CLT Toolbox Founders Adam Jones and Ringo Thomas
CLT Toolbox, an innovative leader in mass timber engineering, has announced the launch of a free version of its groundbreaking software. Source: Timberbiz
Designed to advance the adoption of sustainable timber construction across Australia, this new version of CLT Toolbox offers engineers, students, and timber enthusiasts’ access to cutting-edge tools and educational resources, empowering a new generation to contribute to a sustainable future.
In June CLT in partnership with Timber Unlimited in New Zealand, released parts of its advanced design software free to engineers in New Zealand.
The construction industry faces a critical challenge in reducing embodied carbon, a significant contributor to global carbon emissions. Traditional building materials like concrete and steel are major culprits. CLT Toolbox addresses this challenge by providing software solutions that simplify and automate the design of mass timber structures. Mass timber is a sustainable, low-carbon alternative that offers significant environmental benefits.
“There are over 10,000 structural engineers in Australia, yet only a small fraction specialise in timber,” said CLT Toolbox CEO Adam Jones.
“Our mission is to close this gap by equipping engineers with the tools and knowledge to confidently design with timber, ensuring they can offer sustainable options to their clients.”
In Australia, the free version offers essential features for member design, calculating loads, and evaluating the structural integrity of timber elements.
With this comprehensive suite of tools, engineers can perform preliminary designs for entire mass timber office or apartment buildings.
The software’s embedded educational resources and automated design computations are designed to guide even novice engineers to produce expert-level structural designs.
CLT Toolbox’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond just offering software.
“We are committed to growing Australia’s mass timber category by educating concrete and steel specialists on the benefits of timber. By broadening the skill sets of engineers, CLT Toolbox ensures that when a client seeks a sustainable option, engineers are equipped to deliver,” said Mr Jones.
“Access to the free version has been made possible through the support of leading mass timber suppliers, including ASH, Timberlink, CUSP, XLam, KLH & Xlam Dolomiti. The timber industry has come together to form a strong collaborative unit capable of making mass timber a mainstream material. We’re proud of the diverse industry partners who share our vision and support our mission to foster innovation, sustainability, and excellence in timber construction.”
GM Technical and Sales of NeXTimber/Timberlink Jeremy Church said that CLT offering a freemium version of CLT Toolbox gave structural engineers access to design modules, helping them quickly and confidently design projects using engineered timber.
“This tool reinforces Timberlink’s commitment to making sustainable timber products more accessible in the construction industry,” he said.
Area Sales Manager for KLH Markus Janko said that as a CLT Toolbox partner, KLH was pleased with the free software version’s launch.
“The integration of KLH – CLT simplifies design with KLH elements, offering a user-friendly interface for quick calculations, including fire resistance. This partnership enhances our customers’ design experience,” he said.
Engineering Design Manager for Australian Sustainable Hardwoods Nathan Benbow said ASH saw the free CLT Toolbox software as transformative.
“It empowers engineers with tools to innovate and optimise their projects, simplifies calculations, and improves design efficiency,” he said.
“By expanding timber use, we contribute to sustainable building practices and broader adoption of eco-friendly solutions.”
