Mass timber is increasingly popular in commercial architecture, and now healthcare and educational buildings are poised to embrace it in meaningful ways.

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.