A common method of creating mass timber panels in the US is through gluing layers of wood together to produce a product called Cross Laminated Timber (CLT). Other methods exist though, and they require no glue and less expensive machinery, which makes them well suited to manufacturers who want to test the mass timber market without committing to massive capital expenditures. One of these alternative methods, which uses nails to connect individual dimensional lumber pieces into a larger panel, is called Nail Laminated Timber (NLT). 

This project, undertaken as part of our work with Berkeley Assistant Professor Paul Mayencourt, is a study into the architectural possibilities of NLT through the design of a 1200 sf ADU.

Our design process began with the NLT fin wall, and how its depth and arrangement could introduce novel spatial conditions.

These NLT fin walls are evenly spaced along opposite sides of the plan, perpendicular to the building envelope. They create deep structural bays that hold benches, bathrooms, closets, and thresholds. The rest of the plan is pulled in from the fin walls. At either end, the bedroom and living room push out beyond the fin walls, giving a bit of relief from the strict lines of structure.

Around this NLT structure, weathering steel covers the base and roof. It’s durable and rough, but made a bit more delicate through all the little articulations for joints and drainage.

Treated wood clads the walls, with its narrow profile mimicking the 1 1/2” members that make up the structural NLT panels inside.

Rough stone slabs contrast the texture and softness of the wood interior, and are deployed throughout the ADU as floor protection, shower waterproofing, and thermal mass.

A studio sits within the pitch of the roof above the kitchen. Clerestory windows and a sneaky hatch bring light and air in through the day.

Terrestrial Pursuits

Office In Search Of

Paul Mayencourt