TimberXtreme™ – Robust Columns for the Next Generation of Structural Timber Engineering

TimberXtreme™ is an innovative hybrid timber system that significantly enhances the structural performance of glued laminated timber (glulam) through the use of carbon fibre reinforcement. By integrating bonded carbon plates into highly stressed zones, the system substantially improves load-bearing capacity, robustness, and failure behaviour of timber elements. Particularly for compression-loaded columns and tension-loaded beams, TimberXtreme™ opens up new possibilities for multi-storey timber buildings and advanced structural engineering applications.

The development of TimberXtreme™ is based on the joint research and development efforts of Häring, Roth Burgdorf AG, and ETH Zurich. By combining high-performance adhesive systems, precision CNC manufacturing technologies, and advanced structural design methodologies, a novel timber–carbon hybrid material has been created that enables structural solutions in load ranges traditionally reserved for steel or composite construction.

A major milestone was reached this year with the filing of the TimberXtreme™ patent application, securing the innovative concept and its future development potential. To further validate and optimize the system, additional experimental testing is scheduled at ETH Zurich this autumn. The upcoming research programme will focus on carbon-reinforced glulam columns, providing deeper insights into structural behaviour, robustness, and the suitability of the technology for highly loaded structural systems.

TimberXtreme™ exemplifies a new generation of hybrid timber structures, combining sustainability, resource efficiency, and exceptional structural performance to expand the boundaries of modern timber engineering.