Are Wooden Strata Apartments in Danger from the Big Bad Wolf?

Should strata owner be worried about timber apartment blocks?

Not necessarily because of the big bad wolf.  But, rather because of the heightened maintenance requirements and potentially shorter life span.

It hasn't been an issue in Australia since most apartments have been built with masonry and/or concrete construction (even if there are timber components).  But, it's quite common to see timber framed and clad apartment buildings in other parts of the world.

However, environmental fashions and initiatives have led to the first mainstream timber apartment building in Melbourne. 

It's called Forte and its developed by Lend Lease.

The 6 storey apartment building is built from cross laminated timber and has only 23 apartments.  Lend Lease says it's the world's tallest timber apartment building, has a remarkably low carbon footprint and will revolutionise apartment construction.

Although there's nothing different about running and maintaining a timber strata building from any other, I suspect that it will be more susceptible to incorrect, inadequate or delayed maintenance and repair.  So, more attention (and money) will be required to preserve it.

And, I wonder about the effective life of the building and what that means.  Since it's likely to be less than concrete or masonry construction should this kind of strata building have planned redundancy from the beginning.  Otherwise, what will owners do when it needs replacing (or when it nears the time for replacement)?

You can find out more about this innovative building here.

Maybe, routine ongoing maintenance and repair (and paying for it) will be the big bad wolf of wooden strata apartments.


Francesco ...