Not long ago, a timber building above a few storeys was an experiment. Today, engineered wood is appearing in offices, housing and schools around the world, and building codes are catching up.
What is mass timber?
Mass timber refers to large structural panels and beams made by bonding layers of wood together. The best known is cross-laminated timber, or CLT, where boards are glued in alternating directions to form stiff, strong slabs and walls. Glulam beams and columns are often used alongside it.
Why architects are interested
Lower carbon. Wood stores carbon absorbed by trees, and producing it typically takes far less energy than concrete or steel.
Speed and precision. Panels are cut in a factory and assembled on site like a large kit, which shortens construction time and reduces noise and waste.
Lighter structures. Timber weighs much less than concrete, which can mean smaller foundations. It also makes it useful for adding new floors on top of existing buildings.
Atmosphere. Exposed wood brings warmth, texture and a calmer interior.
The codes are changing
In the United States, the International Building Code now includes tall-wood construction types that allow mass timber buildings of up to 18 storeys, and more states and cities are adopting them. Market analysts expect the sector to keep growing at double-digit rates over the next decade. Even so, most projects remain low- and mid-rise, which is where timber is simplest to approve and build.
The challenges
Timber is not a universal answer. Fire safety, acoustics and moisture protection need careful detailing. Supply chains vary a lot from country to country, and the design team has to coordinate early with engineers and manufacturers. Where these conditions are met, the results can be remarkable.
How we work with it
Mass timber and bio-based materials are part of our sustainable design consulting, both for private clients and for studios looking for support in the early design stages. If you are considering timber for a project, we are happy to talk through whether it fits.