Frequently asked questions

  • About Hamlet

    • What does Hamlet do?

      We specialize in the structural design of multi level buildings in solid timber.

      Mostly on the basis of CLT, but also with laminated wooden columns and beams. A combination of the two is also possible.

    • Is Hamlet an architect?

    • Is Hamlet a structural engineer?

    • Is Hamlet a contractor

    • Is Hamlet connected to a specific supplier?

    • Which expertise Hamlet offers regarding timber construction?

    • What does Design for Manufacturing & Assembly mean?

      We work according to the principles of this design method, which aims for the highest possible production efficiency and therefore the lowest possible cost.
      Throughout the entire design process we not only check that everything is structurally sound, but we also constantly test whether all parts can be efficiently produced, transported and assembled on site. This prevents mistakes, additional work and wasted time later in the design process or during construction.
      Through this integrated approach, we guarantee that the design can be realized one on one and at predictable costs.

    • What is Structural Shell+?

      The structural shell of a building has a primary structural function, but in a wooden building, part of the acoustic and fire safety concept is also derived from the structural shell.
      Hamlet designs and calculates the structural shell from a holistic approach in which construction, acoustics and fire safety are approached as a trinity. We call this Structural Shell+. This gives the design team clarity at an early stage about the complete wall and floor thicknesses and it also saves time and costs for the client.

    • Who are the clients of Hamlet?

    • In which phase should I contact Hamlet?

    • Which construction methods Hamlet is using

    • Is Hamlet working nation wide and internationally?

    • Does Hamlet also works with timber/concrete floors?

    • What does Design & Build mean?

  • About CLT wood

    • What is CLT wood?

      Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) is also known as cross laminated timber. CLT is a very strong and fire-resistant building material made by cross-gluing solid wood boards and planks by a computer-controlled woodworking process. The grain is therefore alternately laid in the other direction. An environmentally friendly construction adhesive is used for the bonding.

    • How is CLT wood used?

      CLT is a very versatile material with almost limitless possibilities for architects. These wood panels can also be combined with other building materials without many problems.
      CLT panels are used for the construction of interior walls, exterior walls, floors and roofs. The custom prefabricated panels are delivered directly to the construction site by truck. The material is even so strong that high-rise buildings can be realized with it.

    • Why does Hamlet design and build with CLT wood?

      Building with wood has many advantages: it is very fast, it is sustainable, circular and it results in healthier buildings for the users.

      However, the preparation and design process are organized differently from traditional construction. That's why we always say, 'are you considering a timber building? Then get in touch with us'.
      Hamlet is an experienced partner for property developers and housing corporations in the cost-efficient realization of their timber building projects. Well begun is, as often, half done.

    • Is a timber building safe in a case of fire?

      When designing a building, we take into account not only the constructive properties, but also fire safety.
      A CLT panel is actually solid wood. It's something very different from timber frame construction. And that's also reflected in the fire performance. CLT doesn't burn but chars. The speed at which this happens in a residential fire is very constant and therefore predictable. We take this into account when designing the building. Naturally, all our buildings comply with the Building Decree. A wooden building is just as safe as a concrete shell, if properly designed.

    • What is the difference between CLT, glulam and LVL

    • What is the difference between mass timber and timber frame?

    • Is a high rise building possible in wood?

    • What is the origin of the wood?

    • What is the difference between an 2D and a 3D method?

    • What is laminated wood?

  • Costs and Construction Time

    • Is building with wood more expensive than with concrete?

      Wood construction is highly competitive, provided the project is designed for wood from the very beginning. Hamlet works according to the Design for Manufacturing & Assembly principle: throughout the entire design process, we assess whether components can be efficiently produced, transported, and assembled.This prevents additional work and failure costs. Furthermore, because Hamlet collaborates with multiple CLT and glulam manufacturers, fair pricing is guaranteed. Well-designed timber construction projects are 0% to 4% more expensive than traditional construction. This does not take into account the added value of bio-based construction, CO2 sequestration, residual value, and circularity.

    • How quickly can you build with CLT?

      Building with CLT is lightning fast. The panels are prefabricated to size, delivered ready-to-use by truck, and assembled on-site. As a result, on-site construction time is shorter and there is less disruption than with traditional construction. In general, a well-designed wood building can reduce construction time by 25%–40% compared to traditional construction methods.

    • Can an existing concrete design be converted to timber construction?

      Yes. With Hamlet’s quick scan, you can quickly determine whether a design originally developed in concrete can still be converted to a solid wood shell. We assess the structural feasibility and the implications for costs, scheduling, and sustainability, so you can make an informed decision.

    • Are there subsidies or tax incentives for timber construction?

      Wood construction is biobased and may qualify for programs such as the Environmental Investment Deduction (MIA). If desired, Hamlet can conduct an assessment of available subsidies and tax benefits applicable to a specific project.

  • Sustainability and Circularity

    • How much CO₂ do you save with wood construction?

      Wood construction results in significant CO₂ reductions. Trees absorb CO₂ as they grow; that carbon remains stored in the wood of the building (carbon storage). By choosing wood over concrete, you also avoid the high CO₂ emissions associated with concrete production. In this way, wood construction directly contributes to a “Paris Proof” building. CLT stores 0.8 metric tons of CO₂ per cubic meter. 

    • What does “Paris Proof” construction mean?

      “Paris Proof” construction means building in line with the agreements set forth in the Paris Climate Agreement (2015) to limit global warming. Biobased construction with wood is a key component of this: the wood stores CO₂ and replaces CO₂-intensive materials. Hamlet provides advice on the overall issue and affordable solutions for “Paris Proof” construction, including biobased insulation and exterior finishes.

    • Is wood construction circular and demountable?

      Yes. Hamlet builds entirely sustainably and circularly using CLT and glulam. Because a wood shell is assembled using dry, mechanical connections, it is easier to dismantle and reuse at the end of its life cycle than a monolithic concrete shell. Wood is also a renewable raw material.

    • What is biobased construction?

      Biobased construction means building with raw materials from natural, renewable sources. Anyone who chooses timber construction automatically chooses a biobased shell. In line with this, Hamlet advises on biobased insulation and natural facade finishes—such as bamboo, wood, or biocomposite siding.

    • Does Hamlet plant trees for its projects?

      Yes. In line with its mission “Less carbon, more trees,” Hamlet plants one tree in the Netherlands for every cubic meter of CLT used in its projects. In this way, Hamlet demonstrates concrete commitment to its sustainability mission.

  • Safety, Comfort, and Quality

    • What about sound insulation and acoustics in a wooden building?

      Acoustics in timber construction require a different approach than in concrete construction and must be expertly addressed as early as the design phase. Hamlet possesses extensive expertise in building physics and designs the acoustic concept as an integral part of the building shell (see Casco+). As a result, a well-designed timber residential building meets sound requirements while providing a pleasant living and working environment.

    • Is a wooden building resistant to moisture and water?

      Yes, provided it is well-designed. Water prevention during the construction phase is an integral part of the design process at Hamlet—alongside structural engineering, acoustics, and fire safety. By carefully designing and executing details, connections, and the construction sequence, the wood remains dry and the building retains its long lifespan. When well-designed, wooden buildings can last for many centuries. In Japan, there are wooden temples that are over 1,000 years old.

    • Can you experience wood rot, mold, or termites in a wooden building?

      With proper design and construction, the wood stays dry, preventing wood rot and mold from taking hold. In practice, termites pose virtually no risk to structural timber in the Netherlands and Northwestern Europe; Hamlet has conducted research on this. In high-risk areas, additional measures can be incorporated into the design.

    • How healthy is it to live or work in a wooden building?

      Wood construction contributes to the well-being of occupants. Exposed wood—a visible natural product—gives residents and users a sense of well-being and a more pleasant indoor climate than a concrete environment. Many people find the indoor climate of a wooden building more pleasant.

    • Does CLT absorb odors?

      Hamlet investigated this in response to a question from a client commissioning student housing, who wondered whether the smell of smoking a joint (marijuana) would be absorbed into the CLT over time. After placing a block of CLT in a coffee shop for a month, the smell was no longer detectable after just a few days.

    • Is a wooden building fire-safe?

      When designing, we take into account not only structural properties but also fire safety. A CLT panel is solid wood—unlike timber-frame construction—and this is reflected in its fire performance: CLT does not burn but chars at a constant, predictable rate. We take this into account in the design. When well-designed, a wooden building is just as safe as a concrete shell. Hamlet designs not only the wooden structure but the entire wall and floor construction to meet structural, fire, and acoustic requirements.

  • Regulations, Insurance, and Warranty

    • Does timber construction comply with the Building Decree and the BBL?

      Yes. All buildings designed by Hamlet comply with applicable regulations. During the structural design phase, Hamlet takes into account the Building Environment Decree (BBL) and the Building Decree, the Eurocode, and developments related to NTA 6125.

    • What is NTA 6125, and what does it mean for timber construction?

      NTA 6125 is a draft document intended to provide additional guidelines for safe (including fire-safe) design and construction with wood. The document is still under development and is not yet a mandatory regulation. Hamlet monitors these developments and incorporates them into the design as needed, ensuring that timber construction projects are carried out in a demonstrably safe manner and in accordance with current standards.

    • Can you insure a timber construction project (CAR, warranty)?

      Yes. Hamlet has been selected by insurer SWK as an expert, plan reviewer, and verifier for timber construction projects submitted to SWK and Woningborg for a warranty certificate or CAR insurance. During the design phase, Hamlet takes into account the preferences of property and liability insurers, ensuring that clients are guaranteed a building that meets all requirements.

    • Does Hamlet also review timber construction designs created by others?

      Yes. In addition to its own projects, Hamlet acts as an independent plan reviewer and verifier for timber construction—including for the insurer SWK. Hamlet also provides second opinions on timber construction designs and on the conversion of concrete designs to timber. In addition, Hamlet conducts expert sessions on timber construction for the insurer AON.