Spider To The Rescue
"Spider will be changing your perspective. Structural limitations and space constraints are details of the past."
Spider is a revolutionary system connecting flat slabs through a single point – so floors rest directly on the upright columns and with no need for beams. This ambitious project had started out to fulfill an increasing need of more planning freedom and increased building flexibility. Spider can sustain up to 790 kN pushout forces (using standard cross laminated timber (CLT) elements in spruce, 160-240 mm thick) and allow load transfers from upper floors of averagely 5600 kN. This innovative connection system has been developed by a team of expert engineers at Rothoblaas and the University of Innsbruck and is at the final stages of the ETA testing. Due to arrive on the market in Spring 2020, it can already be specified on future projects by filling in a special request form to Rothoblaas.
Within the scope of product optimization, Spider has been presented at the most important timber engineering events worldwide in the recent years. Specifically, it has gained a lot of attention at the Forum Holzbau events and North American WoodRise. Additionally, it competed with many other cutting-edge products and ultimately won the Product Innovation category at the Structural Timber Awards 2019.
Spider is only one of the many successful research projects Rothoblaas is currently working on. The Italian multinational invests over 1.5% of its yearly profit in research, being an ambassador of using more timber for construction. Many of these projects are carried out in collaboration with renowned research institutes and international universities. Known worldwide for its technical expertise, reliability and professional attitude, Rothoblaas is highly regarded for its technological solutions for the timber construction industry. Developing most of its own products, it analyses the market's needs and demands, shaping and designing the product concept around them. End products are finalised and launched into the construction market with full backing and meticulous research and product certifications.
In 28 years of existence, Rothoblaas has a dedicated sales force in over 35 countries and 11 distribution centres worldwide – trusted by UK customers since 2010, it is a proud member of the leading timber associations TRADA and the STA.
