What structural systems are used for multi-storey timber buildings?

Four primary systems are used: CLT platform construction (load-bearing CLT walls and floors stacked floor-by-floor, suitable for 3–10 storeys), post-and-beam with CLT cores (glulam frame with CLT shear walls, 5–15 storeys), hybrid timber-concrete (concrete core with timber floor plates and columns, 8–25 storeys), and timber-steel hybrid (steel moment frame with timber infill, 5–12 storeys). The choice depends on height, plan flexibility, fire strategy, and acoustic requirements.

Four primary systems are used: CLT platform construction (load-bearing CLT walls and floors stacked floor-by-floor, suitable for 3–10 storeys), post-and-beam with CLT cores (glulam frame with CLT shear walls, 5–15 storeys), hybrid timber-concrete (concrete core with timber floor plates and columns, 8–25 storeys), and timber-steel hybrid (steel moment frame with timber infill, 5–12 storeys). The choice depends on height, plan flexibility, fire strategy, and acoustic requirements.

Why this matters

This question relates to Structural Timber for Multi-Storey Buildings: Case Studies & Limits, which covers the broader topic in detail. Understanding this specific aspect helps architects, builders, and timber dealers make informed specification decisions.

For full context and additional technical detail, see our comprehensive guide:

→ Structural Timber for Multi-Storey Buildings: Case Studies & Limits

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About this answer

This answer is part of the PuurModulair Knowledge Base — comprehensive timber specification guidance for architects, builders, and dealers across the UK, EU, and Scandinavia. All technical content is reviewed by qualified timber technologists before publication.