Cross-laminated timber (CLT) originated in Germany and Austria in the 1990s, and is a cost-competitive, sustainable, and environmentally friendly alternative to concrete, masonry and steel construction. A CLT panel is constructed of timber planks that are stacked, glued, and laminated in perpendicular layers under heavy pressure. The panels are pre-fabricated according to the builder's specifications, then shipped to the building site and assembled, greatly reducing the construction time and eliminating construction waste.

CLT panels offer many advantages over traditional construction methods and materials, including improved dimensional stability to wide and tall construction. In addition to providing a higher fire resistance and a higher building hardening rating on the Fujita tornado scale, CLT panels are lighter and thinner than steel and concrete construction, allowing for less massive foundations, structural supports, and roof, all of which make the building more cost effective to build. They also offer sound insulation, long-term structural integrity and durability, and are even rated against earthquakes. They warm more quickly and hold warmth longer than concrete and steel.