Wood is demonstrating that it possesses the resilience and strength required for commercial and industrial buildings that must withstand the test of time while also providing distinct advantages over steel and concrete. Wood not only provides exceptional durability in retail and office settings, but it also adds a much-needed visual warmth that was previously lacking in these places. By incorporating timbers from Melbourne timber supplies into these areas, the century-old timber post-and-beam structures of the past are being revived in a modern way. The ancient becomes fresh again but with all the cutting-edge amenities and eco-friendly elements that are expected in today’s business structures.
1. Versatile
Buildings for commercial and industrial use frequently need to be adaptable since tenant needs change over time. Spaces are, therefore, frequently intended to be as open and uncluttered as feasible. Several wood solutions for roof structures can be used to accomplish the vast spans required for an open floor layout. Installing a truss roof is a fast, affordable, and robust option. Thanks to advanced software, they can be easily coordinated with mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems and may be built and fabricated in various shapes and configurations. Similar to their steel counterparts, wooden I-joist roofs function by resisting shear forces via the centre web and bending resistance through the top and bottom flanges. For flat or low-sloped roofs with spans up to around thirty feet, i-joists are usually utilised. A panelized wood roof system can be more affordable for structures with bigger structural grids because of its comparatively lower material costs, faster construction time, and insulation.
2. Ease of Use
An increasing number of building elements can now be constructed offsite and only need to be put together once they arrive. The offsite prefabrication of various elements results in a reduction in onsite construction time, especially for large timber buildings and wood flooring in Melbourne making the construction of structural wood buildings relatively rapid and efficient. It is also possible to build timber buildings all year round in most regions. Since light-frame wood construction offers such flexibility and versatility, any onsite modifications may be completed quickly and easily. In confined urban spaces, where it can be difficult to find room for steel manufacturing or concrete supply and mixing, using wood can be advantageous. Local suppliers of wood can typically provide it swiftly, and there is no shortage of skilled woodworkers.
3. Sustainability
When it comes to projects that emphasize sustainability and the use of renewable building materials, wood is frequently a preferred choice. In particular, WoodWorks commissioned a life-cycle assessment (LCA) study comparing a 54,800 square-foot, one-story steel-framed big box store in California versus a similar building made of wood materials in order to analyze the prospects for wood construction in big box stores. The two structures are identical in terms of geometry, structural layout, gross floor area, and floor plan. However, the life cycle assessment (LCA) determined that the wood building has less of an environmental impact than the steel building for every indicator except ozone depletion, where the wood had a 5% higher impact.
When it comes to projects that emphasize sustainability and the use of renewable building materials, wood is frequently a preferred choice. In particular, WoodWorks commissioned a life-cycle assessment (LCA) study comparing a 54,800 square-foot, one-story steel-framed big box store in California versus a similar building made of wood materials in order to analyze the prospects for wood construction in big box stores. The two structures are identical in terms of geometry, structural layout, gross floor area, and floor plan. However, the life cycle assessment (LCA) determined that the wood building has less of an environmental impact than the steel building for every indicator except ozone depletion, where the wood had a 5% higher impact.
4. Aesthetics Benefits
Wood’s inherent beauty can infuse any area with warmth, texture, and character. Research has indicated that people associate wood favourably and find it visually appealing. A business structure stands out from the large field of otherwise identical areas with exposed wood trusses or massive timber columns from Melbourne timber supplies. The biophilic qualities of wood are also drawing more and more attention from designers. According to the theory of biophilia, people have a natural need to interact with nature. Designs that use natural elements such as wood and daylight are believed to have a relaxing effect on people and may even boost productivity.
5. Choice and Customisation
The term “wood construction” doesn’t apply to a single kind of product or system. In addition to exposed mass timber and products like nail-laminated timber (NLT), glued-laminated timber (glulam), and cross-laminated timber (CLT), options include standard dimension lumber framing. The goals of almost any low-rise commercial project can be achieved with these solutions. Wall framing possibilities are nearly as many as those for roof construction, as was previously said. It is possible to employ finger-jointed (shorter wood pieces glued together into longer elements) or solid-sawn dimension lumber in addition to glulam framing and structural composite lumber (SCL) materials. With wood construction, even “tall walls” 20 feet and higher are achievable thanks to greater lumber diameters or engineered wood materials. Although the requirements of the project determine which system is best, each has its advantages, and wood construction is sufficiently adaptable and versatile to satisfy those needs.
6. Durability
Wood has a hundreds-year lifespan if cared for properly. There are historical examples throughout the world that have endured the test of time, and with today’s sophisticated wood preservatives, this inherent durability can be improved. Wood is weather-resistant and fits in nicely with practically any climate when cared for and kept properly. Even with a charred exterior that maintains structural stability, heavy wood flooring in Melbourne has the inherent ability to withstand fire. Furthermore, heavy timber and some of the next-generation lumber products discussed throughout this text offer higher dimensional stability and strength as well as greater long-span capabilities to endure the test of time. Due to its comfort and beauty, wood structures also tend to be valued and cherished by their tenants, which may lessen the likelihood that they will be demolished.
Greenhill Timbers: Your Best Timber Supplier
There are several benefits to using wood in commercial architecture, including sustainability for the environment and visual appeal. Its adaptability, robustness, and coziness help create hospitable and environmentally responsible environments. Adopting wood as a design element gives organizations solutions that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing while also keeping pace with current trends.