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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Heavy timber construction for residential and commercial structures brings many advantages over cement and steel builds, including its strength, natural beauty, and sustainability. But not all timbers are created equal: To find the ideal mix of load-bearing strength, attractive grain and color, stability, and availability, we need only look to…
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As the popularity of timber frame building grows around the world, standardization of certain hardware components has become inevitable. We’re seeing large national and international hardware distributors introduce connectors that work for a range of applications to bring increased productivity to the office and the jobsite. Standardized product…
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This year’s International Mass Timber Conference took place at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland March 26–28. It was a welcome opportunity to meet with many architects, builders, engineers, suppliers, and industry professionals, and we came away with several important points that we will reference moving forward. Preparing for the Unknowns There’s…
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With the tight schedules of all parties involved in a build, any timing setbacks can snowball into big problems. That’s why mixing framing materials like steel and heavy timber can slow down the process, as each fabricator needs to align their delivery and installation logistics perfectly for the project to continue on schedule. Missed deadlines,…
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As trees grow, they diligently work to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere — and that work doesn’t stop once they’re harvested, processed, and used for construction. Timber continues to store the greenhouse gas in its fibers when it’s used as part of a structure. Remarkably, one cubic meter of timber can store up to one metric ton…
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Wooden beams and posts have been used as a framework for structures since ancient times, even before the widespread use of nails and other fasteners. After more than a thousand years, timber structures are standing today that used intricate joinery in their construction instead. In the New World, timber use continued for houses, farm buildings,…
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With the majestic Rocky Mountains as a backdrop, timber frame structures have always been perfectly at home in the West. The timber recalls mountain settlers building sturdy homes and ranches, tales of strength and survival, and rough-and-ready cowboys intent on taming the rugged lands. Timber structures are part of the lore and cultural identity…
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