Saw this in the Times last night. The idea that you could build an apartment building with only plywood is interesting, but I’m skeptical about its sustainability. And they don’t mention insulation or energy efficiency, which is a little odd considering that the Europeans are usually ‘way ahead of the game in that department. What’s everyone else think?
PS – I was directed by a colleague to the graphic associated with this article, where it’s shown that they do insulate, applying rigid foam onto the building’s exterior.
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For residential use it would seem to have the same shortcomings of log homes - there's not a lot of r-value in solid wood, but I can't imagine the costs being anywhere close to a log structure judging by the expense of other laminated lumber products.
I can imagine this being a useful addition to construction of large open space rooms by using the pannels for floor systems replacing beams, posts, I-joists, and subfloor ply.
If it was comparible in cost to precast/prestressed concrete slabs it seems carpenters would rather work with wood in most cases.
Rather than compete with SIPs, my guess is it will make it into residential applications in more limited ways - perhaps 8'x8' floor pannels, or exposed trusses with routed out decorative designs.