Rethinking design priorities: LVL and the built environment

Jim Heverin of Zaha Hadid Architects explores how LVL stacks up against steel and concrete in modern construction.

Jim Heverin is a director at Zaha Hadid Architects, the London-based global design firm known for its groundbreaking and visually stunning architecture. In this exclusive blog, he looks at how LVL compares to traditional materials like steel and concrete.

While it’s neither realistic nor credible to expect engineered wood to replace concrete or steel entirely, there’s significant potential to increase its use in construction. Its malleability, architectural flexibility, and environmental advantages make it a material worth considering, particularly in sustainable design. However, it’s important to evaluate these benefits alongside their limitations to make informed material choices. 

We have seen LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) becoming more prominent in projects by Zaha Hadid Architects, but it’s useful to weigh its advantages against the strengths of more traditional materials. Here are some points to consider: 

1. Engineered for excellence 

One of our earliest high-profile projects to use LVL was the London Aquatics Centre for the 2012 Olympics. The original ceiling design featured a timber finish on aluminium sections, but LVL was suggested as an alternative. Extensive testing addressed concerns about its performance in a humid environment, showing that it matched or even exceeded traditional materials in terms of durability and strength. 

However, pioneering large-scale timber construction often comes with challenges, as the construction industry remains cautious about financial and operational risks. While engineered wood offers promising results, clients still seek evidence of its performance in real-world projects rather than relying solely on theoretical expectations. 

LVL’s spanning capability offers the potential for clean, expansive designs, particularly in projects requiring significant load-bearing strength, such as sports stadiums or office interiors. Its structural integrity and CNC-cut precision accommodate intricate geometries, as seen in the London Aquatics Centre. Yet, it’s crucial to remember that its performance can vary depending on specific environmental and project conditions. 

Hybrid systems also present opportunities for balancing costs and performance. Combining steel or concrete with timber infills like CLT can optimise floor heights, reduce costs, and lower carbon footprints, offering a flexible solution to meet specific design and sustainability goals. 

London Aquatics Centre, London, UK. Photography by Hufton + Crow

2. Safety meets innovation

Fire safety remains a critical consideration when working with LVL. Engineered wood has advanced significantly beyond basic applications of untreated softwood, but it still requires rigorous engineering to meet safety standards in various applications. 

While timber is not classified as non-combustible, its charring behaviour and section size can provide protection that steel cannot match. This makes it a viable choice for exposed structures, even in fire-sensitive projects. Nevertheless, achieving reliable fire safety performance requires collaboration with fire engineers and adherence to stringent regulations. 

The Grenfell Tower tragedy in the UK highlighted the need for rigorous scrutiny of combustible materials in construction. Although wood has shown that it can meet safety requirements when engineered thoughtfully, it’s important to remain cautious and continually improve its integration with fire safety measures. 

When these fire safety considerations are met, wood-based products can also bring aesthetic and environmental benefits. Whether in offices, museums, or sports stadiums, it offers a natural appeal that materials like steel and concrete often struggle to match. 

3. Redefining possibilities

Wood's natural warmth and aesthetic can foster a unique connection in spaces where materials like steel and concrete may fall short. Yet, many clients remain sceptical about its long-term performance, cost, and scalability in large-scale projects. 

During a major international sports program focused on innovation, we advocated for engineered wood as a forward-thinking option. True innovation requires exploring sustainable materials, but it’s essential to move beyond a one-size-fits-all mindset. Each material, including wood, has strengths and weaknesses that must be carefully assessed based on project-specific requirements, budget constraints, and sustainability goals. 

To address client scepticism, we adopted a "heart and mind" approach, combining stories of wood’s historical resilience with modern engineering achievements. This narrative connects its past with its potential future, helping clients reimagine its possibilities while maintaining a balanced perspective on its performance and reliability. 

Architects have a pivotal role in advancing sustainable materials like LVL in construction as strategic, complementary solutions for specific applications, such as superstructures, roof enclosures and exposed elements.

Render of the world's first all timber Forest Green Rovers Eco Park Stadium, Stroud, UK. 

For LVL and engineered wood to see broader adoption, engagement with insurers, regulators, and material specialists is essential. These stakeholders help bridge the gap between design ambitions and practical implementation, ensuring safety and feasibility. 

As the construction industry continues to align with carbon reduction targets and sustainability initiatives, the appeal of LVL’s structural and environmental benefits will only grow. Architects and builders must explore its potential through existing case studies, real-world applications, and ongoing performance evaluations, always with an eye on balancing costs, environmental impact and project performance. 

By maintaining a thoughtful, material-neutral approach, professionals can make informed decisions that combine sustainability, performance, and practicality, ultimately achieving smarter, more resilient and innovative designs.

The built environment faces mounting pressure to decarbonize—and fast. One promising material rising to the challenge is laminated veneer lumber (LVL). Stronger than steel by weight, designed for modern aesthetics, and capable of storing carbon, LVL is redefining what sustainable construction can look like, especially in prefabricated housing. Discover how LVL is transforming construction into a cleaner, smarter, and more efficient industry. Read the full article to explore its benefits, challenges, and potential to reshape our cities.