summer, thus reducing energy usage and costs.

Outcome

Through combined efforts with project stakeholders, XLam were able to assist in delivering a home that meets the owner’s criteria of being architecturally distinct, playful and sustainable.

XLam CLT made from timber, a natural material, meeting a key driver for the project
Biophillic, timber is beautiful, warm and inviting, creating a healthy home that improves physical and emotional wellbeing of occupants
XLam CLT is sustainable and made from PEFC certified timber
Reduction in carbon emissions, sustainable timber stores CO2, creating a lower carbon footprint than concrete and steel
Xlam CLT & GLT is strong enabling the architectural vision of the home to be realised despite a number of structural challenges