TIMBER TALK
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
4 & 5
6
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
Builders Inc. Headquarters in Malvern, PA
7
INDUSTRY HIGHLIGHT
John Wolstenholme | Wolstenholme Associates
ASK AN EXPERT
What is heavy timber’s fire rating?
Builders Inc. Headquarters
A mass timber ceiling and rafters provide organic touchpoints in a modern open-office environment.
See page 4.
INDUSTRY NEWS
Common Materials Framework & mindful MATERIALS:
How Should We Talk About Sustainability?
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 sustainable products.
The nonprofit organization mindful MATERIALS manages CMF and focuses on five key impact areas: human health, social equity, ecosystem health, climate health, and circularity. The CMF is primarily accessible through the mindful MATERIALS website, which allows users to search for building products based on their sustainability performance within the framework.
Go to mindfulmaterials.com/a-common-language to learn more.
CERC Certification
By heightening our awareness of environmental dangers, we can all do our part to protect the planet and safeguard employees and visitors on our work sites. The Certified Environmentally Responsible Contractor (CERC) certification from Environmental Risk Professionals sets your organization apart from others by signaling that all of your employees are trained in best practices to prevent pollution incidents and mitigate environmental hazards.
CERC certification involves an evaluation of a contractor’s pollution liability coverage, which must meet standards set forth by the program. Benefits include digital marketing templates, PR and community engagement ideas, and an exclusive company spotlight article on LinkedIn written by Environmental Risk Professionals.
Mid-Atlantic Timberframes is proud to have achieved CERC status in 2021. For more information, go to c-e-r-c.com.
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
Builders Inc. Headquarters
Architect Meyer
Builder Builders Inc.
Location Malvern, PA
Points of Interest
• Mass timber, brick, steel, and stone construction
• Maximized views of the natural landscape
• Human-centric design
Carefully sited to overlook a nearby pond, the new headquarters of Builders Inc. is a commingling of industrial and modern with windowed views of its natural surroundings. The 11,150-square-foot building of stone, brick, steel, and mass timber maintains a human-centric focus, scaled to feel expansive but not overwhelming. Its offices, windowed conference room, and indoor/outdoor café invite easy connection and collaboration. Twelve-foot-high wood-paneled ceilings canopy over timber beams and ductwork in the open office space, further driving its industrial aura.
Through oversized windows, the organic scene outside becomes a dramatically contrasting element to the stark colors and sharp lines inside.
INDUSTRY HIGHLIGHT
John Wolstenholme Wolstenholme Associates
What inspired you to become an architect?
I’ve been a licensed architect for 18 years but have more than 27 years’ experience in the architecture/design industry.
From a young age, I was obsessed with building models and Legos. In high school, I worked for my brothers, installing custom kitchens, working in a machine shop, and installing car audio systems. These experiences strengthened my appreciation of the possibilities of wood and metal and the importance of acoustics.
Before my first job in architecture, I worked for a model maker, reinforcing my desire to become a licensed architect. I became a designer at an architecture firm, then earned the appropriate degree from Drexel University.
Which project are you most proud of?
The adaptive reuse of the Nathan James Building, built in 1888 in Doylestown, PA. Designed by Milton Bean, the building had fallen into disrepair. We designed a major basement renovation (which became our main office), high-end offices for tenants on the first and second floors, and an eclectic apartment on the third.
I’m proud of this project because it was possible only through the support of my family, employees, friends, and builders we collaborate with often. I spent many evenings and weekends working on the building with the help of my family members. For our efforts, we won the inaugural Mayor’s Stewardship Award from the borough of Doylestown, as well as an AIA Bucks County award specifically for the basement renovation — a very special achievement since it is home to Wolstenholme Associates’ office.
Where do you find inspiration?
When designing an addition or a renovation, I draw a lot of inspiration from the existing structure itself. Paying attention to the historical trends and architectural details of the past is integral to developing design ideas. I also follow high design through magazines, social media, and the product of quality firms.
What are your thoughts on designing with timber?
Designing with timber makes sense on many levels. Adaptive reuse is a wonderful way to preserve historic barn frames. They are easily adapted for open living, and their reuse exemplifies the terms “sustainable” and “renewable,” all popular with our customers. Because of the range of unique qualities that timber offers, we’ve successfully created design aesthetics from very rustic, to modern rustic, to very modern. Also, using structurally insulated panels with a timber frame creates a very efficient enclosure and greater flexibility for door and window placement.
Which structure in the world do you find most interesting?
Many structures may be more of an engineering marvel, but the Reichstag in Berlin, designed by Norman Foster, is one of the most interesting because of the story it tells about shedding light on democracy in post–Cold War Germany. It’s an amazing modern renovation of a historic structure.
Want to be our next Industry Highlight? Email Mike Banta | mike.banta@matfllc.com
MIKE BANTA PROMOTED TO GENERAL MANAGER
Mid-Atlantic Timberframes is pleased to announce the appointment of our new general manager, Mike Banta.
Mike has been designing timber frame structures for over 25 years and has a wealth of knowledge regarding traditional timber framing, cross-laminated timber, glue-laminated timber, reclaimed and recycled timber, structural steel, and other architectural materials. He most recently served as our operations manager and has been a regular contributor to Timber Talk. His experience in sustainable design, as well as technical drafting and detailing, CNC programming, fabrication, and quality control, gives him an unparalleled perspective of the industry.
ASK AN EXPERT
What is heavy timber’s fire rating?
While it may not be intuitive to think that heavy timber construction has a rather high fire resistance, large beams will char instead of burn, slowing combustion and helping to maintain structural integrity during a fire. The International Building Code (IBC) gives heavy timber (Type IV construction) a 1-hour fire resistance rating, though regulations may vary based on jurisdiction and application. With additional fireproofing measures or for larger timber sizes, some heavy timber construction can achieve up to a 2-hour fire rating.
Jedd Miller | Sales Manager
In his career, Jedd has worked in construction and as a service advisor in the automotive industry, taking on tough problems while building strong relationships with his clients. He has an appreciation for the fine craftsmanship and care that Mid-Atlantic Timberframes uses to create quality timber framing.
jedd.miller@matfllc.com | 717.288.2460 ext. 202
34 S Vintage Road
Every project is an opportunity to create something extraordinary.
Mid-Atlantic Timberframes is part of the Baüen Unlimited family of custom-build brands. Together, our single purpose is to create the highest-quality structures, components, and materials for the upscale construction market.
For more information about Mid-Atlantic Timberframes, visit matfllc.com.
Discover the Baüen Unlimited family of brands at bauenunlimited.com.