Yes, sometimes form does meet function. There’s perhaps no better example of this than BOISE GLULAM®. 

Glulam, short for glued laminated timber, was perhaps the first ever engineered wood technology, being put to use at the beginning of the first industrial revolution. And ever since, glulam has seen a steady stream of technological and aesthetic advances expanding its usefulness to both builders and architects.

Why? Because perhaps no other wood product is as adaptable and versatile, making glulam a compelling choice for many applications. Let’s explore three big ways glulam is transforming architectural possibilities while maintaining the beauty, warmth, sustainability, and strength of wood.

“Wow”-Inducing Architectural Features

Glulam isn’t just a construction material; it’s a tool for architects to bring their visions to life. It offers the flexibility to blend elegance and structural integrity seamlessly. Its natural appearance adds character and depth to architectural designs.

In many ways, glulam isn’t just a structural component — it’s an architectural feature. Whether used as exposed beams, columns, or artistic installations, glulam can be finished beautifully (either wrapped or left exposed) to bring in the tradition of wood in surprising and sometimes seemingly gravity-defying ways. 

Challenging Steel’s Dominance

There are many applications where glulam goes head-to-head with steel beams and wins because of its combination of structural strength, beauty, and ability to ensure architects don’t have to compromise on design possibilities. 

Glulam’s strength-to-weight ratios and capacity to be designed with spectacular curves over long spans allow for greater creative freedom than steel. This is why the industry continues to see the adoption of glulam over steel in applications for not only the structures themselves, but also bridges, skywalks, porticos, and more.

Sustainability at the Core

Manufactured from renewable sources and produced with a lower environmental footprint, glulam aligns with green architectural principles, enabling architects to design with sustainability in mind and builders to deliver “greener” buildings without sacrificing performance.

While glulam may be a well-established solution, advances in technology have continued to add to its versatility, particularly in commercial, multi-family, and special purpose buildings (think arenas and churches). 

Whether the goal is a full mass timber structure or you simply want to enjoy the functional benefits of wood, products such as BOISE GLULAM are a practical way to bring sustainability to the forefront of any building.

Read more about BOISE GLULAM by visiting www.bc.com/ewp/boise-glulam.