The Use of Roundwood Thinnings in Buildings : A Case Study

Case studies in the design and construction of three buildings (a prototype house, training centre and student lodge) illustrate the development and viability of innovative roundwood technology. The use of roundwood technology is an environmental response to the efficient use of small-diameter timber from forests. This provides a new, local resource for construction and reduces waste from forests, which is normally thinned out and burned. The technological development of roundwood is discussed in terms of building design, jointing, flexure, timber treatment and the construction process. This paper presents an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to the architectural design, structural design and construction process of a new technology.