Private Residence
Rumah Papan
Glulam and CLT Structural System Validated for Urban Residential Construction
Architect
Mego Wahono
year
2017
location
East Jakarta, Indonesia
size
120 m²
The Brief
Project Overview
Rumah Papan represents Woodlam’s first full-scale structural application of Glulam and CLT in Indonesia. Built on a constrained urban site in East Jakarta, the project validated mass timber as a viable primary structural system under real construction conditions.
This was not a conceptual demonstration. It was a live structural prototype testing engineered timber against conventional reinforced concrete methods.
Objective
The objective was to validate mass timber as a complete structural solution by testing:
• Glulam beams and columns as a load-bearing frame
• CLT panels as structural floor and wall elements
• Mechanical connection systems without wet concrete joints
• Prefabricated components for accelerated installation sequencing
The project functioned as a structural feasibility benchmark for engineered timber in Indonesia’s urban residential context.
The Constraints
Constrained Urban Access
Narrow road access restricted crane use and transport of oversized structural elements. Structural components were dimensioned to allow manual handling and modular assembly.
Standardized 1.2 × 2.4 meter CLT panels were selected to enable controlled on-site positioning without heavy lifting equipment.
First Full Structural Timber Application
At the time, connection detailing for Glulam and CLT systems was still under development internally. Mechanical joints using screws and steel plates were engineered and refined during construction.
This required real-time testing of structural tolerances and load transfer behaviour.
Dual-Use Requirement
The building functioned as both residence and working studio. Structural elements remained exposed internally, demanding precise alignment and clean installation without post-installation concealment.
The Engineering
Complete Structural Timber Frame
Glulam beams and columns formed the primary load-bearing system. CLT panels were used for the second-floor deck and wall enclosure, creating a rigid structural platform without wet trades.
Unlike reinforced concrete slabs, CLT panels require no curing time. Once mechanically fixed, the structural surface can be used immediately.
Workers were able to access the second floor within hours of installation rather than waiting multiple days for concrete curing.
Mechanical Connection System
All primary structural connections relied on engineered screw assemblies and steel plates. No cast-in-place concrete joints were used for the upper structure.
This enabled:
• Faster assembly
• Cleaner site conditions
• Reduced noise levels
• Potential future disassembly
The mechanical system also allowed inspection and controlled load transfer without hidden structural interfaces.
Lightweight Structural Strategy
The combined Glulam and CLT system weighs significantly less than an equivalent reinforced concrete structure.
Reduced structural mass simplified transport logistics and manual handling on the narrow-access site, lowering installation risk and improving sequencing control.
Prefabrication Logic
Structural members were pre-cut and pre-drilled before delivery. On-site cutting was minimised to maintain precision and reduce material waste.
This controlled fabrication process reduced installation variability and improved alignment accuracy.
The Products and Materials
The Results and Insights
Rapid Structural Installation Demonstrated
Prefabricated Glulam and CLT elements enabled accelerated structural assembly without curing delays associated with reinforced concrete.
Installation sequencing progressed floor-by-floor with minimal downtime.
Structural Feasibility in Jakarta Confirmed
The project demonstrated that mass timber systems can function reliably as a complete structural solution for low-rise buildings in Jakarta’s urban environment.
Adaptability Through Mechanical Assembly
Because the structure relies on mechanical rather than cast-in-place connections, it can be dismantled and relocated with limited material loss.
This validates the long-term adaptability and circular potential of engineered timber systems.
Structural Transition Milestone
Lessons from Rumah Papan directly informed Woodlam’s later advancements in:
• Connection detailing refinement
• Modular panel sizing strategy
• Structural joinery optimisation
• Prefabrication sequencing
This project marked Woodlam’s transition from architectural timber applications to engineered structural timber systems.
Location
East Jakarta, Indonesia
INDONESIA
Frequently Asked Questions
Got a question unanswered? Speak to our team.
What is mass timber construction?
Mass timber construction uses large engineered wood components such as Glulam beams and CLT panels as primary structural elements. These components are prefabricated and assembled on site to form floors, walls, and roofs.
How did Glulam and CLT improve construction speed in this project?
CLT floor panels were installed and mechanically fixed without wet trades. Unlike concrete slabs, they required no curing time. Workers were able to access and use the second floor within hours of installation.
Can a mass timber house be dismantled and relocated?
Yes. Because the structure uses mechanical screw and steel plate connections rather than cast-in-place concrete, panels and beams can be partially disassembled and reassembled with minimal structural loss when properly planned.
Is mass timber suitable for dense urban sites in Indonesia?
Yes. This project demonstrated that modular Glulam and CLT systems can be adapted for narrow-access urban conditions. Panel sizing and lightweight structural components allowed installation without large cranes, reducing logistical constraints.