To better understand what’s fueling this momentum and how it might shape the projects of tomorrow, we’ve outlined the key factors below.

Code Updates Green-Light Tall Timber

Perhaps the most significant catalyst for mass timber’s surge is the building code itself. The 2021 International Building Code (IBC) introduced three new categories — Types IV-A, IV-B, and IV-C — that formally recognize and regulate tall timber buildings. These updates effectively gave mass timber the green light to go vertical, allowing structures up to 18 stories (or 270 feet). The code didn’t just expand height limits; it also established clear fire-resistance paths and guidance for exposed timber, providing the certainty that engineers, code officials, and insurers needed to proceed with confidence.

This change has had ripple effects across the industry. Developers now see mass timber as viable for mid- and high-rise projects that previously would have defaulted to steel or concrete. And with the 2024 IBC expanding allowable areas and exposed timber provisions even further, permitting has become simpler and approvals more consistent. In essence, the code has caught up with the science, opening the door for mass timber to compete in a much broader segment of the construction market.

Policy Tail Winds & an Embodied Carbon Focus

Policy is the other major force propelling mass timber forward. In a shift that aligns perfectly with timber’s natural advantages, federal and state agencies are increasingly prioritizing low embodied carbon (LEC) materials in their procurement processes.

The General Services Administration, for example, is investing more than $3 billion under the Inflation Reduction Act to reduce embodied carbon in federal buildings. The act incentivizes using building products with lower global warming potential, providing more than $2 billion to procure those that meet its requirements for LEC materials.¹ Although the current LEC criteria focus on asphalt, concrete, glass, and steel, the broader framework sets a precedent that strongly benefits biogenic materials like wood. As these policies mature, timber stands to play an even more prominent role in helping agencies and private developers meet carbon-reduction targets.

Mass timber’s advantage is simple but profound: It’s both a low-carbon material and a carbon store. Each cubic meter of timber locks away nearly a ton of CO₂, while its production generates far less embodied carbon than concrete or steel. For owners seeking LEED, WELL, or other net-zero certifications, that dual benefit makes timber an unmatched ally in decarbonization.

Speed & Cost Certainty Through Off-Site Fabrication

Beyond policy and code changes, mass timber’s rise is also driven by practical project-delivery advantages. Cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glued-laminated timber (GLT) components are fabricated with precision in controlled factory environments, then shipped to the site for rapid assembly. This off-site fabrication offers several critical benefits, including predictable quality, faster dry-in times, and reduced site labor and waste.

Studies and real-world projects show that timber structures can often be erected 20% faster than cast-in-place concrete systems.² That speed translates to cost savings on general conditions, financing, and carrying costs, especially in tight urban markets where time is money. The panelized nature of CLT systems also reduces weather exposure and rework, mitigating risk and improving schedule certainty.

Market Proof & Momentum

Momentum matters — and mass timber has it. According to WoodWorks, approximately 2,600 mass timber projects were either built or under construction in the US as of September 2025.³ This shows that what was once experimental is now proven at scale, with each completed project building confidence among lenders, code officials, and insurers, creating a positive feedback loop that accelerates adoption.

High-profile projects, like Oregon’s Carbon12, Milwaukee’s Ascent MKE (the world’s tallest mass timber building), and Google’s and Walmart’s timber campuses, have given the material visibility and credibility. These success stories demonstrate that mass timber isn’t just viable, it’s desirable. Developers who were once hesitant now see a clear business case: buildings that lease faster, perform better, and tell a sustainability story that resonates with tenants and investors alike.

Tenant Appeal: The Biophilic & Brand Advantage

While code, cost, and carbon drive adoption, design appeal shouldn’t be underestimated. Exposed timber interiors deliver a biophilic, wellness-oriented aesthetic that modern tenants love. Natural wood surfaces create a warm, calming environment that supports occupant well-being and productivity, benefits that are increasingly quantifiable in post-occupancy studies.

For developers, this translates to faster lease-up, stronger tenant retention, and improved brand value. Many companies, especially those competing for top talent, see timber buildings as extensions of their sustainability commitments. Exposed wood signals environmental responsibility and authenticity, qualities that align with contemporary corporate culture.

Therefore, it’s no coincidence that designers are pushing to take advantage of the changes to the 2021 and 2024 IBC that allowed larger areas of exposed timber.⁴ For them, timber is more than a structural choice; it’s a design statement.

Why It Matters Now

Taken together, these drivers of code evolution, carbon policy, off-site efficiency, market proof, and occupant appeal paint a clear picture of why mass timber’s rise in America is accelerating. It’s not a single trend but a convergence of many. The result is a construction landscape where timber is not merely an alternative but a competitive mainstream option for a growing range of project types.

This momentum also signals a broader shift in how the industry defines performance and value. The conversation has moved beyond energy efficiency and operational carbon to include embodied carbon, well-being, and lifecycle resilience. Mass timber sits at the intersection of all three, making it an elegant solution that meets environmental and economic goals simultaneously.

Looking Ahead

As more states adopt tall timber provisions and federal agencies expand LEC material procurement programs, the future of mass timber in America looks strong. Advances in digital design, hybrid systems, and prefabrication will only enhance its versatility. At the same time, regional supply chains are maturing, bringing CLT, GLT, and other engineered wood products closer to project sites, further improving cost and carbon performance.

However, realizing the full potential of mass timber requires expertise. Proper detailing, moisture management, and joinery are critical to long-term durability and code compliance. That’s where experienced timber fabricators and builders make the difference.

Building the Future, Together

The rise of mass timber is transformational in how America is building. Architects, developers, and contractors — with the right partners — can harness its structural performance, aesthetic warmth, and carbon-storing power to deliver projects that meet today’s expectations and tomorrow’s standards.

At Mid-Atlantic Timberframes, we’ve seen firsthand how thoughtful craftsmanship and precision fabrication turn mass timber concepts into enduring landmarks. Whether you’re planning your first timber project or scaling up to a larger, taller application, contact our team to help you navigate its design, engineering, and construction with confidence.

Sources

1. “GSA pilots Buy Clean Inflation Reduction Act Requirements for low embodied carbon construction materials,” US General Services Administration, accessed on November 11, 2025.
2. “An Overview of Emerging Construction Technologies,” NAIOP Research Foundation, accessed November 18, 2025.
3. “Mapping Mass Timber,” WoodWorks, accessed on November 11, 2025.
4. “Tall Mass Timber Trends and Exposed Timber Allowances,” WoodWorks, accessed on November 11, 2025.

The post Why Is Mass Timber on the Rise in America? appeared first on Mid-Atlantic Timberframes.

Below are four of our favorite examples, structures that we believe forecast the future of mass timber builds.

1. Mjøstårnet, Brumunddal, Norway: Standing at 280 feet with 18 stories, Mjøstårnet is the world’s tallest all-timber building (recognized by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, or CTBUH). It combines multiple elements — including a hotel, apartments, offices, and public rooftop — and uses locally sourced glued-laminated (glulam) and cross-laminated timber (CLT) components. The project shows that tall, sustainable buildings can be constructed with local materials and expertise, and has become a global reference point in the mass timber discussion.
2. HoHo Wien, Vienna, Austria: HoHo Wien’s 24 stories rise 276 feet in the air, housing a hotel, health club, and a variety of shops and services. Utilizing a timber-concrete hybrid system, the building’s concrete core provides structural stability, while about 75% of its floors, walls, and facades are made of wood. The interior features removable partitions to support flexibility, with timber left exposed to highlight its tactile qualities. Upon its completion, HoHo Wien earned LEED Gold certification.
3. HAUT, Amsterdam, Netherlands: Amsterdam’s HAUT is a 21-story, 240-foot-high residential tower combining timber and concrete in a hybrid design. Built with more than 70,000 cubic feet of timber, the building stores around 1,800 tons of CO₂, and it generates enough energy, thanks to its energy-positive exterior, to supply all of HAUT’s electricity — just two of the features that earned it a BREEAM-NL Outstanding certification in 2023.
4. Press House, London, United Kingdom: Press House in London is a nine-story CLT-and-concrete residence partially clad in brick and reaching just over 100 feet in height. Built to London Plan development standards, this high-density housing solution demonstrates how mass timber can be scaled in cities with strict regulations and complex building codes. 

What’s Driving Europe’s Timber Growth?

Many European countries offer incentives, subsidies, and building codes that encourage the use of biobased materials. This has helped to move timber from niche to mainstream in urban construction, often becoming part of planning mandates. In Scandinavia, for example, timber is integrated into climate goals and public procurement strategies. The European public’s expectations for carbon neutrality and circular material use, coupled with the continent’s extensive forests and long-standing tradition of wood construction, are further solidifying mass timber as a premier architectural and ecological choice.

Additionally, advancements in engineered wood technology are making mass timber viable for high-rise construction. Engineered wood products such as CLT and glulam offer high strength-to-weight ratios and predictable behavior under load, enabling tall spans and consistent structural performance.

Mass Timber Is Building the Future

Europe’s tall timber accomplishments serve as more than just curiosities — they actively showcase the future of the built environment. For American architects and builders seeking reassurance and inspiration, these examples are proof that high-rise structures that embody elegance and sustainability are viable, even amid the steel and concrete of our modern cities.

To explore mass timber possibilities for your next project, contact our team at Mid-Atlantic Timberframes. We’re excited by the opportunities mass timber presents to the US market and are ready to help you achieve your architectural and development goals.

The post Mass Timber High-Rises Take Root in Europe appeared first on Mid-Atlantic Timberframes.

Regulatory Shifts Unlock Possibilities

The 2024 International Building Code (IBC) introduced new commercial construction types — IV-A, IV-B, and IV-C — that allow mass timber structures up to 18, 12, and 9 stories, respectively. Notably, Type IV-B now permits 100% exposed timber ceilings and beams, enabling bold, biophilic interiors. This use of exposed wood in a space has been shown to reduce stress and depression, improve recovery, and boost employee retention. It can also stimulate creativity and enhance problem-solving, which is particularly beneficial in educational environments.^1,2

For healthcare construction, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has been waiting for the National Fire Protection Association to accept mass timber as a building material for healthcare facilities, which they have in their 2024 code revisions. This inclusion, expected to be adopted in 2027, opens the door for CMS reimbursement for care received in mass timber environments.²

Addressing Technical & Hygienic Concerns

Healthcare planners often cite worries about vibration, acoustics, and infection control when choosing building materials. A recent engineering study by Forestry Innovation Investment of British Columbia reveals that hybrid construction that pairs mass timber with steel or concrete can meet stringent vibration and acoustic standards for sensitive environments.³

Meanwhile, concerns over the porous nature of exposed timber have also caused some delay in the use of wood in hospital settings, but a University of Oregon study released in July 2025 found that cross-laminated timber (CLT) inhibited bacterial growth when compared to plastic, even when wetted in simulated hospital conditions, potentially thanks to wood’s natural terpenes and moisture-absorbing properties.⁴

Benefits in Speed & Sustainability

Mass timber shines in modular construction. Prefabricated elements enable faster build times, cost efficiency, and greater resilience to weather and market shifts, making it a thoughtful solution for schools and clinics under tight timelines. And its sustainability credentials are even stronger. Mass timber buildings deliver significant reductions in embodied carbon compared with steel, while also acting as long-term carbon sinks.⁵

The Power of Collaboration

To advance the acceptance of mass timber for use in healthcare facilities and educational centers, its use must stem from partnerships among architecture firms, builders, academic researchers, and code authorities. A clearer understanding of mass timber materials will help to diminish fears that come from unfamiliarity with its capabilities and to drive its implementation. Tools such as the American Wood Council’s Mass Timber AMM Guide will help bridge code gaps across jurisdictions, feasibly smoothing the path for faster permitting and adoption.⁶

What Lies Ahead

With newer codes, supportive research, and modular building efficiencies, mass timber is prepped to transform healthcare and educational architecture. If you’re exploring mass timber for your next healthcare or school project, connect with our team of experts at Mid-Atlantic Timberframes. Together, we can design buildings that make a difference in the health of the people who use them and of the planet itself.

Sources

1. “The Benefits of Biophilic Design,” Mid-Atlantic Timberframes, accessed on September 10, 2025.
2. “Rise of Mass Timber Construction in Healthcare Design,” Healthcare Design, accessed on September 10, 2025.
3. “Mass Timber in Healthcare Facilities,” Entuitive, accessed on September 10, 2025.
4. “Effects of wetting events on mass timber surface microbial communities and VOC emissions: implications for building operation and occupant well-being,” Frontiers, accessed on September 10, 2025.
5. “Why Timber Is the Smart Choice for Commercial Building Projects,” Mid-Atlantic Timberframes, accessed on September 10, 2025.
6. “Mass Timber AMM Guide: Supplementary Requirements for Mass Timber Buildings of Type IV Construction,” American Wood Council, accessed on September 10, 2025.

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Strength Myths

Myth: Mass timber is too weak for tall buildings.
Reality: Engineered products like CLT and glulam are specifically designed for structural performance. They can support substantial loads, meet modern building codes, and outperform steel or concrete in certain applications with their strength-to-weight ratio and seismic resilience. Because of these metrics, mass timber is being used in low-rise structures as well as buildings of up to 18 stories under the 2021 and 2024 International Building Code.

Myth: Timber buildings don’t last.
Reality: Properly finished and maintained, timber structures can endure for centuries. Moisture management and engineering are key, but historical examples prove durability: Timber buildings in Europe and Asia have survived for hundreds and even over 1,000 years.

Fire-Resistance Myths

Myth: Mass timber is a fire hazard.
Reality: Unlike light-frame wood, mass timber develops a protective char layer when exposed to fire. This outer char insulates the structural core, maintaining integrity much longer than most assume. Many CLT assemblies have passed fire tests well beyond their required code performance.

Myth: Mass timber burns quickly and collapses.
Reality: All materials perform differently under fire. Steel, for instance, loses strength and can deform rapidly as temperatures rise. Mass timber, by contrast, chars at a slow and predictable rate. With tested charring data and proper detailing, mass timber maintains stability in fire conditions comparable to, and in some cases better than, other materials.

Cost Myths

Myth: Mass timber is always more expensive than steel or concrete.
Reality: While initial material costs can sometimes be higher, mass timber can deliver savings in other areas. Faster installation, reduced labor needs, lighter foundations, and life cycle performance all contribute to its cost-effectiveness. With early contractor involvement and careful planning, mass timber can compete favorably with traditional construction for residential and commercial projects.

Myth: Mass timber building insurance and risk management are prohibitive.
Reality: The insurance market is evolving as underwriters increasingly distinguish mass timber from light wood framing. As data accumulates, premiums are moving closer to those of steel and concrete projects.

One More Common Myth

Myth: Timber is inherently unsustainable.
Reality: When sourced responsibly, timber is one of the most sustainable structural materials available. It promotes forest health, stores carbon, and reduces embodied carbon compared to concrete and steel. Life cycle analysis consistently shows mass timber as a strong contributor to low-carbon construction strategies.

Facts Over Fiction

For builders, architects, and design professionals, mass timber represents an opportunity to create strong, safe, and sustainable buildings that challenge outdated assumptions. It’s not weaker, more flammable, or always more expensive — in many cases, it’s the opposite. From seismic resilience to carbon benefits, mass timber is proving itself in projects around the world.

If you’re ready to move past the myths and explore how mass timber can work in your next project, contact us at Mid-Atlantic Timberframes. Our expert team will help guide you through the process, from initial design to ribbon cutting.

The post Mass Timber Myths: The Truth About Strength, Fire Resistance & Cost appeared first on Mid-Atlantic Timberframes.

There are so many reasons for using mass timber in spaces where clear sound is imperative. Here, we’ve gathered just eight of them.

1. Sound Absorption & Diffusion – Mass timber beams and paneling give words and music a warm, natural sound thanks to wood’s porosity and grain patterns. These tiny pockets help diffuse sound, reducing unwanted echoes and reverberation. Hard, nonporous surfaces, like cement or metal, create a harsh reflective surface that bounces sound back into the space and creates a poor listening experience.
2. Controlling Sound Behavior – Reverberation time (RT60) is a measure of how long it takes for a sound to decrease by 60 decibels. Why 60? Typically, the loudest a symphony plays is 100 decibels, while “quiet” background noise is about 40 decibels. So essentially, RT measures how long it takes for loud noise to fade to nothing.Using mass timber, particularly CLT panels in various arrangements, helps fine-tune RT60 to a desired level to ensure clarity and a pleasant amount of fading for musical pieces. Concert halls normally aim for an RT60 of about 3.5 seconds; lecture halls and sanctuaries, less than 2 seconds.
3. Aesthetic Appeal – The natural look of mass timber adds visual warmth to buildings, particularly in large spaces that can be stark and cold when other materials are used. Being surrounded by timber gives audiences and performers a comforting sense of nature, known as biophilia. (Learn more in our blog post “The Benefits of Biophilic Design.”)
4. Cost Efficiency – Lighter in weight and faster to assemble than comparatively strong steel beams and concrete walls, using mass timber often reduces labor costs. Fuel savings are also realized because of its reduced weight, with fewer truckloads needed to bring the materials to the job site.
5. Sustainability – Timber is a renewable resource, with some species going from sapling to sawn wood in only 20–30 years. During their growth, trees absorb carbon, locking it away within their fibers and keeping it there even after being transformed into mass timber. Compared to steel and concrete, timber has a dramatically smaller carbon footprint, a benefit we discuss in “From Forest to Frame: The Environmental Advantages of Building With Timber.”
6. Speed of Construction – Mass timber components are typically prefabricated off-site, then assembled quickly upon arrival. This can reduce construction time while eliminating the need for fabrication space on-site — and the construction debris that goes with it.
7. Fire Resistance – When exposed to flame, mass timber will char on the outside, keeping the inside intact. Read more about timber’s fire resistance in “Heavy Timber & Fire Resistance: A Closer Look at Safety & Strength.”
8. Flexibility of Design – The strength of mass timber spans allows for large, open spaces, making it ideal for auditoriums and sanctuaries, where support columns would obstruct views and mar the beauty of the space.

Put Into Practice

Examples of timber-built auditoriums can be found around the world, from the Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater in Washington, DC and Groton Hill Music Center in Massachusetts, to Sibelius Hall in Finland, the Tilburg University Lecture Hall in the Netherlands, and the Advanced Engineering Building Auditorium at the University of Queensland in Australia.

Build a Mass Timber Masterpiece

While not a new idea for concert halls and other rooms that require clarity of sound and speech, mass timber is increasingly popular for these spaces thanks to timber’s sustainability, aesthetic appeal, design flexibility, and cost efficiencies. Are you considering a similar project? Consult the mass timber experts at Mid-Atlantic Timberframes.

The post Why Mass Timber Is Ideal for Auditoriums appeared first on Mid-Atlantic Timberframes.

However, as mass timber construction’s popularity has grown, its permitting process has continually changed due to evolving codes, jurisdictional differences in regulations, and emerging industry standards. Let’s explore the steps to consider when obtaining permits before a shovel ever touches the dirt.

First, Build Your Team

Assembling a project team experienced in building with mass timber is crucial, not only for high-quality design and construction but also for effective communication with permitting authorities. Team members already familiar with applicable codes and regulations of the site’s jurisdiction offer a key advantage at this stage — especially if they already have professional relationships with local officials, which may make the permit process smoother.

Research & Design

Zoning laws, building codes, fire safety regulations, and other standards can vary between counties, municipalities, and townships. By researching and understanding the ones that affect your project, you can alter designs as necessary to help clear these initial hurdles.

The International Building Code (IBC) is critical in determining whether your project complies with safety and performance requirements. In 2024, the IBC increased allowances regarding fire safety and building height for mass timber construction — however, not all municipalities have adopted this version, and some may still be operating under older codes.

Generally, mass timber buildings must meet specific requirements pertaining to:

• Fire Resistance: Mass timber’s charring behavior provides inherent fire resistance, but additional measures, like encasement or sprinklers, may be required.
• Structural Performance: Plans must demonstrate that the structure meets load-bearing requirements, including its strength against wind, seismic forces, and snow loads.
• Acoustics: Proper detailing is necessary to meet soundproofing standards, particularly in multifamily or commercial buildings.
• Energy Efficiency: Mass timber projects often aim for high sustainability standards, such as LEED or Passive House certification, which may impact design and material selection.

Providing detailed documentation that addresses these factors can help expedite the review process.

Engage with Local Authorities

To help mitigate permit problems, work with officials early on. They can clarify code interpretations specific to mass timber. You can address concerns about things like fire resistance and structural integrity to build their confidence in your project.

After you submit the permit application, the review stage can take weeks or even months. Building a rapport with permitting officials may streamline the approval process and move your application through more quickly.

Submit the Application

When the design is finalized, you’ll submit the permit application to the relevant local authority, typically a building department or planning commission. The documents will be scrutinized for adherence to codes, zoning laws, environmental regulations, and other criteria.

Permitting authorities require detailed documentation to evaluate the safety and compliance of your project. Completing it thoroughly shows due diligence and reduces the likelihood of requests for more information. A complete submission package typically includes:

• Architectural and structural drawings
• Engineering calculations and reports
• Fire safety analyses
• Material specifications, including third-party certifications for mass timber components like cross-laminated timber (CLT) or glue-laminated timber (glulam)
• Construction management plans addressing moisture control, material handling, and assembly processes

If issues arise, the officials may ask you to revise your plans. Once their review is complete and they are satisfied, permits will be issued, including those for building, electrical, plumbing, and so on — and with those in hand, construction may officially begin.

Trust the Process

The permitting process for mass timber projects requires a fine attention to detail, deep research, and a thorough understanding of local codes. A skilled team with the relevant experience and knowledge is important, as they will need to communicate with permitting authorities if revisions to the building plans are required.

As more jurisdictions gain experience with mass timber and adopt updated codes, the permit process will likely become more streamlined and universal. In turn, we predict even broader adoption of mass timber as a smart, sustainable building material.

Before starting your timber build, contact Mid-Atlantic Timberframes to speak with an expert and learn more about the permitting process. We’ve worked on hundreds of timber structures across the US and have a deep knowledge of regional and local regulations and requirements.

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Construction Codes

From its beginnings in 1927 to its most recent update in 2021, the International Building Code (IBC) has classified five construction types by their fire resistance, with noncombustible materials in Types I-III, timber construction in Type IV, and wood framing in Type V.

Due to the expanding market for mass timber structures, the IBC update of 2021 added subtypes to Type IV, dividing it into three new categories of fire resistance:

• Type IV-A is for buildings with all structural elements, internal and external, completely protected with noncombustible protection, such as Type X gypsum board. This is the highest fire resistance level in this type.
• Type IV-B is for buildings with some interior structural elements exposed, but with all concealed spaces and shafts fully protected with noncombustible protection.
• Type IV-C is for buildings with most structural elements left unprotected, relying instead on the inherent fire-resistant nature of the mass timber itself.

The Mass Timber Effect

Mass timber, also known as engineered wood, glulam (glued-laminated timber), or CLT (cross-laminated timber), is a composite of multiple timber layers held together with adhesives to create a strong, relatively light material that’s well-suited for modern construction. Mass timber can form long spans allowing for large open spaces and vaulted interiors, and it has a remarkable ability to safely flex in high-wind and seismic scenarios.

Maybe most surprisingly, mass timber is naturally quite fire-resistant. When exposed to flame — even over long periods — only the outer layer chars, protecting the structurally sound interior layers.

Building Boom

The ICC’s recognition of the need for subtypes within the construction code affirms that modern mass timber is here to stay, and that it’s a safe, viable alternative to traditional concrete and steel.

Additional factors to support the increased use of mass timber include:

• A small fraction of carbon pollution is produced in production versus concrete and steel.
• Timber naturally stores carbon dioxide even after it is used for construction.
• It has natural insulating qualities that concrete and steel can’t match.
• Timber is a sustainable resource from responsibly harvested forests.
• The components can be prefabricated in an off-site facility.
• The lighter weight of the material brings efficiencies in shipping and construction.

So, how high can mass timber go? The IBC allows for tremendous heights to be built, reaching up to 18 stories for Type IV-A, 12 stories for Type IV-B, and 9 stories for Type IV-C. Tall mass timber structures have already been built all over the world, from Norway to Australia and Singapore to Milwaukee.

Safety First

The safety of occupants is ultimately the most important aspect of any structure. With the ICC’s updated requirements, they have laid the foundation for mass timber construction to follow strict rules that ensure fire safety while also satisfying the public’s demand for safe structures.

At Mid-Atlantic Timberframes, we approach every project with safety first and foremost in our minds. Our use of mass timber construction and strict adherence to ICC standards guarantee the strength, safety, and integrity of the final product will last for generations to come. Contact us to start a conversation today.

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We took particular interest in three of the multiple education tracks offered this year, Raw Materials and Supply Chains: Best Practices, Development and Construction Principles, and the Practicals of Mass Timber Design and Engineering. Some of the topics covered in these tracks were:

• Introducing and Mastering Design Topics
• Healthy Forests
• Preconstruction Planning
• Navigating Codes, Approvals, and Details
• Designing to Maximize Mass Timber’s Climate Benefits
• Modularization
• Structural Efficiency and Optimization

Participants also had the option to take a remote tour outside of the convention center walls, including:

• The expansion project of the Portland International Airport, where a seismically isolated, curved timber roof is being installed.
• A 40-home subdivision, the first of its kind that is utilizing CLT in the United States.
• The new, state-of-the-art Advanced Wood Products Laboratory at Oregon State University, where participants could see, firsthand, the cutting-edge research focusing solely on mass timber, fabrication, and construction techniques.

Three representatives from Mid-Atlantic Timberframes attended the International Mass Timber Conference, each taking their own education tracks and respective courses. It was a great opportunity to meet and learn from other likeminded mass timber professionals. Below are some of our top findings from this one-of-a-kind, informative, and beneficial conference:

Mass Timber Connection Systems

Large-scale hardware and connection suppliers are pushing hard into the mass timber market with their proprietary connection systems. However, there is also a push to develop standardized connection systems. This will be an interesting challenge since mass timber buildings themselves are nonstandard, but there is promising help from the USDA and Lendlease, who are providing joint funding to further the goal of a line of standardized connection systems.

There is also quite a bit of energy being devoted to developing a concealed connection system. While this would offer a cleaner look on a mass timber structure, there are a few challenges standing in the way of this type of connection system. One of them is how to conceal the connector without removing too large a section of timber.

Software development aimed at automated connection design is also in the works. This software would be able to automatically calculate the forces at a given joint to properly recommend the correct connection devices. The goal would be to also offer a variety of cataloged connections to select from.

CLT-Concrete Hybrid Floor Slab Construction

This type of hybrid construction is gaining traction, and there is a good reason for it. It’s possible to significantly reduce the depth of timber floor joists and girders by inducing composite action (where the two materials act together as a single unit from a structural point of view) using concrete slabs poured over CLT panels.

Mass Timber Building Codes

Navigating code requirements can be one of the biggest challenges of a mass timber project — especially in the commercial sector. The codes are there to serve as a framework, but they’re hardly “one size fits all” for these unique types of projects. It has been proven time and again that new codes can be presented and adopted for mass timber construction.

Areas of concern with respect to code adherence need to be identified and assessed early with the entire project team. It is also recommended to involve local building officials as early as possible, as your local jurisdiction might not be familiar with mass timber. Making an effort to educate them early on will go a long way toward a smoother process later in the project and also for future projects.

An interesting example of navigating code requirements was provided, a commercial project that had deep joists and girders. This created a requirement for an increased number of sprinkler heads. A code consultant developed a fire model in 3D software. The findings showed that the deep beams worked like baffles and sequestered smoke during a fire event. Thanks to this fire model analysis, the project was allowed to have significantly fewer sprinklers than had been originally required. Early involvement from a highly motivated team is imperative for an approach like this to pan out.

Moisture Management

A moisture management plan should be created during the design development and construction document phases. However, if a mass timber design-assist is not on the project team, it is unlikely that a plan will be in place during design development.

There are three types of moisture protection. The type selected is based on the assessed projected duration of exposure for a given component.

1. Repel (low robustness) $$
2. Shed (moderate robustness) $$$
3. Proof (high robustness) $$$$

Healthy Forests

Deforestation and sustainability remain hot topics. We learned a few interesting stats:

• Harvests occur on less than 2% of working forest land a year.
• Private working forests provide 73% of forests’ annual gross sequestration, 54% of total carbon storage, all while providing 90% of the harvest for forest products.
• In the United States, private forest owners are growing 43% more wood than they harvest.

The United States has been very attentive to sustainability and deforestation issues compared to other countries around the globe. The construction world has realized the benefit of regrowing more of this sustainable natural resource because they see the demand. This is positive news for the support of the future timber / mass timber market.

Residential/Single-Family Use of Mass Timber

While the commercial world has seen an extraordinary uptick in mass timber structures, demand still lags for utilizing mass timber in single-family residential construction. It’s more expensive to build with CLT and glulam compared to conventional construction, so the choice to build a single-family home with mass timber is purely for aesthetics and has a “cool” factor. Because of this, mass timber on a single-family residential scale is not likely for the foreseeable future.

Initiatives for Growth

Several initiatives, including governmental, are pervading the mass timber space, in hopes of spurring further growth:

• The Future Timber City program helps to spread best-practice information on the design, technologies, construction, and planning of mass timber buildings and larger timber communities.
• The USDA and the Forest Service are funding a Wood Innovation Grant. In 2021, half of these funded projects focused on mass timber.
• More and more large and prestigious universities are not only embracing mass timber in their curricula and studies, but they’re also pushing for new campus buildings to be constructed with mass timber.

Supply Chain Woes

The supply chain will remain an issue for quite some time. Although lumber and timber prices are expected to fall, they will continue to be higher than they have been for the past two decades. Demand is so high because:

• We are coming off a 15-year recession, and lumberyards were not prepared.
• Lumber producers and buyers reacted predictably — homeowners have not these past couple years.
• There is a lack of employees. Older employees are retiring due to the good economy, and it is difficult to find younger employees.

Some things that can help are:

• The industry investing heavily in new capacity.
• Expansion in the US South.

We have not seen the end of this pent-up demand, which will continue driving the housing market through to the next recession. That is when the industry will be able to reset and catch up.

Mass Timber Outlook

Overall, it seems the possibilities for building with timber are only increasing, not decreasing. Building with mass timber is a data-driven decision based on the performance of these structural systems, not an emotional decision or a fad. There is support for mass timber construction. Engineers and designers are not being stonewalled in jurisdictions wherever mass timber code is adopted.

We see new and innovative things on the mass timber horizon and are already looking forward to learning about them at next year’s International Mass Timber Conference. Consider saving the date, March 25–29, 2023. It will be held in Portland, Oregon, again.

If you can’t wait until next year, there’s also Advancing Mass Timber Construction 2022, a conference coming up September 12–14 at the Crowne Plaza Boston-Woburn in Woburn, Massachusetts, just outside of Boston. Its focus will be on building taller and more innovative timber structures.

In the meantime, if you have any questions about heavy timber or mass timber construction, please contact us today!

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