About JIAZHU

Jiazhu Construction - has been deeply engaged in the production of glued laminated timber since 2011, relocated from Shanghai to Rugao Port in 2018, and now has established two major production bases in Wuhan and Nantong.

Wooden Structure Building

We provide one-stop delivery of construction materials, as well as integrated design-production-construction services for long-span straight and curved glued laminated timber (glulam). We specialize in projects such as large-scale beam-and-column venues, villas, and wooden bridges.

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Home / Products / Glue Laminated Timber / Special Shaped Glulam

Special Shaped Glulam refers to custom-engineered glued laminated timber elements that go beyond standard straight beams or columns. These are designed to meet unique architectural or structural requirements, offering both form and function in complex building designs.
Unlike conventional glulam, special shaped glulam is manufactured with non-linear geometries, variable cross-sections, or custom profiles. These shapes are achieved through advanced CNC machining, precision lamination, and tailored bonding techniques.

Why Use Special Shaped Glulam?
Architectural Freedom: Enables bold, expressive designs that standard timber can't achieve.
Structural Efficiency: Tailored shapes can optimize load paths and reduce material waste.
Prefabrication Benefits: Delivered ready-to-install, reducing on-site labor and errors.
Sustainability: Made from renewable wood, often PEFC or FSC certified.

These components are especially popular in modern timber architecture, where aesthetics and performance go hand-in-hand. Think of soaring cathedral arches, sweeping rooflines, or sculptural public spaces—all made possible with special shaped glulam.

About Us
Nantong Wellhouse Architectural Technology Co., Ltd.

Nantong Wellhouse Architectural Technology Co., Ltd. is China Special Shaped Glulam Suppliers and Special Shaped Glulam Manufacturers .It was established under the guidance of green building and sustainable development concepts, specializing in the research, development, and production of glued laminated timber (glulam) and timber structure products. The factory is characterized by a high degree of mechanization and standardization, creating an efficient and intelligent production environment. 

Relying on a mature production system and professional team, the company boasts a monthly production capacity of up to 2,000 cubic meters. Its core products include glued laminated timber (glulam), solid wood wall panels, and Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), which are widely used in the field of timber structure construction.

The company provides full-cycle, integrated services encompassing architectural design, budget estimation, production, manufacturing, and construction installation. It covers diverse project types such as large-scale venues, villas, and timber bridges, ensuring efficient project progression through professional technical coordination and full-course construction support.

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Special Shaped Glulam Industry knowledge

Comparison of Special Shaped Glulam and Standard Straight Glulam in Structural Performance

Definition and Application of Special Shaped Glulam

Special shaped glulam refers to glued laminated timber that is manufactured into curves, angles, or other non-linear profiles to meet specific architectural or structural requirements. Nantong Wellhouse Architectural Technology Co., Ltd. produces both standard straight and custom-shaped glulam, using advanced mechanized production techniques to maintain uniform lamination quality. These special shapes are often used in modern timber structures, such as curved roofs, arched beams, and complex post-and-beam frameworks, where straight glulam may not provide the desired aesthetic or functional form.

Load Distribution Characteristics

Compared to standard straight glulam, special shaped glulam can redistribute loads along curves or angles, providing structural support where traditional straight beams cannot be effectively applied. The engineered lamination ensures that stresses are evenly distributed along the custom profiles, reducing the risk of localized weaknesses. Nantong Wellhouse’s production process ensures precise lamination and adhesive application, which maintains the structural integrity of curved or uniquely shaped timber elements under various loading conditions.

Flexibility in Architectural Design

Special shaped glulam offers greater flexibility in architectural design compared to straight glulam. It enables designers to create visually dynamic and complex timber structures while maintaining load-bearing capacity. Nantong Wellhouse’s ability to produce highly precise, moisture-resistant glulam allows architects to incorporate curves, angles, and non-standard profiles without compromising on structural reliability or long-term durability.

Comparative Strength and Stability

While straight glulam provides predictable performance in vertical or horizontal spans, special shaped glulam can accommodate structural needs in non-linear applications. The bending or curving process, if engineered properly, does not significantly compromise strength. Nantong Wellhouse ensures that each lamination layer and adhesive joint is carefully controlled, which helps maintain mechanical performance comparable to straight glulam, even under lateral or complex loading conditions.

Moisture Resistance and Durability

Special shaped glulam from Nantong Wellhouse maintains moisture-resistant properties similar to straight glulam, which is critical for long-term structural stability. The high degree of mechanization and controlled production environment ensures that curved or angled profiles do not introduce weak points where moisture could penetrate, allowing these beams to perform reliably in various environmental conditions. This is particularly important for projects where the timber is exposed to humidity variations or outdoor conditions.

Integration with Timber Framing Systems

Special shaped glulam can be seamlessly integrated into timber post-and-beam frameworks, accommodating both aesthetic and functional requirements. Nantong Wellhouse’s experience in producing customized glulam profiles allows these beams to connect efficiently with standard straight glulam or other structural components. This ensures that the overall stability and load-bearing capacity of the timber framing system is maintained, while also offering flexibility in design and spatial configuration.

Production Efficiency and Quality Control

The production of special shaped glulam requires advanced mechanization and precise quality control. Nantong Wellhouse’s factory uses standardized procedures and intelligent production systems to ensure that each custom beam meets strict tolerances. This level of control reduces variability in strength and durability, providing performance that is consistent with or closely aligned to standard straight glulam while accommodating the unique geometric requirements of the structure.

Cost Considerations and Practical Use

Special shaped glulam may involve higher production costs than standard straight glulam due to the complexity of shaping and the precision required. However, the ability to reduce additional structural elements, improve design flexibility, and maintain long-term performance often balances these costs. Nantong Wellhouse’s efficient production environment helps optimize material usage and reduce waste, making special shaped glulam a practical option for projects requiring both structural and aesthetic considerations.

Feature Straight Glulam Special Shaped Glulam
Structural Performance Predictable vertical and horizontal load-bearing Adaptable to curved or angled loads, maintains comparable strength
Design Flexibility Limited to linear applications Supports complex architectural forms and curves
Moisture Resistance High, consistent across standard profiles Maintained through controlled lamination and adhesive application
Integration Simple with standard framing systems Requires precise connection planning but integrates effectively
Production Complexity Moderate, standardized process Higher, requires mechanized shaping and quality control

FAQ

Q: What types of architectural projects benefit most from special shaped glulam?

A: Special shaped glulam is particularly suitable for projects that require curved roofs, arched structures, or non-linear timber frameworks. Nantong Wellhouse Architectural Technology Co., Ltd. produces moisture-resistant glulam with precise shaping, enabling architects and engineers to achieve complex designs while ensuring structural stability.

Q: How does the production process of special shaped glulam ensure consistent quality?

A: The production of special shaped glulam at Nantong Wellhouse involves advanced mechanization and standardized lamination techniques. Each lamination layer and adhesive application is carefully controlled, ensuring that even curved or uniquely profiled beams maintain consistent strength and moisture resistance across the entire structure.

Q: Can special shaped glulam be used in both indoor and outdoor timber structures?

A: Yes, Nantong Wellhouse manufactures special shaped glulam with moisture-resistant properties suitable for indoor and outdoor applications. The controlled production environment and high-quality adhesives help maintain durability in various environmental conditions, including humidity changes or exposure to rain and sun.

Q: How are special shaped glulam beams connected to standard glulam or timber framing components?

A: Special shaped glulam can be integrated with standard straight glulam or other timber components using precise joinery, metal connectors, or customized fittings. Nantong Wellhouse provides solutions that ensure these connections maintain structural integrity while accommodating the beam’s unique curves or angles.

Q: Does customizing the shape of glulam affect its load-bearing capacity?

A: When properly engineered and produced under controlled conditions, special shaped glulam maintains load-bearing capacity comparable to straight glulam. Nantong Wellhouse ensures that lamination layers and adhesives are applied accurately to prevent weaknesses, allowing the beams to handle both vertical and lateral loads effectively.