**6. Engineered wood for tropical houses**

There is a growing body of research on the use of engineered wood in housing construction, including wooden engineered houses [4, 20, 45].

Here are some key data points:

The cost of building a wooden engineered house can vary widely depending on factors such as the size and complexity of the design, the type of engineered wood used, and the cost of labor in the area. However, in general, wooden engineered houses are often less expensive to build than traditional wooden houses because they require less raw material and can be manufactured more efficiently.

Wooden engineered houses are often more durable than traditional wooden houses because engineered wood is less susceptible to warping, cracking, and splitting. Additionally, engineered wood is often treated with preservatives or other materials that can help to prevent rot, decay, and insect damage.

Wooden engineered houses can be designed to be highly energy efficient by incorporating features such as insulation, air sealing, and efficient heating and cooling systems. This can help to reduce energy consumption and lower heating and cooling costs over time.

The use of engineered wood in housing construction can have significant sustainability benefits because it is often made from recycled or sustainably sourced materials and requires less energy to manufacture than traditional wood. Additionally, because engineered wood is more durable than traditional wood, it can reduce the need for frequent replacements and repairs, further reducing the environmental impact.

Wood engineered houses are generally considered to be safe and structurally sound, provided they are designed and built to code. However, as with any type of building material, it is important to ensure that the construction is carried out by qualified professionals and that the house is maintained properly over time.

**Figures 15**–**21** show some of the ready timber structures made up with either the laminated or cross-laminated wood for house construction.

The data on wooden engineered houses suggest that they offer a range of benefits over traditional wooden houses, including lower cost, greater durability, improved energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and safety. As such, they are an ideal choice for modern homes and are likely to continue to grow in popularity in the years to come.

**Figure 15.** *The frame and floor structure made from the glue-laminated.*

**Figure 16.** *The beams and poles of a house made from Acacia mangium laminated timber.*

*Engineered Wood Products from Planted Tropical Timber Species DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.112203*

#### **Figure 17.**

*The authors standing in front of a glue-laminated bridge made from mixed tropical timber species.*

#### **Figure 18.**

*The close-up view of the joinery between the bridge and the foundation using metal.*

#### **Figure 19.**

*A cross-laminated structure of a cross-laminated house of size 38 sq. m.*

 **Figure 20.**  *The front view of the cross-laminated model house.* 

 **Figure 21.**  *A timber glue-laminated gallery structure in Johore Bahru, Malaysia.* 
