Mass Timber as the Future of Sustainable Design

Even as late as a few years ago, wood as a building material was relegated to ski lodges and rustic alcoves with deer heads mounted on the walls. While wood has appeared in nearly every civilization throughout history, the idea of using it for large-scale urban projects was largely foreign until recently. Over the last few years, though, mass timber has enjoyed a surge in popularity. In 2019, Norwegian architecture firm Voll Arkitekter even turned to mass timber throughout nearly every aspect of constructing the third tallest building in Norway, the 280 feet, 18-story tall Mjostarnet building. In 2021, the International Building Code was revised to recognize new uses for mass timber. Now, just one year after the fact, the demand for cross-laminated timber is expected to increase by as much as 13% annually over the next 28 years.

The benefits of mass timber over steel or concrete are quickly mounting. Here’s a list of just some of what mass timber has to offer:

Beyond Carbon Neutral

Replenishing mass timber supplies requires constant planting of forestry that reduces carbon emissions right up until the time of harvesting. While harvesting and manufacturing of timber products create a small amount of greenhouse gas, mass timber requires 60% less energy to produce than concrete and 24% less energy than steel.

Another advantage is that timber absorbs carbon during its lifetime and the carbon remains embedded in it if used as a building material verses being released back into the atmosphere if left to decay. ?

Faster, Stronger, Lighter

A terrific part of mass timber is that its usage comes with almost no drop-off in terms of quality and performance. Mass timber can perform as well as, if not better than, other structural systems. Even though it is more lightweight than steel or concrete, mass timber is stronger and pre-manufactured panels can simplify and expedite the construction process.

While it might seem counterintuitive, mass timber is inherently more fire-resistant than steel or concrete. During a fire, the outside of the timber will char and create an insulating layer that protects the inside and maintains its load-bearing strength.

Natural Materials and Occupant Wellbeing

Biophilic design?is frequently used to increase occupant connectivity to nature. The use of natural materials such as wood is an important part of this concept. Studies have revealed that the use of natural materials and a connection to nature can increase creativity and productivity and stimulate the production of stress-reducing hormones.

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, mass timber presents an opportunity to make the conscientious, planet-saving decision with little-to-no drawbacks for performance, cost, and impact on stakeholders. It would be great if this post generates a conversation. Do you see a potential mass timber project that may have otherwise gone unnoticed? Are there questions that you need answers to before you can buy in? Feel free to reach out or leave a comment- we would love to hear from you.?