An application of the massive timber structure in a multi-storey housing design: an integrated architectural and engineering approach for the Dutch building market

Abstract: Within the conservative Dutch building climate the structural application of timber for multi-storey residential buildings has been debated a long time. However, investment in a higher rate of prefabrication and a new opinion on sustainable constructing have been the incentives for pioneer projects using the timber frame system for multi-storey housing. Internationally, this positive progress in the competitiveness of timber is also noticeable through the development of new and innovative timber building systems.In the last decennia, the 'Massive Timber System' has proved to be successful in Sweden through the development of individual massive timber elements forming a complete building system, that is suitable for multi-storey residential housing. Characteristic for this development is the recent realization of an eight-storey residential building in Växjö, Sweden. All the more reason for a research to the possible application of this 'Massive Timber System' for the Dutch building market.The aim of this research is to introduce the 'Massive Timber System' on the Dutch building market through the design of a multi-storey residential building. Hereby is the applicability of this building system defined by a judgment on the design to the Dutch Building Decree, in which technical specifications are mainly based on the building system itself. Production, as well as building costs are only briefly considered where relevant.The intended building design is based on a thorough pre-research of the properties of the 'Massive Timber System', knowledge has also been gained springing from expertise in Sweden: by the main producer of this system 'Martinsons Byggsystem AB' and the independent research institution 'SP Trätek'. A comparison between the obtained knowledge and the experience in The Netherlands is obtained by the study of two reference projects: one project represents current Swedish knowledge and a Dutch project. Besides are the most important Dutch regulations recorded.Insight in the worked out final design concept, with a preceding determined Program of Requirements, is been given through a phased illustration of the design process. Hereby, an iteration between the professions of architecture, structural engineering and constructing leads to a detailed specification of a multi-storey massive timber house: that is structurally founded and that satisfies the Dutch Building Decree.From holistic understanding of the gained experiences it can be concluded that the 'Massive Timber System' can guarantee a good comfort and good structural possibilities, by systems building physical performances and an efficient stability-effect. The thickness of the floor and extra safety measures for fire prevention constitute the systems negative aspects, in which further research is required to obtain good competitiveness on the Dutch building market. Also, the economy of this system should be thoroughly investigated.