Decide how to optimize early.
In creating a building kit, we can optimize for speed of assembly.
When the focus is on speed, we reduce the overall number of elements and the variation between elements. Large components and less complexity naturally allows a site teams to erect efficiently. At Red Falls Timber, we define productivity by measuring the area achieved over the "man-days" needed to get there. 1m2 (10 sq ft) 4of finished building per "man-day" is a good score.
Or, we can optimize for efficient use of timber.
If your project benefits from an inexpensive and talented labor pool, then we can turn up the complexity and optimize for efficient use of timber. We'll use glulam, steel, and CLT only where they are at their best. That might mean using GL for simply supported beams, steel at the cantilevers, and CLT as a diaphragm. The elements will work together to great the most efficient package for streamlined and cost effective procurement and logistics. At Red Falls timber we define usage by measuring the volume of timber utilized (board foot) over the floor area achieved. A "utilization ratio" of .about 25 M3 per M2 (10 sq ft) is a good score for most cases.
Optimization doesn't stop there, we can optimize for:
Aesthetics
Sustainability
Ease of Handling
What is going to lead to the best possible outcome for your project?