Adhesive Free Timber Building, University of Liverpool

Engineered timber, without the glue!

The result of an international research programme funded by the Interreg North-West Europe, this building showcases the pioneering use of ‘dowel-laminated timber’ (DLT), an engineered solid timber product built using compressed softwood dowels, which effectively hold the beams and panels together without the use of any glues. With the increasing interest in the air quality within our homes, this presents an exciting opportunity to realise the benefits of solid timber construction, without the environmental and potential health impacts of synthetic glues such as urea-formaldehyde which are commonly used within engineered wood products.

Giraffe Engineering worked closely with the University of Liverpool and the National University of Ireland, Galway, to interpret the results of test data from their research programme to enable the safe and effective design of a structure using this innovative material.

Architect: Cunliffes
Timber frame contractor: Sticx
Lead Research Partner: University of Liverpool
Research Funding: Interreg North-West Europe
Press: TRADA