Materialval i byggprojekt - en jämförande studie av korslimmat trä och träreglar

Sammanfattning

This thesis examines the factors influencing the choice between cross-laminated timber (CLT) and timber studs as load-bearing exterior wall constructions in small- and medium-scale timber housing projects. The study compares technical, economic and environmental, and explores how construction professionals perceive the strengths and limitations of each material, with emphasis on the principle of “the right material in the right place.” The research is based on six interviews with architects, engineers, contractors, and suppliers, complemented by a literature review and a supporting survey. Results show that project size, cost, logistics, and sustainability goals are decisive in material selection. CLT is regarded as modern and sustainable, offering benefits such as prefabrication, shorter construction time, and design flexibility, while timber studs dominate smaller, cost-sensitive projects due to lower initial cost, availability, and flexibility on site. The analysis highlights cost as the primary factor, favoring timber studs in many projects, while CLT is perceived as more sustainable in the long term. The study concludes that both materials have specific advantages depending on project conditions, and emphasizes the need for increased knowledge dissemination and system-level understanding to enable more sustainable material choices in practice. Keywords: cross-laminated timber (CLT), timber studs, load-bearing exterior wall, sustainability, material selection, timber construction.