As well as solid timber there are many products that are composites or made of components that can be used in lightweight construction. These include plywood, particle board, and engineered products such as -Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL). Particularly when used internally, care should be taken to ensure that composite timber products do not contain adhesives that compromise indoor air quality.

There is a timber product to meet most structural requirements, and engineered timber products can be manufactured to meet specified structural requirements.

Climate change is one of the most important global environmental issues today. The challenge now facing countries around the world, including Australia, is how to respond to this issue.

In recent times, growing pressure to design for energy efficiency has impacted on all aspects of the building industry. Construction design can contribute greatly to maximising comfort and to minimising non-renewable energy consumption. Timber frame buildings are now being designed to meet low energy construction standards as timber has a high standard of thermal comfort while consuming minimal non-renewable energy. A principal objective for responsible design of environmentally friendly timber construction is to minimise life cycle energy consumption. Timber in lightweight construction is a superior material compared to manufactured material such as steel, concrete and masonry as it uses a comparatively small amount of non-renewable energy in its extraction and manufacture. Environmentally friendly timber construction should also consider design for longevity by recognising the natural durability of individual timber species.

Structural Hardwood