How Glulam is Replacing Traditional Steel in Modern Construction (Mass Timber Construction In India)

Spokesperson: Vivekabhilash Sharma

For much of the 20th century, steel was the face of construction progress. Its strength, adaptability, and the advent of mass production in the mid-1800s enabled unprecedented architectural feats, such as towering skyscrapers, long-span bridges, and expansive industrial buildings. It became the material of choice not just for its structural capabilities, but also for the symbolism of modernity it carried.

However, steel’s dominance has always come at a cost. Its production is energy-intensive and carbon-heavy, contributing nearly 11% of global CO₂ emissions according to Carbon Brief. Additionally, while it is non-combustible, the steel begins to lose structural strength rapidly at temperatures above 600°C, requiring costly fireproofing treatments in most buildings. The material itself can be expensive, with costs fluctuating based on global supply chains, energy prices, and the need for protective coatings and corrosion management over time. These limitations, alongside the increasing urgency of climate-conscious design, have pushed architects and engineers to rethink their materials toolbox.

This re-evaluation has brought engineered timber, specifically Glued Laminated Timber (Glulam), into the spotlight. First developed in Germany in the early 1900s, Glulam comprises multiple layers of dimensional lumber bonded with moisture-resistant adhesives. Over the past two decades, advances in material science and sustainability goals have catapulted it from niche use to a serious contender in large-scale structural design. 

What makes Glulam so compelling is its combination of strength, lightness, and sustainability. Pound for pound, it rivals steel in structural performance, yet it is far lighter, allowing for reduced foundation loads and simpler construction logistics. Unlike steel or concrete, which emit carbon in their creation, Glulam sequesters it. When responsibly sourced, timber acts as a carbon sink, storing CO₂ throughout its life cycle, significantly reducing a building’s environmental footprint. Glulam also defies old perceptions about timber and fire safety. Rather than igniting rapidly, it chars slowly on the outside, insulating the core and retaining load-bearing capacity longer than unprotected steel in fire scenarios. Globally,

landmark projects are demonstrating Glulam’s potential. Norway’s Mjøstårnet, the tallest timber building in the world at 85.4 meters; Sweden’s Sara Cultural Centre, a 20-storey mixed-use structure in a subarctic climate; and the University of British Columbia’s Brock Commons, an 18-storey hybrid timber tower—each demonstrate how Glulam is transforming architectural ambitions into sustainable realities. India is also beginning to show early momentum in mass timber construction, with developers, architects, and policy advocates exploring the material’s viability for climate-resilient urban infrastructure.

Norway’s Mjøstårnet, the tallest timber building in the world

Beyond its technical advantages, Glulam offers something less tangible but deeply valued—warmth and emotional connection. Where steel can feel cold and industrial, timber softens the atmosphere, bringing nature into urban environments. As the construction industry pivots toward sustainability without compromising performance or beauty, Glulam emerges not merely as an alternative to steel but as a progressive material that reflects where architecture is headed: lighter, greener, and more human.

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