Forestry Innovations - Cross-Laminated Timber Hits the Scene in NC - Inside Evergreen CLT

Sep 15, 2026

Uploaded by Margaret

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is introduced through Makayla Warren, a mechanical engineer at Evergreen CLT, in a focus on how innovative, sustainable building materials can expand affordable housing in North Carolina. The article explains what CLT is and how layered, cross-oriented boards bonded with structural adhesive create strong, stable panels. It outlines global adoption, U.S. momentum, and key benefits—carbon storage, strength, fire resistance, construction efficiency, and aesthetic value—while addressing practical impacts for disaster recovery and veteran housing.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time10 min

AccessFree to download

Introducing Makayla Warren

Company mission and CLT market goals

What Is Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT)?

Production method and typical applications

The Benefits of Using CLT

Environmental sustainability

Strength, durability, fire resistance, and efficiency

Aesthetic appeal

Addressing Challenges

Forestry Innovations Cross-Laminated Timber Hits the Scene in NC By Jeanne Harmor, Director of Communications, NCFA T hose who attended the NCFA’s annual meeting last September had the pleasure of listening to a presentation given by Makayla Warren, a mechanical engineer from Evergreen CLT. Warren introduced our audience to the concept of cross-laminated timber (CLT) and its many beneﬁts to our industry. In the spirit of innovation and the many avenues we see our industry taking in the future, we decided to keep the conversation going in this issue of TreeLine! Introducing Makayla Warren Makayla Warren is a recent graduate of NC State University, having earned her Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering and a minor in graphic communications. She also holds various certiﬁcations in SolidWorks and MasterCam, equipping her with expertise in industry-leading software programs. Today she is responsible for outside sales and marketing at Evergreen CLT, a North Carolina-based startup focused on producing CLT panels for residential construction. Warren’s path to joining Evergreen CLT came with a desire to create a positive impact through innovative materials, sustainable building practices, environmental stewardship, and engineering technologies. The company was founded with the mission of addressing both the Above: Detailed image of CLT from Evergreen. Left: Raw CLT panel with “adhesive squeeze-out” (prior to trimming processes) 14 [ncforestry.org /](ncforestry.org / FIRST QUARTER 2025)[ FIRST QUARTER 2025](ncforestry.org / FIRST QUARTER 2025) I’d like to emphasize how exciting this time is for the construction and forestry industries. CLT presents an incredible opportunity to create a positive impact—not only on the environment but also in the lives of people who need affordable, quality housing. At Evergreen CLT, we’re honored to be part of this movement, and we’re committed to expanding the role of CLT in North Carolina and beyond. I look forward to seeing how we, together with our partners and communities, can make sustainable and resilient housing a reality for everyone.” – Makayla Warren shortage of affordable housing and the need for sustainable building solutions. The team at Evergreen CLT utilized the business as a unique opportunity to help introduce CLT to the affordable housing market in North Carolina. The company’s mission to build resilient, sustainable, and affordable homes aligns perfectly with Warren’s own values and vision for the future of construction. What Is Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT)? CLT is an engineered wood product made by layering boards of wood (speciﬁcally 2' x 6' dimensional lumber) in alternating directions, bonding them with a structural adhesive, and pressing them together. This cross-laminated structure gives the panels remarkable strength and stability, making CLT a viable alternative to traditional building materials like concrete and steel. Evergreen CLT’s panels are prefabricated into 4' x 8' sections, allowing for quicker construction times and reducing on-site waste. Today, CLT is used worldwide in a variety of construction projects, ranging from single-family homes to large commercial buildings and even multi-story structures. CLT is particularly popular in Europe and Canada, where mass timber buildings have become a key part of the urban landscape. In the U. S. , CLT is gaining momentum, especially as a sustainable option for mid-and low-rise buildings. “At Evergreen CLT, [we] have brought CLT to the residential market by producing a 4' x 8" product,” said Warren.“Our panels are currently being used in disaster recovery projects with the North Carolina Ofﬁce of State Budget and Management and in the construction of homes for veterans with the Purple Heart Homes foundation, where speed and resilience are essential.” Above: Makayla Warren presents at the NCFA’s 2024 Annual Meeting in Wilmington, NC. Left: Completed CLT ﬂoor system installed i

FAQs

Who is Makayla Warren and what is her role in Evergreen CLT?

Makayla Warren is a mechanical engineer at Evergreen CLT. She manages outside sales and marketing and helps drive the company’s introduction of CLT into residential and affordable housing markets.

How does cross-laminated timber (CLT) work?

CLT is made by layering wood boards in alternating directions, bonding them with structural adhesive, and pressing them together. The cross-laminated structure creates strong strength and stability suitable for prefabricated building panels.

What are the main benefits of using CLT in construction?

CLT supports environmental sustainability by capturing and storing carbon, offers strong performance under vertical and lateral loads, and is highly fire-resistant through surface charring. Prefabrication also improves construction efficiency, and the material adds natural aesthetic warmth.

Sep 15, 2026

Uploaded by Margaret