It is not readily known as it is thought of as modern technology, but Cross-Laminated Timber is actually 100 years old this week. Source: Timberbiz
The patent that describes the technology was published on August 21, 1923.
Also not widely known, and contrary to popular belief, it was invented in the USA, not Europe.
The patent that describes the technology reads:
“The strips or boards thus formed are then cut into suitable lengths and such lengths are then superimposed one above the other so as to form a plurality of layers, with the grain of the wood in one layer running at an angle to the grain of the wood in the adjacent layer.
“Frank J. Wars and Robert L. Watts, citizens of the United States, residing at Tacoma, in the county of Pierce and State of Washington, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Composite Lumber.”
