Leading proponents of cross-laminated timber construction are optimistic that “common sense” will prevail over the continued use of the material following the post-Grenfell consultation on banning combustible cladding.

Two of the most high-profile CLT specialist practices have said they are confident that expected restrictions on cladding for the exterior of new buildings over 18m tall will not extend to structural materials used for construction.

Alex de Rijke of 2017 Stirling Prize-winning practice dRMM and Anthony Thistleton of Waugh Thistleton Achitects were speaking after the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) consultation on the cladding ban closed last month.

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