an infill projects proposing higher densities and multi-storey timber construction. It is about a sustainable approach to accommodating population growth in cities, while also recognizing the need for additional research on the user viewpoint. The general problem of Australians’ historic resistance to apartment living (which has much to do with the apartments’ poor design, small size, tall shape, noise and high cost), and the lack of experience with infill sites in Australian cities, mean we will need to learn how to do infill better and gain more knowledge in this area.
The case studies reviewed make a strong argument for timber in the urban context. But the cases also show that there is still a need to instill confidence in the performance of solid wood panel buildings as designed, so that they will be accepted in Australia, by professionals required to certify construction to the country’s standards and by the market. From the perspective of residents, social acceptance of CLT buildings will be influenced by factors affecting liveability, comfort and the consequent socio-economic outcomes. For example, we still lack knowledge about the public perception of CLT buildings for infill development in Australia and their performance in all conditions, including heat waves. Another question is: how far do income, education and age of residents play a role in the level of acceptance and awareness of green construction methods using CLT panels?
Both the general public and the architectural community lack knowledge about the design of CLT buildings and the impact of various design features on the carbon footprint of their use for infill development compared to other modern methods of construction. Education of architects and planners is everywhere lagging behind. Educators should be developing new courses that focus on research methods into new materials and low carbon construction systems, aiming to reposition future architects as more knowledgeable (and again, as influential) in the construction industry.
The author recommends that government agencies and the building industry could be involved throughout this ongoing research, as this will lead to an increased understanding and knowledge of the properties of CLT buildings and inform favourable decisions that encourage their use for infill development. The research will have to be tested on actual affordable and sustainable housing developments, delivering demonstration pilot projects.
It is important that solid wood panel construction should not simply be a hidden substitute for concrete or steel, but needs to express a ‘new wooden architecture’. Timber could be more visible and express more freely a new aesthetic (rather than being hidden beneath cladding). It’s likely that future large timber constructions are hybrid buildings: timber in combination with some concrete (as prefabricated composite concrete-wood slabs), but without the complicated steel joints.
In conclusion, the author has identified the following actions that government and industry could pursue:
Modify building codes to make sustainable building practice and urban infill the norm, zoning out car-dependent greenfield developments on the city fringe.
Demonstrate the benefits of CLT construction systems by using them to create exemplary housing projects that are affordable and sustainable; working towards the delivery of an iconic demonstration building showcasing the capabilities of the product, and enhancing awareness.
Use the opinions of committed investors, committing owners and occupants of CLT buildings to promote a positive greening identity change of the city in which they are located.
Accompany realisation with data monitoring and testing.
Conduct in-depth research on behaviour change to facilitate and accelerate the move towards more inner-city housing that is fully embraced by residents in Australia.
Identify the facilitators of and barriers to solid CLT technology transfer with industry, university and government partners internationally and produce a feasibility report for investors identifying t