Edinburgh Napier University

  This paper presents the findings from the supply chain integration, pilot manufacture and quality assurance assessment of CLT made out of hardwood species, Tulipwood. The research was carried out as part of the American Hardwood Export Council industry and academic collaborative demonstration project ‘MultiPly’ – a CLT pavilion exhibited at the London Design Festival 2018. The research work demonstrates how CLT manufactured utilising alternative species can be piloted, quality assured and ultimately showcased via an engineered timber sculpture. The collaboration process implemented identifies areas for further investigation for full scale commercial production. In particular shorter press time and the application of primer for hardwood are highlighted given these would impinge upon productivity within full scale commercial production facilities. However, Tulipwood CLT is demonstrated to be a viable alternative to softwood CLT particularly where there are enhanced structural and aesthetic requirements.