Construction innovation heralds new era for building industry

The world's tallest residential timber building has topped out in Melbourne with builders having recently lifted the last timber panel to complete the structure. Taking shape near the water's edge in Melbourne's Victoria Harbour, Forté is being built with Cross Laminated Timber (CLT), which has a structural strength akin to the traditionally used concrete and steel. CLT, which is already a proven success in Europe for more than a decade, is being used to build the 32-meter high- rise apartment building, which upon its completion will make it the tallest timber building in the world.

According to Lend Lease, the developers behind Forte, the project represents a new era for the construction industry as it incorporates a more efficient and environmentally-friendly construction process that has not been undertaken in Australia before. By using CLT, Forté will reduce CO2 equivalent emissions by more than 1,400 tonnes when compared to concrete and steel - the equivalent of removing 345 cars from the roads. Chief Executive Officer for Lend Lease's Australian business, Mark Menhinnitt believes that CLT is the most significant form of innovation in construction technology that Australia has seen in many years.

"CLT will transform the construction industry by introducing a more efficient and environmentally-friendly construction process that has never been undertaken in Australia before," said Mark Menhinnitt. "In 2001, we introduced the innovation of chilled beam technology to the Australian market, which has now become the industry norm. CLT is another example of how Lend Lease is leading the way with innovations that will create value for consumers in the industry."

Sustainability and a lowered environmental footprint have been the key drivers behind the wide use of engineered timber, more commonly referred to as CLT, in Europe for more than a decade. A building material that has been around for centuries, timber, enables the permanent capture of carbon so buildings become essentially 'carbon sinks'. Using innovative technology, timber panels undergo a process whereby they are stacked at right angles and bonded together over their entire surface and then hydraulically pressed. This process delivers a viable alternative to concrete and steel that can withstand the same pressure as prefabricated concrete.

"With an increasing number of people moving to urban areas, this innovation is timely given the urgency to create livable, sustainable cities that are climate positive. The adoption of green technologies, materials and construction processes, like CLT, means we are closer to achieving this," added Menhinnitt.

As an engineered mass timber product, CLT is very different to a traditional wood frame. Mass timber - dense solid panels of wood engineered for strength through laminations of different layers - provides significant benefits and has the equivalent structural integrity to concrete. CLT on a weight to strength basis meets, and in some cases exceeds, the performance of reinforced concrete, resulting in a very stable and durable structural outcome. Designed and produced in a factory environment means it will also be built 30 percent faster than its material counterparts, while being cleaner and more efficient. Murray Coleman, Managing Director of Lend Lease's Project Management and Construction business in Australia, said that as well as offering a strong, solid, warmer and more natural living experience, the use of timber was also better for the environment. "Forté is built on the principle that what's good for the environment is good for the resident too. Using CLT offers better thermal performance and requires less energy to heat and cool," states Coleman.

Aspiring to be the first 5 Star Green Star As Built residential building in the country, Forté in Victoria Harbour, Melbourne will rise over 10 storeys, offering 23 boutique residential apartments and 4 townhouses. Designed and built by Lend Lease, the building will reflect the contemporary inner-city lifestyle of Victoria Harbour while combining environmental initiatives such as better energy efficiency in terms of heating and cooling.

"Forté is a showpiece for natural and new, where modern architecture meets a natural building material. It will offer a different way of living through reduced energy costs due to better thermal performance, an abundance of natural light, ventilation, sweeping views and a healthier living environment," said Menhinnitt. "Building with CLT is becoming increasingly popular overseas with other residential building developments such as Bridport House and Stadthaus Murray Grove, both in London being built successfully with CLT. It proves that the appetite is there for this kind of living."

The 10-storey building is one storey higher than the current highest timber residential build - the Stadthaus in Hackney, London - and will reflect the modern urban-city lifestyle of Victoria Harbour while delivering a healthier more natural living environment for occupants. Each apartment is dual aspect and has been designed to make the most of sunlight and natural ventilation. Designed to be thermally efficient it will require less energy to heat and cool than a typical code compliant apartment. In addition, all apartments will have smart meters, which link to an in-home display that shows real time and historic data on energy consumption. The designers have also paid attention to indoor environmental quality, which will be maximized through good levels of daylight, solar shading, natural ventilation and acoustic treatment.

Construction of the building started in the first week of June, with levels rapidly added. After just 16 weeks, the building has topped out and is already the tallest timber residential building in the world. Following on from Forté in Victoria Harbour, the company is aiming to develop 30-50 percent of its apartment pipeline using CLT and sees application elsewhere across the Lend Lease Group.

"Lend Lease has a proud history of landmark innovations in sustainable construction and this project demonstrates how we are, once again, leading the way," concluded Menhinnitt.

Forté

Location: 
807 Bourke Street, Victoria Harbour, Melbourne, Victoria

Size: 
Forté is the tallest timber apartment building in the world rising up to 32.17 meter

Population: 
23 apartments, over 10 storeys including:
- 7 x 1 bedroom (59m2)
- 14 x 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom (80m2) - 2 x 2 bedroom penthouse (102m2)

Time Frame:
Start on-site: February 2012
Begin Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) installation: May 2012
CLT structure complete: August 2012 Target construction completion: November 2012

Project cost (construction):
Apartment tower: AUS $11 million

Design and Construction:
Lend Lease

© Timber Design & Technology 2012