Mass Timber Construction: Balancing Sustainability with Fire Safety in the UK
Cross-laminated timber (CLT) and mass timber are increasingly popular in UK construction. But how do fire engineers ensure these buildings are safe?. The Mass Timber Revolution Mass timber construction has emerged as a credible alternative: 75% lower carbon than concrete Carbon sequestration throughout lifecycle Faster construction with prefabricated panels Design Approaches Full Encapsulation — All timber covered with non combustible boards. Partial Encapsulation — Some timber surfaces exposed, requiring careful fire engineering. Construction Phase: The Hidden Risk The most dangerous period is during construction, before fire protection systems are operational. Designing with mass timber? Contact Magnus Opifex.