The Growing Benefits of Mass Timber in Multifamily Projects

With the push to increase sustainability in construction, building codes are being adapted to allow for taller mass timber structures. These code changes have enabled the wider application of mass timber construction, particularly in the multifamily sector. In California, mass timber buildings can be built up to 18 stories high, since updates to the code in July 2022.

According to WoodWorks, “In the U.S., 1,934 multi-family, commercial, or institutional mass timber projects were in progress or built as of September 2023.” However, despite its many benefits, mass timber has yet to become a mainstream building method in multifamily construction in the U.S. One major obstacle is the lack of awareness and understanding among architects, developers, and policymakers about the benefits of mass timber and how it can be used in construction.

As the number of constructed mass timber projects grows, so does our knowledge of the advantages it provides. Current mass timber multifamily projects in production are setting the example for how mass timber can be used as a successful building system, while providing benefits in speed of construction and budgets.

Breaking ground in October 2022, and expected to complete in 2024, according to an article by SF YIMBY, 1510 Webster in downtown Oakland, demonstrates that mass timber’s speed of construction has great marketability when building in an urban environment. The 236-unit, 19-story high-rise designed and developed by oWOW , will be the West Coast’s tallest mass timber structure when completed. With 17 stories of Type IVA (16 stories of timber + 1 story of steel), over 2 stories of Type IA (concrete), the project will rank as one of the largest mass timber towers in the world.

Mass timber has many benefits, including, but not limited to, carbon sequestration, advanced fire performance, biophilic design, speed of construction, and speed to market. On top of all that, it looks beautiful. The best way to take advantage of what mass timber has to offer is to assemble a team who can coordinate early on. With the aid of Revit/BIM in the early phases of a project, mass timber is optimized for offsite construction and delivery.

Why is mass timber construction so quick and efficient?

Mass timber is a type of engineered wood that is made by joining together smaller pieces of lumber to create larger composite panels. As a prefabricated building material, components are manufactured off-site and delivered to the construction site, ready for assembly. This approach reduces both construction time and construction waste by minimizing the need for on-site fabrication. Additionally, the use of prefabricated components enables faster and quieter assembly, reducing noise pollution and minimizing disruption to nearby areas.

The employment of prefabricated mass timber systems is proving to be an efficient solution for development teams, leading to streamlined project delivery, minimal site staging, shortened construction periods, reduced labor requirements, and ultimately resulting in cost savings while delivering enhanced value.

Finally, mass timber is an efficient building material. Being modular in nature, mass timber’s assembly decreases the wait time on each level of the building. The panels and modules are designed to fit together precisely, so there is little need for on-site cutting or adjusting.

In what ways is Mass Timber Cost Effective?

Compared to traditional construction methods, mass timber is often less expensive to produce and install. Because it is prefabricated off-site, there are fewer labor requirements involved in the construction process.

Mass timber is often lighter than traditional building materials, which can reduce foundation and transportation costs. Also, being lightweight, mass timber allows for taller buildings on sites with low bearing capacity, thus opens opportunities for reaching a desired density.

Mass timber can also expedite construction schedules. Mass timber is fabricated in a controlled environment and then transported to the job site. This approach minimizes on-site construction time while reducing the likelihood of weather-related or other unexpected delays. Lightweight and easy to handle, mass timber allows construction crews to work more efficiently and complete projects faster than with traditional building materials.?

Another cost-saving benefit of mass timber is its energy efficiency. Wood is a natural insulator, so buildings made with mass timber require less heating and cooling than those made with other materials. This can lead to significant savings on utility bills over time.

Finally, mass timber is a sustainable and renewable material. Because it is made from wood, which can be regrown, it is a more environmentally friendly option than other building materials and has a smaller carbon footprint. This can also lead to cost savings over time, as buildings made from mass timber may be eligible for tax incentives or other incentives for using sustainable materials.

How to build a successful Mass Timber Project?

Assembling a skilled team familiar with mass timber is crucial for a successful project for several reasons. Firstly, mass timber is a relatively new building material that requires specialized knowledge and expertise to work with effectively. Unlike traditional construction materials like concrete and steel, mass timber has unique structural properties and characteristics that must be fully understood to maximize its potential. Therefore, a team with experience in working with mass timber can help ensure that the project is executed safely, efficiently, and within budget.

Mass timber design and construction requires a high degree of coordination and collaboration between different parties involved in the project, such as architects, engineers, contractors, and a preferred manufacturer. It is important to note that early coordination between a team familiar with mass timber is essential to minimize delays, mistakes, and miscommunications, leading to a smoother and more successful project overall. Interested in learning more? A comprehensive overview of mass timber and the coordination required is covered in this webinar by TCA Architects, Inc., DCI Engineers , and Truebeck Construction .

Closing thoughts...

The future for mass timber is bright; a means for the multifamily construction industry to meet its sustainability goals while also reducing costs and construction times. This game changing technology is reaching a tipping point. As more developers and architects embrace mass timber, we hope to see a new generation of buildings ushered in. Bringing nature into the built environment satisfies the human craving for contact with the natural world and allows us to thrive. Mass timber has the potential to not only elevate design, but the human spirit.