While preconstruction is a critical phase in every building project, it plays an especially vital role in timber frame construction. Unlike traditional builds that may rely more on site-built methods and adaptable materials, heavy timber and mass timber projects depend heavily on precision, prefabrication, and planning. When the pieces are cut,…
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Designing for heavy and mass timber builds brings a unique set of complexities regarding the supply chain and timely delivery of materials. In contrast to steel and concrete, which can typically be delivered to a job site quickly, timber requires more engineering and manufacturing time. Many issues can be avoided, however, with careful planning…
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In spaces where sound control is paramount — such as auditoriums, lecture halls, sanctuaries, and recording studios — mass timber beams and panels imbue warmth and clarity to the spoken word and live performances that other materials can’t match. Aesthetically, the natural beauty of timber gives these often-cavernous rooms a warm, inviting…
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The Common Materials Framework (CMF) is a unified language created to be used across industries when evaluating building materials’ sustainability. Built on an organizing and analyzing project that gathered information from various certifications and disclosures, the CMF gives stakeholders a common reference point when comparing and selecting…
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Mass timber has revitalized the construction industry’s appetite for sustainable, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing structures in both residential and commercial applications. Its benefits when compared to materials like steel and dimensional lumber are winning over architects, builders, and homeowners alike, with new projects beginning every…
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Hurricanes are Earth’s most intense storms, generating astounding winds and torrential rain. When a hurricane makes landfall, damage is often calculated in the tens of billions of dollars. Homes are destroyed, businesses are ruined, and floodwaters, widespread destruction, and utility interruptions paralyze entire towns. Building with sturdy…
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Corporations are increasingly demanding sustainable office buildings. As younger generations of employees rise through the ranks, they are clamoring for action. The desire to reduce their corporate carbon footprint, the push for offsite construction methods, and a demand for a healthy work environment, both mentally and physically, are driving…
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On the Leading Edge Attending trade shows provides incredible opportunities to learn about new products directly from the innovators who are bringing them to market. Recently, we had the privilege of exhibiting at the Greenbuild/Mass Timber+ Conference in Philadelphia, and the takeaways were eye-opening. Greenbuild/Mass Timber+ is the world’s…
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The thermal benefits of heavy timber are often an understated advantage in its use as a building material. On a basic level, timber enhances indoor comfort due to its cellular structure and mass. Dense species such as oak and Douglas fir are effective heat sinks, absorbing warm air and slowly releasing it, particularly in comparison to steel, which…
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Biophilic design reconnects people with nature through architectural elements that enhance well-being, productivity, and community. As society spends more time indoors, mental and physical health issues arise, which biophilic design can help address. This approach creates tranquil spaces by incorporating organic materials, water features, and abundant…
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